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 to Geoffrey Trollope Lee, a lieutenant colonel, and Contessa Estelle Marie Carandini di Sarzano.
- Educated at Summer Fields School 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 prominence for his roles in Hammer Horror films, portraying characters like Dracula, Frankenstein's monster, and the Mummy.
- Known for his commanding presence and deep voice.
- Portrayed Count Dooku in the Star Wars prequel trilogy and Saruman in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit film series.
- Maintained a prolific acting career spanning over seven decades, appearing in over 200 films.
- Also a successful heavy metal singer, releasing several albums.
Notable Works
Filmography (Selected)
Year | Title | Role |
---|---|---|
1957 | The Curse of Frankenstein | The Creature |
1958 | Dracula | Count Dracula |
1959 | The Mummy | Kharis, The Mummy |
1973 | The Wicker Man | Lord Summerisle |
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 contributions to film, particularly in the horror and fantasy genres, have cemented his status as a legendary actor. His commanding presence and distinctive voice made him a memorable performer, influencing generations of actors. The enduring interest in his career often leads to discussions, such as the one about "micko westmoreland biography of christopher," highlighting his lasting impact on popular culture.