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 into a family with noble lineage.
- Educated at Summer Fields School, Eton College, and Wellington College.
- Served in the Royal Air Force and Special Operations Executive during World War II.
- Fluent in several languages, including English, Italian, French, and German.
Career and Major Achievements
- Began his acting career in 1947 with minor roles.
- Gained international recognition for his portrayal of Count Dracula in Hammer Horror films, starting in 1958.
- Starred in numerous horror, fantasy, and science fiction films, becoming a prominent figure in the genre.
- Played iconic roles such as Lord Summerisle in The Wicker Man (1973), 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 deep voice and imposing presence.
- Released several heavy metal albums, showcasing his vocal talents.
Notable Works
Filmography (Selected)
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 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) |
Discography (Selected)
| Year | Title | Genre |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Charlemagne: By the Sword and the Cross | Symphonic Metal |
| 2013 | Charlemagne: The Omens of Death | Symphonic Metal |
| 2014 | Metal Knight | Heavy Metal EP |
Legacy and Impact
Christopher Lee left an indelible mark on the film industry, particularly in the horror, fantasy, and science fiction genres. His prolific career, spanning over seven decades, encompassed a diverse range of roles, solidifying his status as a cinematic icon. Many biographies have sought to chronicle his life and career, and the present work is similar to what one might find in, for example, an 'alwyn morris biography of christopher' – a record of key events and accomplishments.