Evelyn Ankers became one of the defining faces of classic Hollywood horror, earning her place in film history as Universal’s reigning “Queen of the Screamers.” Throughout the 1940s, she appeared in a remarkable run of genre films that paired her with some of the most famous monsters of all time. Her talent for blending elegance with terror gave her a unique presence that kept audiences riveted.
Evelyn Ankers was a British-American actress best known for her 1940s Universal horror films, including The Wolf Man (1941), Ghost of Frankenstein (1942), and Son of Dracula (1943), where she became immortalized as Hollywood’s “Queen of the Screamers.”
Audiences of the era quickly came to associate her with suspense, fear, and atmosphere. Whenever her name appeared on a marquee, moviegoers knew they were in for a chilling tale brought to life with a balance of vulnerability and determination. She was more than a damsel in distress—Ankers projected intelligence and courage, qualities that made her heroines memorable long after the curtain fell.
Working opposite stars like Lon Chaney Jr., Bela Lugosi, and Boris Karloff, she became an indispensable part of Universal’s horror legacy. Her performances lent credibility and heart to stories filled with supernatural menace, elevating films that might otherwise have been remembered only for their monsters. Instead, Evelyn Ankers stood tall as a co-star who gave the genre its emotional grounding.
📌 If You Only Read One Thing...
Despite being Hollywood’s “Queen of the Screamers,” Evelyn Ankers admitted she never actually liked horror movies and rarely watched her own films, making her cult reputation all the more ironic.
👶 Early Life
Evelyn Felisa Ankers was born on August 17, 1918, in Valparaíso, Chile, to British parents. Her family returned to England while she was still young, and it was there that she grew up and began to cultivate her interest in the arts. Surrounded by the cultural richness of London, she discovered both a love of literature and a natural gift for performance.
Her passion for acting led her to pursue formal training at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, where she studied the fundamentals of stagecraft and voice. This classical foundation gave her a poise and command that later translated seamlessly to the screen. Even as a student, she stood out for her striking appearance and natural sense of timing, qualities that made her a natural fit for the emerging film industry.
By her late teens, Ankers was already appearing in British films, marking the first steps of what would soon become an international career. The combination of her rigorous training and her screen-ready charisma set her apart from many of her contemporaries, ensuring that her move to Hollywood would be more than just ambition—it would be destiny.
🎖️ Fun Fact
Ankers’ nickname on the Universal lot was “Queen Evelyn,” given by crew members for her ability to scream on cue during takes.
🎬 Film Career
The Life & Career of Evelyn Ankers The Queen of Horror in the 1940s
Evelyn Ankers’ career began in British films of the late 1930s, where she appeared in productions such as The Villiers Diamond (1938) and The Forgotten Man (1937). Though still a teenager, she was already being noticed for her poise and screen presence. Hollywood soon called, and by 1940 she had crossed the Atlantic to begin work at Universal Studios, where her career would flourish during the golden age of horror.
Her breakout role came in The Wolf Man (1941), opposite Lon Chaney Jr. as Larry Talbot, with Claude Rains and Bela Lugosi also featured in the cast. As Gwen Conliffe, Ankers played the love interest who becomes entangled in Talbot’s tragic curse. The film was a massive success and cemented her as Universal’s go-to heroine in horror productions. This pairing with Chaney would become legendary, and the two went on to make numerous films together.
She followed with The Ghost of Frankenstein (1942), appearing with Lon Chaney Jr. again, this time alongside Sir Cedric Hardwicke, Ralph Bellamy, and Bela Lugosi reprising his role as Ygor. That same year, she starred in The Invisible Man’s Revenge (1944) opposite Jon Hall and Sir Cedric Hardwicke, further strengthening her reputation as a leading lady who could balance elegance and suspense against Universal’s dark, gothic settings.
Ankers also appeared in Son of Dracula (1943), again with Lon Chaney Jr., and The Mad Ghoul (1943), in which she worked with George Zucco, Turhan Bey, and David Bruce. Her ability to anchor the outlandish plots with sincerity made these films enduring fan favorites.
Beyond horror, Ankers expanded into other genres. She starred in the musical comedy Hold That Ghost (1941) with Abbott and Costello, proving her versatility and comic timing. She later appeared with them again in Pardon My Sarong (1942). These lighter films showcased a different side of her talent and helped broaden her appeal beyond horror audiences.
By the mid-1940s, she had become a familiar face in thrillers and melodramas as well, including Sherlock Holmes and the Voice of Terror (1942) with Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce, and Sherlock Holmes and the Secret Weapon (1942). These outings demonstrated her ability to step into suspense and detective stories as effectively as she did in horror.
Evelyn Ankers’ frequent collaborations with Lon Chaney Jr. became something of a Hollywood legend. Though the two were reportedly not fond of each other off-screen, their professional chemistry made them one of the most memorable pairings in classic horror. Films like The Wolf Man, Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man (1943), and The Frozen Ghost (1945) remain touchstones of the Universal horror cycle largely because of their combined presence.
🎖️ Fun Fact
She was married to actor Richard Denning for over 40 years, one of the longest-lasting marriages in Hollywood’s golden age.
🌕 The Wolf Man: Complete Legacy Collection (Blu-ray)
Seven chilling classics in one definitive set! The Wolf Man: Complete Legacy Collection brings together every film from Universal’s legendary werewolf cycle, including Evelyn Ankers’ unforgettable turn opposite Lon Chaney Jr. in The Wolf Man (1941).
The Wolf Man Legacy Collection Blu-ray
The Wolf Man (1941) – Lon Chaney Jr., Evelyn Ankers, Claude Rains, Bela Lugosi
Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man (1943) – Lon Chaney Jr., Bela Lugosi, Ilona Massey
Werewolf of London (1935) – Henry Hull, Warner Oland
She-Wolf of London (1946) – June Lockhart, Don Porter
Bonus Features: Monster by Moonlight documentary, The Wolf Man archives, commentary with Tom Weaver, featurettes on Lon Chaney Jr. and makeup artist Jack Pierce, plus original trailers.
Format: Blu-ray / Box Set Language: English, French, Spanish Subtitles: English, French, Spanish Region: Region Free Discs: 4 Runtime: 652 mins
By the late 1940s, Evelyn Ankers had begun to step away from the relentless pace of Hollywood. Her marriage to actor Richard Denning in 1942 proved to be one of the most enduring in show business, lasting until her passing. After appearing in Black Beauty (1946), Ankers increasingly shifted her attention to family life, raising her daughter and supporting Denning’s own career, which later included starring in the long-running television series Hawaii Five-O.
Although her time in Hollywood was relatively brief, Ankers remained closely associated with Universal’s golden era of horror films. She occasionally appeared in smaller projects during the 1950s, but for the most part, she retired from the screen to enjoy a quieter life away from the spotlight. Fans of classic horror, however, never forgot her contributions, and her films continued to enjoy late-night television showings and revival screenings that introduced her to new generations.
Evelyn Ankers passed away on August 29, 1985, at the age of 67. Though she had left Hollywood decades earlier, her legacy as Universal’s “Queen of the Screamers” remained intact, celebrated by horror enthusiasts who recognized how her performances gave humanity and depth to a genre often dominated by its monsters.
📎 Did You Know?
Evelyn Ankers once tested for the role of Jane opposite Johnny Weissmuller in *Tarzan’s New York Adventure* but lost the part to Maureen O’Sullivan.
🏆 Legacy
Evelyn Ankers holds a special place in the history of horror cinema as one of Universal’s most recognizable leading ladies of the 1940s. Her performances opposite Lon Chaney Jr., Bela Lugosi, andBoris Karloff helped shape the tone of classic monster films, ensuring that audiences connected not only with the creatures but with the human struggles at their core. By bringing intelligence, elegance, and emotional weight to her roles, she elevated the material and gave depth to characters who might otherwise have been one-dimensional.
Nicknamed the “Queen of the Screamers,” Ankers became a symbol of the era’s Gothic style, her face forever linked with fog-shrouded graveyards, cursed men, and supernatural terrors. Her films remain staples of Halloween marathons and horror retrospectives, keeping her name alive long after she stepped away from the screen.
Today, collectors and fans continue to celebrate her work, whether through classic film festivals, DVD and Blu-ray collections, or memorabilia from Universal’s golden age. Evelyn Ankers may have left Hollywood behind early, but her contributions left an indelible mark on the horror genre, ensuring that her legacy endures alongside the monsters she helped bring to life.
🗣️ Why They Still Matter
Evelyn Ankers’ horror films remain staples of Halloween broadcasts, boxed set collections, and streaming platforms, ensuring that new fans continue to encounter her work. Her image and voice helped define what it meant to be a scream queen, and her legacy continues to influence modern actresses who step into horror today.
ML Lamp is the owner of Kilroy Was Here. After his 20 years of working in Las Vegas in the entertainment promotions field, Mr. Lamp retired in 2002 from his job to pursue his passion for collectibles. Now as a guest speaker and author he’s living the dream, and sharing his warmth with You.
