Swiss-born actor Howard Vernon, born Mario Lippert in 1914, was the son of a Swiss father and an American mother. He received his dramatic training in Berlin and Paris, initially working as a stage and radio player from 1945. Vernon's early career included roles in post-war French films, where he portrayed nefarious Nazis and sinister criminals.
Throughout his five-decade-long career, Vernon consistently appeared in a variety of roles, often playing characters with a darker edge. One of his most notable performances was in the French film "The Silence of the Sea" (1949),which remains one of his best works.
In addition to his acting career, Vernon was also a still photographer and formed a long-term association with cult director Jess Franco in the early 1960s. This partnership began with Franco's film "Tausend Augen des Dr. Mabuse, Die" (1960),and continued with numerous other films, including "The Awful Dr. Orlof" (1962).
Vernon's portrayal of the title character in "The Awful Dr. Orlof" was particularly notable, as he brought a sense of sympathy to the role. However, his later appearances in Franco's films quickly devolved into cheap exploitation, lacking artistic merit.
Howard Vernon passed away in Paris shortly after his 82nd birthday, leaving behind a legacy as a versatile and accomplished actor.
