Boris Karloff (1887-1969) was a British actor who became one of cinema's most iconic horror performers. Born William Henry Pratt in London, he emigrated to Canada in 1909 and eventually made his way to Hollywood in the 1910s.

Career Highlights:

Karloff struggled for years in small roles before achieving stardom as Frankenstein's monster in the 1931 film "Frankenstein." This role, along with his performances in "The Mummy" (1932) and other Universal horror films, established him as a legend of the genre. Despite being typecast in horror, he was a classically trained actor who also appeared in non-horror films and on Broadway. Later in life, he gained new recognition narrating "How the Grinch Stole Christmas!" (1966).

Charitable Activities:

Karloff was notably generous with his time and resources. He was deeply committed to children's charities and regularly visited children's hospitals, often in costume as the Grinch or other beloved characters. He supported various theatrical charities and was involved with the Motion Picture Relief Fund, which helped struggling actors and industry workers. Karloff also participated in numerous benefit performances throughout his career, using his fame to raise money for various causes.

Despite his frightening screen persona, Karloff was known personally as a gentle, cultured man who loved gardening and cricket. His commitment to charity work reflected his genuine compassion, particularly for children and fellow performers in need.