Daniel, Daniel, Daniel. Is that a cry in the woods I hear? Two differant men are associated with the same role from differant eras. Both left a heavy mark on the film going public with their portrayals of "D".
In Lugosi's case, the fact that he played the role on stage for years, and was buried in the cape and ring might help justify the typecasting on his part.
In Christopher Lee's case, he was just so darned good, despite the limited screen time that people seem to always want to associate him with Dracula. True, unfair, but true.
Might I suggest you read a book or two about these fine actors? You may want to start with Tall, Dark and Gruesome and read CL's own words on typecasting.
It may help to enlighten you.
There is a fine book on Lugosi available from Midnight Marquee press that I would also recommend.
http://www.midmar.com/lugosi.html
Remember, most people stereotyped Lon Chaney Sr. as a horror film star when in reality he only played three horror characters. Those were in Phantom of the Opera, Hunchback of Notre Dame, and London After Midnight. Considering the bulk of films LC Sr. did, this too is quite unfair, but none the less it happened.
The easiest way for an actor to over come such a dilema is for his fans to stop bringing the danged subject up and reminding others of the stigma.
(Edited by JoeS at 5:22 pm on Mar. 17, 2001)