Bela Lugosi was a Hungarian-American actor best known for his iconic portrayal of Count Dracula in the 1931 film. His performance established the character as a cultural icon and solidified Lugosi's status as a leading figure in the horror genre. Born on October 20, 1882, in Pécs, Hungary, Lugosi began his career in theater before transitioning to film. He appeared in numerous movies throughout the 1930s and 1940s, often playing sinister characters. Despite his early success, Lugosi struggled with typecasting and personal challenges later in life, passing away on August 16, 1956.