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 during World War II, later transferring to Special Operations Executive (SOE).
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 numerous villainous roles, 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 series (2012-2014).
- Known for his imposing height and distinctive voice.
- Awarded a knighthood in 2009 for services to drama and charity.
Notable Works
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| 2002 | The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers | Saruman |
| 2003 | The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King | Saruman |
| 2005 | Charlie and the Chocolate Factory | Dr. Wilbur Wonka |
| 2012 | The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey | Saruman |
| 2014 | The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies | Saruman |
Musical Career
- Developed a career as a symphonic metal singer in his later years.
- Released several metal albums, including Charlemagne: By the Sword and the Cross and Charlemagne: The Omens of Death.
- Received the "Spirit of Metal" award at the 2010 Metal Hammer Golden Gods Awards.
Legacy and Impact
Christopher Lee's prolific career, spanning over six decades and encompassing a diverse range of roles, solidified his status as a screen icon. From his defining portrayal of Dracula to his later successes in fantasy and metal music, Lee left an indelible mark on popular culture. While some may perceive a 'lynching biography of Christopher' to be about negative aspects, his actual life demonstrates a rich and varied career of considerable positive impact.