If you grew up watching black-and-white horror films, the name Lugosi carries a weight that’s hard to shake. It’s that voice. That cape. Most people know the father, the man who essentially invented the modern vampire. But these days, folks are more curious about the son. Is Bela Lugosi Jr. still alive? It’s a fair question, especially given how long he’s been the gatekeeper of the "Dracula" legacy.
The short answer is yes.
As of early 2026, Bela George Lugosi—better known as Bela Lugosi Jr.—is still alive. He just celebrated his 88th birthday on January 5, 2026. While he’s stepped back from the daily grind of a law practice, he hasn't exactly retired from the public eye. You’ll still see him pop up in interviews or documentaries, usually defending his father’s honor or explaining why you can’t just stick the Lugosi face on a lunchbox without asking first.
Life After the Cape
Bela Jr. was only 18 when his father passed away in 1956. Imagine that for a second. Your dad is the most famous monster in the world, and then he’s gone, buried in his costume at Holy Cross Cemetery. Bela Jr. didn’t follow him onto the screen. He went the other way. He went to law school.
Honestly, it was probably the smartest move he could’ve made. He spent over 50 years practicing law in Los Angeles. He didn't just practice it; he literally helped change the rules of the game for every famous person in California.
The Landmark Case You’ve Never Heard Of
Most people think of "publicity rights" as something that just exists. You’re famous, so you own your face, right? Not back then.
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In the late 60s, Bela Jr. and his mother sued Universal Pictures. The studio was making a killing on Dracula merchandise—toys, posters, you name it—and they weren't paying the Lugosi family a dime. The case, Lugosi v. Universal Pictures, dragged on for years.
Initially, the family won. Then they lost on appeal. The California Supreme Court eventually ruled that when a celebrity dies, their right to their own likeness dies with them.
It sounds harsh because it was.
But Bela Jr. didn't stop. His legal battle was the catalyst for the California Celebrities Rights Act of 1986. Because of his persistence, heirs now have the right to control the commercial use of a deceased celebrity's name and image. If you see a digital version of a dead actor in a modern movie today, that's possible (and profitable for the family) largely because of Bela Lugosi Jr.’s work in the courtroom.
What is Bela Lugosi Jr. doing now?
He’s the managing member of Lugosi LLC.
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Basically, he spends his time making sure his father isn't forgotten. He works with companies like NECA or Sideshow Collectibles to ensure that if there’s a Dracula statue, it actually looks like Bela Lugosi. He’s also been heavily involved in the 2024–2025 release of the definitive biography, Bela Lugosi: The Man Behind the Cape by Robert Cremer.
He lives a relatively quiet life in California, though he still makes the occasional appearance at horror conventions when his health allows. He’s sharp. He’s articulate. And he still has that specific, dignified presence that reminds everyone exactly who his father was.
Why people keep asking about him
It’s the age. 88 is a big number.
There’s also the confusion between him and his father. People see "Bela Lugosi" trending and their heart skips a beat. Or they see old photos of Bela Jr. from the 90s and wonder if he’s still around.
The Lugosi name is also tied to a lot of lore. There are always rumors about the "curse" of the cape or some weird Hollywood myth. Bela Jr. has spent a good chunk of his life debunking those. For instance, he’s the one who clarified that his father didn't actually request to be buried in the Dracula cape; it was a decision made by Bela Jr. and his mother because they felt it was what the fans and the legacy deserved.
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Staying Connected to the Fans
Even in 2026, the fan base for classic horror is surprisingly young. You’ve got teenagers today discovering Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein and becoming obsessed. Bela Jr. understands this. He’s kept the official website active and ensures that the estate stays modern.
He’s also very candid about the reality of his father’s life. He doesn't sugarcoat the struggles with addiction or the career slumps. That’s probably why fans respect him so much. He treats the legacy like a real human story, not just a brand.
If you’re looking to support the legacy or just want to see what the estate is up to, checking out the official Lugosi website is your best bet. It’s where they announce new licensed figures or book releases.
Next Steps for Fans:
- Check out the Robert Cremer biography for the most accurate account of the family history.
- Look for Bela Jr.’s interviews on the Dracula Blu-ray special features; they’re a masterclass in Hollywood history.
- Follow the official Lugosi social media accounts to see rare family photos that Bela Jr. occasionally shares from the private archives.
Bela Lugosi Jr. is a living link to the Golden Age of Hollywood. He’s more than just "the son of Dracula"—he’s the man who ensured that in the eyes of the law, a legend’s face belongs to their family, not just a studio vault. He's still here, and he's still making sure the Count stays immortal.