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 Despite a large body of other works in several genres, Max Schreck became immortalized by his role as Graf Orlok in F. W. Murnau's film, Nosferatu. His normal gaunt appearance added to the fear inspired by the bald, close fanged rat-like appearance of Orlok. Despite later portrayals of the vampire by many actors, Schreck's role in Nosferatu has often been cited as one of the most frightening figures in the history of film.
Born Maximilian Schreck in Berlin in 1879, Shreck began his career as many of his contemporaries did - in the theater. He completed his official theatrical training at the Berlin State Theatre in 1902 and made his first stage appearances in Meseritz and Apeyer. He then toured Germany for two years appearing in theaters in Frankfurt, Zittau, Bremen and many other major towns. Back in Berlin at the end of the tour, Schreck joined the famous troupe belonging to Max Reinhardt. Max Reinhardt was to introduce Schreck to Nosferatu's director, F. W. Murnau as Murnau also had his roots in Reinhardt's theater troupe. When Murnau cast Nosferatu, he remembered Schreck and cast him in the part of Count Orlok, his interpretation of Bram Stoker's Dracula character. Schreck was best suited as a character actor and fit the part of Orlok perfectly and also fit in well with Murnau's distinctive film style. Perhaps they would have done more films together if Stoker's widow had not sued the film company for copyright violation, forcing the company into bankruptcy. He did star in one more Murnau film in 1924 called The Finances of the Grand Duke. Schreck had the role of an evil conspirator in a plot about an unscrupulous financier who tries to turn a beautiful paradise into a sulphor mine. The film was supposed to be a comedy but was so poorly made that even Murnau expressed his disdain for the film. Mystery surrounded Schreck for many years as rumors speculated if he was a real person and alleged that he was a real vampire. The word schreck is German for fright or terror and this led people to say that it was a stage name and that there was no such person as Max Schreck. Claims were made for years that Count Orlok was actually played by Alfred Abel, a well-known actor of the time. Comparison of the two through photographs, and even times where both men were present, showed distinct differences in the two actor's faces and body structure. The myth that Schreck was a real vampire was started as a joke but carried on as an urban legend and can still be found on the internet - obviously not by credible sources. Schreck was never truly a horror star but became known as such due to the acclaim received by his chilling rendition of Count Orlok in Nosferatu. He actually made 33 films during his career, mostly in the drama and comedy genres. Unfortunately, while the man was an undeniably genius of acting, many of his films have been lost through the years and are known only by historical and anecdotal references. 
Max Schreck as Nosferatu sitting by a tree
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