Christopher Lee (1922-2015)
Dearest movie lovers, I regret to inform you that the English actor Christopher Lee has passed away at the age of 93 on June 7, 2015. He was renowned for playing Count Dracula in the Hammer Horror series, Scaramanga in "The Man With The Golden Gun," Saruman in both trilogies of "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit," and Count Dooku in the last two prequels of "Star Wars." In portraying menacing figures such as a vampire, an assassin, a sorcerer, and a Sith Lord, Lee demonstrated his versatility and deep baritone voice, making the villains sound brooding and antagonistic.
Before working in his acting, Lee made his debut in 1948 in minor, supporting, and uncredited bit roles, such as the spear carrier in Laurence Olivier's version of "Hamlet." Then, in 1952, he landed his breakthrough role in John Huston's movie adaptation of "Moulin Rouge." In 1957, Lee joined Hammer Film Productions and began playing famous monsters, such as Frankenstein, alongside Peter Cushing. It led to Lee portraying the legendary vampire Dracula the following year, a role he played in more movies until 1972. This ongoing contract with Hammer Films would last less than a decade before expiring. Aside from several of the roles he has done with the production company, Hammer, Chris has other films outside the studio, like the "Fu Manchu" series, "I, Monster," "The Creeping Flesh," and "The Wicker Man" (which he considered to be a personal favourite of his). During the mid-1970s, Lee accepted a role in what was to be the ninth James Bond movie.
He was once considered for the role of Dr. No in the title movie years ago and is related to the author of the series, Ian Fleming. Lee finally portrays one of Bond's nemeses, the deadly assassin, Francisco Scaramanga, in "The Man With The Golden Gun." His performance and character have the charisma and the skill that rival those of his arch-foe. Lee eventually moved from England to America in 1977 with his friend Peter Cushing, while still in the film acting business, only to return later in his life. Christopher Lee was a frequent collaborator with Tim Burton, appearing with Johnny Depp in films such as "Sleepy Hollow," "Corpse Bride," "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," and "Alice in Wonderland," as well as a small part in "Dark Shadows." In the 2000s, Lee enjoyed a career resurrection as the dark wizard Saruman in the film trilogy of "The Lord of the Rings" and as separatist leader Count Dooku in the final two Star Wars prequels, "Attack of the Clones" and "Revenge of the Sith," before voicing the same character in the pilot animation "The Clone Wars." Lee appeared in "Hugo" as the librarian and reprised his role of Saruman in the first and final movies of "The Hobbit" prequel series.
That is why I miss Christopher Lee and his voice. God may rest your soul as those who will pay tribute to your acting virtuosity;-(
Before working in his acting, Lee made his debut in 1948 in minor, supporting, and uncredited bit roles, such as the spear carrier in Laurence Olivier's version of "Hamlet." Then, in 1952, he landed his breakthrough role in John Huston's movie adaptation of "Moulin Rouge." In 1957, Lee joined Hammer Film Productions and began playing famous monsters, such as Frankenstein, alongside Peter Cushing. It led to Lee portraying the legendary vampire Dracula the following year, a role he played in more movies until 1972. This ongoing contract with Hammer Films would last less than a decade before expiring. Aside from several of the roles he has done with the production company, Hammer, Chris has other films outside the studio, like the "Fu Manchu" series, "I, Monster," "The Creeping Flesh," and "The Wicker Man" (which he considered to be a personal favourite of his). During the mid-1970s, Lee accepted a role in what was to be the ninth James Bond movie.
He was once considered for the role of Dr. No in the title movie years ago and is related to the author of the series, Ian Fleming. Lee finally portrays one of Bond's nemeses, the deadly assassin, Francisco Scaramanga, in "The Man With The Golden Gun." His performance and character have the charisma and the skill that rival those of his arch-foe. Lee eventually moved from England to America in 1977 with his friend Peter Cushing, while still in the film acting business, only to return later in his life. Christopher Lee was a frequent collaborator with Tim Burton, appearing with Johnny Depp in films such as "Sleepy Hollow," "Corpse Bride," "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," and "Alice in Wonderland," as well as a small part in "Dark Shadows." In the 2000s, Lee enjoyed a career resurrection as the dark wizard Saruman in the film trilogy of "The Lord of the Rings" and as separatist leader Count Dooku in the final two Star Wars prequels, "Attack of the Clones" and "Revenge of the Sith," before voicing the same character in the pilot animation "The Clone Wars." Lee appeared in "Hugo" as the librarian and reprised his role of Saruman in the first and final movies of "The Hobbit" prequel series.
That is why I miss Christopher Lee and his voice. God may rest your soul as those who will pay tribute to your acting virtuosity;-(
Hi Film Guru Lad,
ReplyDeleteThats tragic news, I did not know Christopher Lee had passed away until I read your review. I also did not realise he was 93, that's impressive. He must have really looked after himself. I have only ever seen him in LOTR trilogy as I have not seen Star Wars or his other films which you mentioned. Except for Golden Gun but it has been many years since seing that and I don't remember his character. I think he was a very talented actor and that he will be missed by many fans around the world. Keep up the good work Film Guru Lad.