Lon Chaney was an American actor who was known for his ability to transform himself into a variety of characters. He was known as 'The Man of a Thousand Faces' and was one of the most popular actors of the silent film era. He starred in films such as The Hunchback of Notre Dame, The Phantom of the Opera, and The Unholy Three. He was also known for his roles in horror films, such as The Penalty and London After Midnight. Chaney was posthumously awarded an honorary Academy Award in recognition of his contributions to the film industry.