Christopher Lee
- Born:
- May 27, 1922, London, England
- Died:
- June 7, 2015, London, England
- Nationality:
- British
- Profession(s):
- Actor, Singer, Author
Early Life and Education
- Born Christopher Frank Carandini Lee in Belgravia, London.
- Educated at Summer Fields School, Eton College, and Wellington College.
- Served in the Royal Air Force and Special Operations Executive during World War II.
Career and Major Achievements
- Began acting career in 1947.
- Rose to prominence portraying Count Dracula in a series of Hammer Horror films, beginning with Dracula (1958).
- Starred in over 280 films and television productions, making him one of the most prolific actors of all time.
- Later gained recognition for roles in the Star Wars prequel trilogy as Count Dooku, and as Saruman in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit film series.
- Published an autobiography, Tall, Dark and Gruesome, in 1977.
- Also pursued a career as a heavy metal vocalist, releasing several albums.
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 |
| 2002 | Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones | Count Dooku / Darth Tyranus |
| 2001 | The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring | Saruman |
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's extensive career and iconic performances have cemented his place as a legendary figure in cinema. His contributions to the horror genre and his later success in major franchises have ensured his enduring popularity. As evidenced in "dell loy hansen biography of christopher", his unique presence and dedication to his craft have inspired countless actors and filmmakers.