Hollywood’s long-proclaimed horror-movie icon, Bela Lugosi, shot to stardom for his unforgettable portrayal of Count Dracula in the 1931 film. His portrayal made a defining impact on the film industry, as his chilling performance, hypnotic eyes, and distinctive accent set the standard for movie vampires, with many emulating his technique. After bursting into international fame, Lugosi went on to star in many other horror films, including Son of Frankenstein, Murder in the Rue Morgue, The Black Cat, The Raven, and 1932’s White Zombie.

However, it’s said that the actor found himself typecast in Hollywood as a horror villain and attempted to audition for other roles. Lugosi even issued a desperate plea to casting directors in the 1937 Players Directory, calling it “an error” for directors to believe he was only suited for horror films. However, after landing a leading role in the 1938 serial production of The Secret of Treasure Island, the star was forced to withdraw due to severe and chronic sciatica.

This pain was aggravated as a result of injuries he received during his time in the military. At the time, Lugosi was initially being treated with pain remedies such as asparagus juice, but was eventually prescribed opiates.

However, as the pain increased, so did his dependence on opiates such as morphine and methadone, which led to the decline in his acting career.

While he returned to the stage as a supporting star, by the 1950s, Lugosi was forced to make appearances at nightclubs as a comedian after struggling to make ends meet.

The Hungarian-born actor was given one more shot at his Hollywood career after filmmaker Ed Wood, a fan of Lugosi, found him living in near-poverty and offered him roles in his films.

During the post-production of 1995’s Bride of the Monster, the actor decided to seek treatment for his drug addiction, and the film's premiere was even arranged to raise money for Lugosi's hospital expenses.

After treatment, Lugosi made one final film, The Black Sleep, in late 1955, but it was said that his depression had taken a devastating turn, and he was reportedly drunk throughout the film's promotional campaign.

As a result, he was never able to see the finished film, and during interviews, his co-star Tor Johnson said that Lugosi kept screaming that "he wanted to die" the night they shared a hotel room together.

The following year, Lugosi tragically suffered a heart attack and died alone in his apartment in Los Angeles, aged 73 and was discovered by his fifth wife, Hope Lininger, upon her return from work.

At the time, she reportedly told the press: “He was terrified of death. Towards the end, he was very weary, but he was still afraid of death. Three nights before he died, he was sitting on the edge of the bed. I asked him if he was still afraid to die.

“He told me that he was. I did my best to comfort him, but you might as well save your breath with people like that. They’re still going to be afraid of death.”