**Bela Lugosi (1882-1956)**, a Hungarian actor born Béla Ferenc Dezső Blaskó, is universally celebrated for his iconic portrayal of Count Dracula in Universal's eponymous 1931 film. This performance cemented his status as one of the most recognizable and influential figures in horror cinema.

Lugosi specialized in roles as sinister antagonists, mad scientists, and mysterious, menacing characters, often accentuated by his distinct foreign accent and magnetic presence. Among his most significant films are *White Zombie* (1932), *The Black Cat* (1934), and *Son of Frankenstein* (1939).

His acting style was characterized by a deep, hypnotic voice, penetrating gazes, and an imposing stage presence, elements that made him perfect for gothic and supernatural roles. Although his later career saw him relegated to numerous B-movies, Lugosi's figure remains inextricably linked to the vampire archetype and the Golden Age of horror cinema.