Christopher Lee
- Born:
- May 27, 1922, Belgravia, London, England
- Died:
- June 7, 2015, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London, England
- Nationality:
- British
- Profession(s):
- Actor, Author, Singer
Early Life and Education
- Born Christopher Frank Carandini Lee into a family with aristocratic lineage.
- Educated at Summer Fields School and Wellington College, both boarding schools.
- Served in the Royal Air Force and Special Operations Executive during World War II.
Career and Major Achievements
- Began acting career in 1947 with Rank Organisation.
- Rose to prominence portraying Count Dracula in a series of Hammer Horror films, beginning with Dracula (1958).
- Known for his towering height (6 ft 5 in) and deep, resonant voice.
- Played iconic villainous roles in numerous films, including Scaramanga in The Man with the Golden Gun (1974) and Count Dooku in the Star Wars prequel trilogy (2002-2005).
- Starred as Saruman in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit film trilogies (2001-2003, 2012-2014).
- Released several heavy metal albums and singles.
- Knighted in 2009 for services to drama and charity.
Notable Works
Filmography (Selection)
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1957 | The Curse of Frankenstein | The Creature |
| 1958 | Dracula | Count Dracula |
| 1973 | The Wicker Man | Lord Summerisle |
| 1974 | The Man with the Golden Gun | Francisco Scaramanga |
| 2001 | The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring | Saruman |
| 2002 | Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones | Count Dooku / Darth Tyranus |
Discography (Selection)
- Christopher Lee Sings Devils, Rogues & Other Villains (1996)
- Charlemagne: By the Sword and the Cross (2010)
- Charlemagne: The Omens of Death (2013)
Legacy and Impact
Christopher Lee remains a celebrated figure in film history, recognized for his prolific career spanning decades and his iconic portrayals of villains. His influence extends beyond acting into music, demonstrating his versatility and creative range. As noted in this 'devesh chetty biography of christopher', his status as both a horror icon and a respected dramatic actor secures his place as a legend within the entertainment industry.