Lionel Belmore (August 10, 1867 – January 30, 1954) was an English actor and director, active primarily during Hollywood's Golden Age. Born in Wimbledon into a theatrical family, he began his career on the stage before moving to the United States, where he worked in both silent and sound films. During the silent era, he also directed about ten films. With the advent of sound, he established himself as a prolific and versatile character actor, often cast to portray authoritative figures, aristocrats, or officials. His most iconic role is that of Burgomaster Vogel in James Whale's *Frankenstein* (1931). His extensive filmography includes appearances in celebrated films such as *The Vampire Bat* (1933), *The Count of Monte Cristo* (1934), and *The Prince and the Pauper* (1937). Although he never received official awards, his importance lies in his reliable screen presence, which helped define the atmosphere of countless classic films.