John Boles (1895-1979) was an American actor and singer, a prominent figure of the early sound film era. Known for his good looks, tenor voice, and refined manners, Boles often played roles as a romantic, noble, and gallant lead.

His career took off with the advent of sound, excelling in musicals and operettas. Among his most important films are *Rio Rita* (1929), one of the first major musical successes, where he showcased his singing talents. He is also remembered for portraying Dr. Victor Frankenstein in *Frankenstein* (1931) and for his romantic role in *The Mummy* (1932), both Universal horror classics. He also demonstrated his versatility in dramas such as *Stella Dallas* (1937), alongside Barbara Stanwyck.

Although sometimes criticized for a certain acting rigidity, Boles was a reliable and popular face throughout the 1930s, the archetype of the charming and cultured hero. His career began to decline towards the mid-1940s.