Lon Chaney, Jr.

Lon Chaney, Jr. was born Creighton Tull Chaney on February 10, 1906 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He was the son of silent screen star, Lon Chaney, and singing sensation, Francis Cleveland Creighton (Cleva).

Creighton entered the world prematurely at seven months on a cold winter day. Young Cleva endured a challenging labor, and the infant was born lifeless. Despite the doctor's repeated attempts to resuscitate the baby, Lon took matters into his own hands. He grabbed his son, rushed outside, and submerged him into the icy waters of Belle Isle Lake, ultimately reviving the dying infant.

At just 6 months old, Creighton made his grand entrance into the world of show business, serving as a prop in his father's stage acts. As a child, he embarked on a whirlwind journey with his parents, traveling by train and performing in vaudeville shows across the United States and Canada. However, the road was not always kind, as the family often found themselves stranded in unfamiliar places when the troupes they were a part of went bankrupt.

In 1910, the Chaney family finally arrived in California, where Lon and Cleva found work in Los Angeles and San Francisco. Despite their best efforts, the strain of years of hardship, misfortune, and jealousy took its toll on their marriage, leading to their divorce in 1913. Lon decided to leave behind the stage and pursue a career as an actor at Universal Film Manufacturing Company.

Creighton attended Los Feliz Grammar School in Hollywood. In the seventh grade, he won a pantomime contest by portraying the Prince in "The Princess and the Pea." Throughout his childhood, Creighton watched his father craft makeup designs and characters for his film roles. This early exposure to the world of film and creativity sparked Creighton's passion for the industry.

In 1926, Creighton married Dorothy Hinckley and had two sons, Lon Ralph Chaney born July 3, 1928 and Ronald Creighton Chaney born March 18, 1930. Creighton went to work for his father-in- law at General Water Heater Co. and became Secretary-Treasurer of the firm.

Tragedy struck in 1930 when Creighton's father, Lon Chaney, known as "The Man of a Thousand Faces," passed away unexpectedly at the young age of 47 due to a throat hemorrhage. Despite his stable job, Creighton's deep-seated yearning to perform on stage had already taken root within his subconscious. By 1932, Creighton had inked a contract with RKO Studios, embarking on a career that would solidify the Chaney legacy in Hollywood for the next four decades.

In 1935, he reluctantly took the name of his father as Lon Chaney, stating, “I tried for three years to make a go of things without capitalizing upon dad’s name, but the cards have been stacked against me. If I had only myself to think of, I would battle it out to the end. But I’m getting older every year and I don’t think it’s right to make my family suffer just so I can fight for a principal.”

In 1936, Lon crossed paths with a model, Patricia Beck, known as Patsy. Their whirlwind romance led to the heartbreaking end of his marriage to Dorothy. Lon and Patsy exchanged vows in a secret ceremony on October 1, 1937, and their love burned bright until his untimely demise.

The pivotal moment in Lon's career arrived in 1939, when he bravely stepped into the audition room to try out for the role of Lennie in John Steinbeck's iconic play, "Of Mice and Men." Lon's portrayal of Lennie was nothing short of mesmerizing, capturing the hearts of all who witnessed his performance. This unforgettable portrayal not only landed him the coveted film role in Hal Roach's production of "Of Mice and Men," but also earned him the prestigious New York Critics Choice Award.

In 1941, Lon inked a deal with Universal Studios, setting the stage for even greater triumphs to come. That same year, he delivered a hauntingly brilliant performance as the tormented Lawrence Talbot in the blockbuster hit, "The Wolf Man." Lon's portrayal left audiences spellbound, solidifying his status as a true master of his craft.

From there, Lon fearlessly tackled some of the most iconic Monster characters in cinematic history, including Frankenstein's Monster, the Mummy, Dracula, and of course, the Wolf Man. Each performance was a testament to Lon's exceptional talent and dedication.

Lon Chaney, Jr. was a legendary figure in Hollywood, whose career spanned from the 1950s to the 1970s. He collaborated with some of the greatest talents in the industry, witnessing firsthand the transformation of show business from its vaudevillian roots to the modern era. From the silent film era to the advent of sound, and from black and white to color television, Chaney, Jr. saw it all.

His legacy is etched into Hollywood history, a testament to his enduring impact on the entertainment world. Before his passing, Lon delved into various creative pursuits, including scriptwriting, music recordings, a television series and a book entitled "A Century of Chaney’s." His body of work continues to captivate audiences through film, television, literature, and memorabilia, cherished by devoted fans and his beloved family.

Beyond his professional endeavors, he indulged in a range of hobbies, from fishing and hunting to wrestling and boxing. A master storyteller and culinary enthusiast, he lived life to the fullest, leaving behind a legacy that will forever be remembered in the hearts of those who admired him.

On July 12, 1973, the legendary Lon Chaney, Jr. passed away in San Clemente, California, succumbing to a heart attack after battling poor health for many years. Or did he? Rumors are swirling that sightings of the Wolf Man have been reported all over. Could it be that Chaney's iconic character has come back to life, haunting the night once more? The mystery deepens as the legend of Lon Chaney, Jr. lives on...