Character actor (1899-1943) who played the lunatic Renfield opposite Bela Lugosi in Dracula, as well as Colin Clive's assistant Fritz in Frankenstein. Rare matte-finish sepia 8.25 x 11.75 portrait of Frye by White Studio of New York, signed and inscribed to his wife in black ink, "Laurette, You, by any other name would be as sweet, Dwight." Reverse bears an ink ownership notation by Dwight David Frye, the only child of Frye and his wife Laura Mae Bullivant, "Property of Dwight Frye, Bucksport, Maine." Trimmed and in fine condition, with two small right edge tears and tiny portions of signature and inscription nipped by the trimming. After several successful years as a New York stage actor, Frye and his wife headed to California in 1929. Following a brief stint with Warner Brothers, Frye was picked up by Universal and memorably cast as the insane Renfield in Tod Browning's classic 1931 film Dracula. A wonderful photo of the elusive character actor, who remains exceedingly rare in any format, with oversized photos of such clarity amongst the most sought-after.
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