Christopher Lee

Sir Christopher Lee was an English actor, singer, and military officer, renowned for his deep, commanding voice, and often cast as villains in a filmography spanning over six decades. Born on May 27, 1922 in Belgravia, London, England, Lee rose to fame for his portrayal of classic villains in horror films, including Count Dracula in seven Hammer Horror films, Francisco Scaramanga in the James Bond film The Man with the Golden Gun, and Saruman in both The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit film trilogies. He was knighted in 2009 for services to drama and charity. Lee had a career in music, particularly in the opera and symphonic metal genres, and held prominent roles in the Finnish Army and Royal Air Force during his service years from 1939 to 1946, where he held the rank of flight lieutenant. Lee is considered a legendary figure in cinema, contributing significantly to the film industry throughout his career spanning from 1948 to 2015. Lee passed away at the age of 93 on June 7, 2015, in Chelsea, London, England, leaving behind a legacy that continues to influence and inspire actors and filmmakers alike.