Blacula (1972) stars William Marshall in the title role as an 18th-century African prince named Mamuwalde.
He is turned into a vampire (and later locked in a coffin) by Count Dracula in the year 1780 after Dracula refused to help Mamuwalde suppress the slave trade.
Blacula Introduction (1972)
Nearly two centuries later (1972) two interior decorators from modern-day Los Angeles travel to Castle Dracula in Transylvania and unknowingly purchase the now-undead Mamuwalde’s coffin. Returning to L.A. they unlock the coffin releasing Mamuwalde and unfortunately become the Vampire’s first two victims
Blacula vs Interior Decorators
Tanya Hart (Live from L.A.) interviews actor William Marshall the star of Blacula- the first Black Vampire. The veteran actor is also appeared as Doctor Richard Daystrom on Star Trek, Thomas Bowers on Bonanza, and the King of Cartoons on Pee-wee’s Playhouse. The interview aired on Halloween (10/31/91).
William Marshall (Blacula) Interview on Live from L.A. (1991)