Born on November 23, 1887, in Camberwell, London, he became an iconic figure in horror cinema. Initially struggling as an actor, he found fame in the 1930s with his portrayal of Frankenstein's monster in James Whale's "Frankenstein" (1931). This role established him as a horror legend, leading to numerous other roles in films like "The Mummy" (1932) and "The Bride of Frankenstein" (1935). Known for his distinctive voice and imposing presence, he enjoyed a career spanning over five decades.