Classic Universal Monsters’ ‘Dracula’ Star Bela Lugosi Was Only Paid $3,500
Many classic horror movie fans feel like Bela Lugosi’s portrayal of Dracula in 1931 was one of the best iterations of the character. Based on Bram Stoker’s 1897 novel, the film was one of the first Universal monsters movies and is still incredibly popular today, as is evident by the new theme park land in the works dedicated to these classic monsters.
Reportedly, Lugosi fought for the role of Dracula, and it took years to negotiate the role between his agent and Universal. Even when things panned out, he was only paid $3,500 for the role (which would be around $70,000 today). Robert Cremer did some research about the film and Lugosi in the book Bela Lugosi: The Man Behind the Cape. He wrote, “In the meantime, contract negotiations with Universal dragged on. Universal was well aware of its strong bargaining position, and Bela was summarily reduced to a junior partner in the negotiations.”
Everett Collection
Lugosi’s agent Evan Hoskins also remembered the entire ordeal and once said, “Bela was hopping mad, and I know for a fact that he never really recovered from that, especially since the film went on to make millions for the studio. Every revival of the picture was a reminder to him that he could have been a wealthy man.”
Remind Unfortunately, no royalties were offered to actors during those times. Lugosi and the entire cast and crew had no idea that the film would do so well and spark such a long-lasting legacy. Lugosi knew that he would be replaced instantly if he didn’t accept whatever deal they gave him, so he took it. Hoskins concluded, “He knew there were five hungry actors waiting to get the part, so what could he do but accept the terms?”
Everett Collection
After Dracula, Lugosi found himself being typecast as a villain or in similar roles to the classic vampire. Sadly, his career declined before his death, but he will always be known as one of the best Draculas of all time. Lugosi died in 1956 at the age of 73 and was buried in a Dracula costume.
Dracula
October 2020
Drac is Back! Delve into some of the best vampire fare in TV, movies, radio and books.
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