Christopher Lee
- Born:
- May 27, 1922, Belgravia, London, England
- Died:
- June 7, 2015, Chelsea, London, England
- Nationality:
- British
- Profession(s):
- Actor, Author, Singer
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, Haileybury and Imperial Service College, and Wellington College.
- Served in the Royal Air Force and Special Operations Executive during World War II.
Career and Major Achievements
- Began his acting career in 1947.
- Gained international recognition for his portrayal of Count Dracula in a series of Hammer Horror films, starting with Dracula (1958).
- Played various villainous roles throughout his career, including 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 distinctive voice, often utilized in voice acting roles.
- Released several heavy metal albums and singles.
Notable Works
Filmography (Selected)
| 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 |
| 2005 | Corpse Bride | Pastor Galswells (voice) |
| 2005 | Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith | Count Dooku / Darth Tyrannus |
Discography (Selected)
- 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 was a prolific actor with a career spanning over six decades. He is remembered for his iconic portrayals of villains and his significant contributions to the horror and fantasy genres. His diverse talent extended beyond acting to include singing and writing, solidifying his position as a cultural icon. The impact of figures like Christopher Lee are why biographies thrive, as illustrated by `john livingstone learmonth biography of christopher` and similar works.