Christopher Lee
- Born:
- 27 May 1922, London, England
- Died:
- 7 June 2015, London, England
- Nationality:
- British
- Profession(s):
- Actor, Singer, Author
Early Life and Education
- Born Christopher Frank Carandini Lee in Belgravia, London.
- Attended Summer Fields School and Wellington College.
- Served in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve and Special Operations Executive during World War II.
- His service record remained classified for many years, adding to his mystique.
Career and Major Achievements
- Began his acting career in 1947.
- Gained international recognition for his portrayal of Count Dracula in Hammer Horror films, beginning with Dracula (1958).
- Starred in numerous films, including roles as Saruman in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies, and as Count Dooku/Darth Tyranus in the Star Wars prequel trilogy.
- Distinguished by his tall stature (6 ft 5 in), deep voice, and imposing presence.
- Held a Guinness World Record for most screen credits for a living actor.
Notable Works
Filmography (Selected)
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1958 | Dracula | Count Dracula |
| 1973 | The Wicker Man | Lord Summerisle |
| 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 (Selected)
- Released several heavy metal albums, including Charlemagne: By the Sword and the Cross (2010) and Charlemagne: The Omens of Death (2013).
- Collaborated with numerous metal bands.
Legacy and Impact
Christopher Lee left an undeniable mark on cinema, particularly in the horror and fantasy genres. His extensive filmography showcases his versatility and dedication to his craft. This brief overview provides a glimpse into his distinguished career, but a complete "li hung chang biography of christopher" would require a much more expansive treatment to fully capture his influence and contributions. He remains an iconic figure and continues to inspire actors and filmmakers worldwide.