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Lon Chaney Born: April 1, 1883 Died: August 26, 1930 (at the age of 47)

(The above images are copyright of Chaney Entertainment, Inc 2000 and use with there permission.)

Alonso (Lon) Chaney was born on April 1, 1883 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Both of his parents were deaf mutes, so Lon developed his pantomimic skills to communicate with his parents and this would later serve him in his acting career.

Lon made his first performed in vaudeville.

In 1913 he appeared in his first film. In 1923 Lon played the title roles in 'The Hunchback of Notre Dame' and in 1925 he played the title role in 'The Phantom of the Opera', two of the greatest silent horror films to survive.

Lon became known as "The Man of a Thousand Faces", because of the fantastic makeup technique of Chaney's (many of his makeup secrets died with him). He was able to play multiple roles because of the makeup and also never worried about how uncomfortable for him to endure for a role (such as the Hump and constraints for 'The Hunchback of Notre Dame' (1923) or the constraints used in 'The Miracle Man' (1919))

Lon had many great roles besides 'The Hunchback', 'The Phantom' and 'Miracle Man' he also played dual rolls in 'Treasure Island' (1920), Fagin in 'Oliver Twist' (1922), a crook disguised as an old woman in 'The Unholy Three' (1925), and dual roles in 'London After Midnight' (1927).

Lon also did an exceptional job at more conventional roles, as he demonstrated in such films as 'Tell It to the Marines' (1926) and 'While the City Sleeps' (1928). Lon's performances and transformations were nothing short of miraculous. In 1930 Lon did his only sound film, a remake of his classic 'The Unholy Three' (1930). He died about a month later at the age of 47 on August 26, 1930 from a throat hemorrhage. Lon had made more than 140 films in his career, many are still regarded as some of the finest work around and some (like 'London After Midnight (1927)) are sadly missing and will probably never been seen.

Lon Chaney was an American Motion-Picture Actor, who will always be known as 'The Phantom of the Opera' or "The Hunchback of Notre Dame' or the famous photo from 'London After Midnight'. He will be known for his horror films, in these films he transformed himself into gruesome and grotesque makeups of characters warped by psychological or physical deformities.

Lon Died at the age of 47 on August 26, 1930 from a throat hemorrhage. His career was cut short way to early.

Ron Chaney (the Great-Grandson of Lon Sr and Grandson of Lon Jr) is keeping his Grandfather and Great-Grandfathers spirit alive for us. He spends time doing the Conventions Circuit and talks of their career's and personal life.

To get more info on The Chaney's Visit the LONCHANEY.COM: