Boris Karloff’s daughter Sara Karloff revealed what the late Hollywood star was like at home and behind the scenes. She noted that he hated mixing family life and work. She admitted the only time he broke this rule was when he made How the Grinch Stole Christmas in 1966.
The animated holiday classic was one of Boris’ most unforgettable works, as he narrated the story of the Grinch by Dr. Seuss. He also earned acclaim for productions like Frankenstein, The Mummy, and The Bride of Frankenstein.
Boris Karloff’s daughter reveals the first and only time the star discussed work
Boris rang his daughter Sara shortly before How the Grinch Stole Christmas aired on TV, informing her that both of her sons would love one of his movies set to show that night. He encouraged her to enjoy with the boys, aged 6 and 7 at the time.
Sara said it was extraordinary for Boris to talk about his business; hence, the phone call was special. She and his grandchildren loved it, but Sara never knew until recently that he recorded his parts as narrator and the Grinch all in one take. Now 86, Sara still watches The Grinch Stole Christmas every holiday, but this time without her sons, who now have their own families.
‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas’ was a success
58 years later, How The Grinch Stole Christmas remains a holiday staple, with remakes over the years. There was the live-action film of 2000 featuring Jim Carrey and a computer-animated version that was a box office hit, earning about half a billion dollars.
Sara noted that the classic was also a personal success for Boris, as he loved creating for children. Boris died at 81 in 1969 after suffering pneumonia due to emphysema and rheumatoid arthritis. He passed away while filming four Mexican horror movies—Isle of the Snake People, The Incredible Invasion, Fear Chamber, and House of Evil—at the same time in Los Angeles, and they were all posthumous releases.