Lon Chaney , Jr. ( February 10 , 1906 â `` July 12 , 1973 ) was an American character actor , known mainly for his roles in horror movies and as the son of famous silent film actor Lon Chaney . Lon Chaney , Jr. ( February 10 , 1906 â `` July 12 , 1973 ) , born Creighton Tull Chaney , was an American character actor . He was best known for his roles in monster movies and as the son of famous silent film actor , Lon Chaney .