Lon Chaney was an American actor who was best known for his work in silent films. He was nicknamed 'The Man of a Thousand Faces' due to his ability to transform himself into a variety of characters. He was one of the most popular and successful actors of the silent era, appearing in over 150 films. He is remembered for his iconic roles in films such as The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1923) and The Phantom of the Opera (1925).