Christopher Lee
- Born:
- May 27, 1922, Belgravia, London, England
- Died:
- June 7, 2015, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London, England
- Nationality:
- British
- Profession(s):
- Actor, Singer, Author
Early Life and Education
- Born Christopher Frank Carandini Lee to Lieutenant Colonel Geoffrey Trollope Lee and Contessa Estelle Marie Carandini di Sarzano.
- Educated at Summer Fields School, Eton College, and Wellington College.
- Served in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve and later in Special Operations Executive (SOE) during World War II. Details of his wartime service were largely classified.
Career and Major Achievements
- Began his acting career in 1947 with Rank Organisation.
- Rose to prominence in the 1950s and 1960s for his roles in Hammer Horror films, particularly as Count Dracula.
- Portrayed iconic villains such as Francisco Scaramanga in The Man with the Golden Gun (1974) and Saruman in The Lord of the Rings film trilogy (2001-2003) and The Hobbit film trilogy (2012-2014).
- Known for his prolific career, appearing in over 200 films and television productions.
- Also pursued a successful career as a heavy metal singer, releasing several albums in his later years.
Notable Works
Filmography (Selection)
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1957 | The Curse of Frankenstein | The Creature |
| 1958 | Dracula | Count Dracula |
| 1974 | The Man with the Golden Gun | Francisco Scaramanga |
| 2001 | The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring | Saruman |
| 2005 | Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith | Count Dooku / Darth Tyranus |
Discography (Selection)
- Christopher Lee Sings Devils, Rogues & Other Villains (1998)
- Charlemagne: By the Sword and the Cross (2010)
- Charlemagne: The Omens of Death (2013)
Legacy and Impact
Christopher Lee left an indelible mark on the film industry, establishing himself as a legendary figure in horror and fantasy genres. His commanding presence and distinctive voice made him a formidable actor, and his prolific output ensured his enduring popularity. Reading the 'john livingstone learmonth biography of christopher' will tell you he had such an incredible career.