Boris Karloff contributed to TV.
William Henry Pratt ( 23 November 1887 -- 2 February 1969 ) , better known by his stage name Boris Karloff , was an English actor who was primarily known for his typecast roles in horror films that depicted the characters Frankenstein and The Mummy . His best-known non-horror role is as the Grinch , as well as the narrator , in the animated television special of Dr. Seuss 's How the Grinch Stole Christmas ! Karloff guest starred in a 1966 TV episode of The Wild Wild West , `` The Night of the Golden Cobra '' . For his contribution to film and television , Boris Karloff was awarded two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame .