William Henry Pratt, or more popularly known as Boris Karloff, was an English actor best known for his role as Frankenstein’s monster. He was also famous as the Grinch, and as the narrator for How the Grinch Stole Christmas by American writer Dr. Seuss. He began his career performing in stage shows across Canada, during which he started using the stage name “Boris Karloff.”

After Canada, he went off to Hollywood and did several silent films, the most recognized of which was the 1931 drama film The Criminal Code. He also got a supporting role in the Oscar-winning film Five Star Final. But what really made Karloff a star was his role as Frankenstein’s monster in the 1931 film Frankenstein. Luckily for him, the role was originally offered to Hungarian actor Bela Lugosi, but the latter declined it. After Frankenstein, Karloff’s career flourished, landing him lead roles in various films (including several more Frankenstein films), television series, and radio shows.

Boris Karloff died of pneumonia on February 2, 1969 in an Hospital at Sussex.