While primarily known for his work in Western films like When a Man Rides Alone (1933) and Deadwood Pass (1933), the actor didn’t always play a leading man. In fact, one of Tyler’s most memorable roles was that of villain Kharis in The Mummy’s Hand (1940).

Tyler originated the character, who was later played by Lon Chaney Jr. in films like The Mummy’s Tomb (1942) and The Mummy’s Ghost (1944). Still, Tyler offered a bloodcurdling portrayal of the character, earning excellent reviews from critics.

In fact, it seems that Tyler wasn’t just a source of fear on screen. The actor’s co-star, Peggy Moran, admitted that she frequently found herself scared of Tyler while he was in costume. Moran, who played Marta Solvani, frequently interacted with Tyler on-screen, though he was a source of unintentional intimidation behind the scenes.

“I never met Tom Tyler without his makeup,” said Moran, according to Universal Horrors: The Studio's Classic Films, 1931-1946, by Tom Weaver, Michael Brunas, and John Brunas. “I think he had to be at the studio at four in the morning. I never did meet Tyler otherwise, and he couldn’t talk with that makeup on, so I never heard his voice. As far as I was concerned, he was the Mummy! And I was really a little afraid of him, especially at night, on the back lot, when he’d creep up on us. When he picked me up and started carrying me around, I had the eeriest feeling.”