Claim: Boris Karloff acted in horror films.

William Henry Pratt -LRB- 23 November 1887 -- 2 February 1969 -RRB- , better known by his stage name Boris Karloff , was an English actor who was primarily known for his typecast roles in horror films that depicted the characters Frankenstein and The Mummy .   He portrayed Frankenstein 's monster in Frankenstein -LRB- 1931 -RRB- , Bride of Frankenstein -LRB- 1935 -RRB- , and Son of Frankenstein -LRB- 1939 -RRB- , which resulted in his immense popularity . He also appeared as Imhotep in The Mummy -LRB- 1932 -RRB- .   His best-known non-horror role is as the Grinch , as well as the narrator , in the animated television special of Dr. Seuss 's How the Grinch Stole Christmas ! -LRB- 1966 -RRB- . Karloff guest starred in a 1966 TV episode of The Wild Wild West , `` The Night of the Golden Cobra '' . He also had a memorable role in the original Scarface -LRB- 1932 -RRB- . For his contribution to film and television , Boris Karloff was awarded two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame .