Lon Chaney in 'The Phantom of the Opera' a 1925 American silent horror film adaptation of Gaston Leroux's 1910 novel, directed by Rupert Julian and starring Lon Chaney, Sr. in the title role. Lon Chaney (1883 - 1930); American stage and film actor, make-up artist, director and screenwriter. renowned for his characterizations of tortured, often grotesque and afflicted characters, and his ground-breaking artistry with makeup.