Who created the monster's iconic make-up in the 1931 film?

Jack Pierce created the iconic monster makeup for the 1931 film Frankenstein.

Pierce was Universal’s makeup chief and designed the look worn by Boris Karloff. His version established the flat-topped head, heavy brow, neck electrodes, scars, and corpse-like features that became the standard visual image of Frankenstein’s Monster.

The makeup was laborious rather than a simple mask. Pierce built facial forms with materials including cotton, collodion, gum, and greasepaint; Karloff also removed a dental plate to deepen one side of his face. The pale green makeup was chosen to appear convincingly light in black-and-white photography.

The character is often mistakenly credited to Lon Chaney because Chaney was famous for transformative horror makeup, while John Chambers and Dick Smith became prominent later. Pierce’s design continued to influence Universal sequels, especially Bride of Frankenstein and Son of Frankenstein.