**Boris Karloff**, stage name of William Henry Pratt (London, 1887 – 1969), was a British actor. He is remembered as one of the icons of classic horror cinema, particularly for his roles in Universal Pictures films.

His most famous portrayal is undoubtedly that of Frankenstein's Monster in *Frankenstein* (1931), a role that cemented his star status. He reprised the character in *Bride of Frankenstein* (1935) and *Son of Frankenstein* (1939). Other iconic roles include Imhotep in *The Mummy* (1932) and memorable appearances in films such as *The Black Cat* (1934) and *The Raven* (1935), often alongside Bela Lugosi.

Karloff distinguished himself by his ability to infuse humanity and pathos into monstrous or menacing characters, balancing fear with a certain dignity or vulnerability. His deep voice and imposing presence made him unmistakable, defining the archetype of the "good monster" or the sophisticated villain.