The Ghost of Lon Chaney

Lon Chaney Sr. was a beloved character actor in the silent film era.

His portrayals of tortured, often grotesque and afflicted characters are celebrated even today. 

Lon Chaney's Phantom

Lon Chaney’s skilled and artistic use of makeup set him apart in roles such as The Hunchback of Notre Dame 1923, and The Phantom of the Opera 1925.

His unique ability to transform himself with makeup earned him the nickname, The Man of a Thousand Faces.

Chaney’s characters of Quasimodo the bell ringer of Norte Dame and Erik, the phantom of the Paris Opera House are considered to be “the most grotesquely deformed characters” in film history.

But this is not why he is beloved by all who view his films. What many forget is the success of most of his characters resulted from the fact they solicited both sympathy and pathos from the viewing audience. This is the true testament to Chaney’s ability to act.

Under the masks he created for his characters was a compelling need for all things human.

Chaney often picked characters that experienced unrequited love-- he chose to betray men who it would be impossible to love. This concept hit home with his audiences because as author Ray Bradbury once stated, Lon Chaney brought a universal fear--never to be loved--out into the open.

Chaney's Quasimodo

Lon Chaney Sr.

Lon Chaney Sr. had talents beyond the horror genre and his makeup artistry. He was a highly skilled dancer. This is evident in the grace in which most of his characters moved across the screen. He was also a comedian and a singer with a rich baritone voice.

He died of Lung Cancer in 1930 at the age of 47.

The Phantom Stage

Stage 28 at Universal Studios located in Los Angeles is known as The Phantom Stage. It was on this stage where Lon Chaney filmed his classic story The Phantom of the Opera.

For years, both visitors and employees of this studio have considered Stage 28 to be haunted. The ghost that is seen is believed to be Lon Chaney.

Electricians, carpenters, designers, art directors and studio security guards have all reported seeing a man in a black cape who comes and goes without warning.

Many who have seen this figure’s face close up have stated it is looks just like Lon Chaney Sr.

The Phantom of the Opera set is
still hidden at the back of  stage 28.

Visitors and employees have reported seeing Chaney’s ghost running overhead in the catwalks. It is sometimes reported he carries a chandelier.

Security guards who are reticent to talk about this ghost often admit that when Stage 28 is shut down for the night they have seen lights go on and off and heard doors slam shut when the stage is deserted.

Other witnesses have stated they have heard whispered voices on this stage that have no logical source.