Christopher Lee
Christopher Frank Carandini Lee was born May 27, 1922, to Lieutenant-Colonel Geoffrey Trollope Lee and Estelle Lee (née: Estelle Marie Carandini Sainte Croix Rose Contessa Di Sarzano - Italian contessa and descendant of the Borgias, born in India) in Belgravia, London, England, UK.
He had an older sister, Xandra Carandini Lee (1917-2002) and a younger brother, Nicholas Lee.
Lee attended public school in Berkshire where he studied and excelled at classics. He was fluent in French and Italian, but later learned Danish, German, Greek, Russian, Spanish, and Swedish.
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| Estelle and Geoffrey m: 1910-1924 |
Lee attended public school in Berkshire where he studied and excelled at classics. He was fluent in French and Italian, but later learned Danish, German, Greek, Russian, Spanish, and Swedish.
He studied at Summerfield Preparatory School and attended Wellington College then went to work in business in the City of London.
In 1939 Lee quit his job and enlisted in the Finnish Army to help fight off the Soviets during the Winter War, but was kept at a good distance from the front lines. When Lee returned home in 1940 he joined the RAF (Royal Air Force, 260 Fighter Squadron in the Western Desert) where he trained for flight in South Africa and Southern Rhodesia until an unfortunate eye issue kept him from becoming a pilot. Having been left with few options he applied to RAF Intelligence as an intelligence officer specializing in cracking German ciphers among other things. He was sent to North Africa and attached to the Long Range Desert Patrol, served with the Central Registry of War Crimes (as a Nazi hunter), was assigned to the SOE (Special Operations Executive or "The Baker Street Irregulars") as an agent, as well as being a part of the SAS (Special Air Service.)
In 1945, Lee retired from military service as a Flight Lieutenant, had earned six campaign medals, and was decorated by Britain, Czechoslovakia, Poland, and Yugoslavia.
Lee returned home to England in 1946 and was given the opportunity by the Armed Forces to teach at universities, but Lee's Latin was less than stellar, so he was convinced by his cousin, Nicolo Carandini (who later became the Italian Ambassador to Britain) to take up acting. He joined the Rank Agency and was a student at Rank's Charm School when he made his film debut in Corridor of Mirrors in 1947. For 10 years he played small parts in TV series and films, then landed the part of The Creature in The Curse of Frankenstein with Hammer Films where he co-starred with Peter Cushing who became his lifelong friend.
Christopher Lee has had a prolific film and TV career, see below, including some of the most famous classic horror movies ever made. He has shared the screen with equally famous fellow Hammer mates Peter Cushing (Tarkin: Star Wars), Vincent Price, and John Carradine. Two roles which made him a star were Count Dracula and Sherlock Holmes (he is one of the only actors to have portrayed three different Sherlock Holmes characters: Sherlock Holmes, Mycroft Holmes, and Henry Baskerville. He has also demonstrated a flair for comedy, playing a Nazi officer in Steven Spielberg's 1941 (1979), and has played in the Young Indiana Jones Chronicles as Count Ottokar Graf Czerin - Lee knew members of the real Czerin family so gladly played the role of the Count.
In 1939 Lee quit his job and enlisted in the Finnish Army to help fight off the Soviets during the Winter War, but was kept at a good distance from the front lines. When Lee returned home in 1940 he joined the RAF (Royal Air Force, 260 Fighter Squadron in the Western Desert) where he trained for flight in South Africa and Southern Rhodesia until an unfortunate eye issue kept him from becoming a pilot. Having been left with few options he applied to RAF Intelligence as an intelligence officer specializing in cracking German ciphers among other things. He was sent to North Africa and attached to the Long Range Desert Patrol, served with the Central Registry of War Crimes (as a Nazi hunter), was assigned to the SOE (Special Operations Executive or "The Baker Street Irregulars") as an agent, as well as being a part of the SAS (Special Air Service.)
In 1945, Lee retired from military service as a Flight Lieutenant, had earned six campaign medals, and was decorated by Britain, Czechoslovakia, Poland, and Yugoslavia.
He married Danish actress Birgit (Gitte) Kroencke on March 17, 1961, and was married to her until his death. They have one child, Christina Ericka Lee.
Sir Christopher Frank Carandini Lee, CBE, CStJ passed away on June 7, 2015, in Chelsea, London, England, UK, 9 days after his 93rd birthday.
He will be missed.
Film
The 11th~2015 - Lee was set to play Lars in this film, but he died before principal filming began.
The Time War~2018 (posthumously) - Narrator (see Actor Connections - Film)
Angels in Notting Hill~2015 - The Boss, Mr. President (Click HERE to see Sir Lee perform his last voice work)
Extraordinary Tales~2013 - Voice of the Narrator (he's speaking as the unnamed character who is summoned to the House of Usher, but Lee voices Roderick Usher as well) in Fall of the House of Usher
Night Train to Lisbon~2013 - Father Bartolomeu
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey~2012 - Saruman
Dark Shadows~2012 - Clarney
The Hunting of the Snark~2012 (unfinished student short) - Narrator
Hugo~2011 - Monsieur Labisse
The Wicker Tree~2011 - Sir Lachlan Morrison - Old Gentleman
The Resident~2011 - August
Season of the Witch~2011 - Cardinal D'Ambroise
Burke and Hare~2010 - Old Joseph
The Heavy~2010 - Mr. Mason
Alice in Wonderland~2010 - Jabberwocky
Glorious 39~2009 - Walter
Triage~2009 - Joaquin Morales
Boogie Woogie~2009 - Mr. Alfred Rhinegold
Sweeney Todd~2008 - Gentleman Ghost (BTS voice from a cut scene)
Star Wars: The Clone Wars~2008- the voice of Count Dooku
The Golden Compass~2007 - First High Councilor
Mummies: Secrets of the Pharaohs~2007 - Narrator
Christopher Lee Live II~2005 - himself
Corpse Bride, The~2005 - Pastor Galswells
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory~2005 - Mr. Wonka (Willy Wonka's father) (see Actor Connections - Film)
Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith~2005 - Count Dooku/Darth Tyranus
Christopher Lee Live~2004 - himself
Crimson Rivers II: Angels of the Apocalypse~2004 - Heinrich von Garten
The Making of a Legend: Christopher Lee - Volume 1~2003 - himself
Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, The~2003 - Saruman (scenes cut)
Actor's Notebook: Christopher Lee~2002 - Himself
From Puppets to Pixels: Digital Characters in 'Episode II'~2002 - Himself
Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones~ 2002 - Count Dooku
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring~2001 - Saruman
I Surrender All~2001 - Bad Guy #1
Sleepy Hollow: Behind the Legend~2000 - Himself
The Rocky Interactive Horror Show~1999 - Narrator
Jinnah~1998 - Mohammed Ali Jinnah
Tale of the Mummy~1998 - Sir Richard Turkel
100 Years of Horror~ 1996 (V) - Host/Himself/Narrator (Dracula and His Disciples excerpt HERE)
Freaks; Giants and Dinosaurs; Maniacs; Scream Queens; Sorcerers; The Aristocrats of Evil;
The Count and Company; The Double Demons; The Evil Unseeable; The Frankenstein Family;
The Monster Makers; The Walking Dead; Witchcraft and Demons
A Century of Science Fiction~1996 (V) - Narrator (Robots and Computers excerpt HERE)
The Stupids~1996 - Evil Sender
A Feast at Midnight~1994 - V. E. Longfellow, aka Raptor
Funny Man~1994 - Callum Chance (photo via IGN.com)
The Vampire Interviews~1995 (V) - Himself
Police Academy: Mission to Moscow~1994 - Commandant Alexandrei Nikolaivich Rakov
Death Train~1993 - General Konstantin Benin
Jackpot~1992 - Cedric
Journey of Honor ~1991 - King Philip
Curse III: Blood Sacrifice (Panga)~ 1991 - Doctor Pearson
Incident at Victoria Falls~1991 - Sherlock Holmes
Honeymoon Academy~1990 - Lazos
Rainbow Thief, The~1990 - Uncle Rudolf
Gremlins 2: The New Batch~1990 - Doctor Catheter
The Miser ~1989 - Cardinale Spinosi
Fall of the Eagles ~1989 - Walter Strauss (see Actor Connections - Film)
Murder Story~1989 - Willard Hope (see Actor Connections - Film)
La Révolution française~1989 - Charles-Henri Sanson (segment Annees Terribles, Les)
The Return of the Musketeers~1989 - Rochefort
Dark Mission: Evil Flowers (Operación cocaína)~1988 - Luis Morel
Jocks~1987 - President White
Mio in the Land of Faraway (Mio, min Mio) ~1987 - Kato
Walhalla~1986 (animated) - voice of Thor and Odin
Mask of Murder~1985 - Chief Rich
Howling II~1985 - Stefan Crosscoe
The Rosebud Beach Hotel~1984 - Mr. Clifford King - The Father
House of the Long Shadows~1983 - Corrigan/Roderick Grisbane (see Actor Connections - Film)
New Magic~1983 (Short) - Mr. Kellar (photo from www.in70mm.com)
The Return of Captain Invincible~1983 - Mr. Midnight
The Last Unicorn~1982 - voice of King Haggard (also did the German dubbing for the German version)
Safari 3000~1982 - Count Borgia (see Actor Connections - Film)
Desperate Moves ~1981 - Dr. Carl Boxer
The Salamander~1981 - Major General Prince Magusari - Rector of Counterintelligence
Eye for an Eye, An~1981 - Morgan Canfield
Fade to Black~1980 - uncredited Footage from 'Horror of Dracula'
Serial~1980 - Luckman Skull
Arabian Adventure~1979 - Alquazar (see Actor Connections - Film)
Jaguar Lives!~1979 - Adam Caine
Nutcracker Fantasy~1979 - voices of Uncle Drosselmeyer/Street Singer/Puppeteer/Watchmaker (pictured) (see Actor Connections - Film)
1941~1979 - Captain Wolfgang Von Kleinschmidt (see Actor Connections - Film)
Bear Island~1979 - Lechinski
The Passage~1979 - Head Gypsy
Circle of Iron~1979 - Zetan
Caravans~1978 - Sardar Khan
Return from Witch Mountain~1978 - Dr. Victor Gannon
End of the World~1977 - Father Pergado/Zindar
Meatcleaver Massacre~1977 - On-screen narrator
Starship Invasions~1977 - Captain Rameses
Dracula and Son~1977 - Dracula
Airport '77~1977 - Martin Wallace
Whispering Death ~1976 - Bill
The Keeper~1976 - The Keeper
To the Devil a Daughter~1976 - Father Michael Rayner
Diagnosis: Murder~1975 - Doctor Stephen Hayward
The Diamond Mercenaries ~1975 - Major Chilton - The Hitman
In Search of Dracula ~1975 - Himself/Vlad Tepes/Count Dracula
Dark Places~1974 - Dr. Mandeville
The Satanic Rites of Dracula~1974 - Count Dracula (see Actor Connections - Film)
The Four Musketeers~1974 - Rochefort
The Man with the Golden Gun~1974 - Francisco Scaramanga
The Butcher, the Star and the Orphan ~1973 - Van Krig/Satanus
The Creeping Flesh~1973 - James Hildern (see Actor Connections - Film)
The Wicker Man~1973 - Lord Summerisle
The Three Musketeers~1973 - Rochefort
Death Line~1972 - Stratton-Villiers - MI5
Horror Express~1972 - Professor Alexander Saxton (see Actor Connections - Film)
Nothing But the Night~1972 - Colonel Charles Bingham (see Actor Connections - Film)
Dracula A.D. 1972~1972 - Count Dracula (see Actor Connections - Film)
Hannie Caulder~1971 - Bailey
I, Monster~1971 - Dr. Charles Marlowe/Edward Blake (right) (see Actor Connections - Film)
The House That Dripped Blood~1970 - John Reid in Sweets to the Sweet (see Actor Connections - Film)
Julius Caesar~1970 -Artemidorus
One More Time~1970 - uncredited Dracula (see Actor Connections - Film)
Taste the Blood of Dracula~1970 - Dracula
El Umbracle~1970 - Himself
Vampir-Cuadecuc~1970 - Himself/Count Dracula
Scars of Dracula~1970 - Dracula (see Actor Connections - Film)
The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes~1970 - Mycroft Holmes (see Actor Connections - Film)
El Conde Drácula~1970 - Count Dracula
Eugenie...the Story of Her Journey Into Perversion~1969 - Dolmance
Night of the Blood Monster~1969 - Lord George Jeffreys
The Oblong Box~1969 - Dr. J. Neuhart
Scream and Scream Again~1969 - Fremont (see Actor Connections - Film)
The Magic Christian~1969 - Ship's Vampire (see Actor Connections - Film)
Castle of Fu ManChu~1969 - Fu Manchu
Curse of the Crimson Altar~1968 - Morley
Dracula Has Risen from the Grave~1968 - Dracula
The Blood of Fu Manchu~1968 - Fu Manchu
The Face of Eve~1968 - Colonel Stuart
The Devil Rides Out~1968 - Duc de Richleau
Five Golden Dragons~1967 - Dragon #4
Night of the Big Heat~1967 - Godfrey Hanson (see Actor Connections - Film)
Die Schlangengrube und das Pendel ~1967 - Count Frederic Regula, Graf von Andomai
Theatre of Death~1967 - Philippe Darvas (see Actor Connections - Film)
The Vengeance of Fu Manchu~1967 - Fu Manchu
Dracula: The Prince of Darkness~1966 - Count Dracula
The Brides of Fu Manchu~1966 - Fu Manchu
Psycho-Circus~1966 - Gregor
Rasputin: The Mad Monk~1966 - Grigori Rasputin
Dracula: Prince of Darkness~1966 - Dracula
10 Little Indians~1965 - voice of Mr. U. N. (Ulick Norman) Owen (on recording at 3:15)
Katarsis ~1965 - Mephistoles
Dr. Terror's House of Horrors~1965 - Franklyn Marsh
The Skull~1965 - Sir Matthew Phillips
The Face of Fu Manchu~1965 - Dr. Fu Manchu
She~1965 - Billali
Il Castello dei morti vivi~1964 - Count Drago
The Gorgon~1964 - Prof. Karl Meister
The Devil-Ship Pirates~1964 - Captain Robeles
The Whip and the Flesh ~1963 - Kurt Menliff
Crypt of the Vampire ~1963 - Count Ludwig Karnstein
Horror Castle~1963 - Erich
Sherlock Holmes and the Deadly Necklace~ 1962 - Sherlock Holmes
The Pirates of Blood River~1962 - Captain LaRoche
Das Rätsel der roten Orchidee~1962 - Captain Allerman
Lolita~1962 - Frankenstein's Creature (archive footage on TV)
Hercules in the Haunted World~1961 - Lyco
The Devil's Daffodil~1961 - Ling Chu
The Hands of Orlac~1960 - Nero
Taste of Fear~1961 - Doctor Gerrard
The Devil's Agent~1961 - Baron Ferdi von Staub (see Actor Connections - Film)
The Terror of the Tongs~1961 - The Tong Leader
The City of the Dead~1960 - Professor Alan Driscoll
The Two Faces of Dr. Jekyll~1960 - Paul Allen
Beat Girl~1960 - Kenny - Strip Club Operator
Uncle Was A Vampire~1959 - Baron Rodrigo de Frankfurten/Uncle Rinaldo
Too Hot to Handle~1959 - Paul Novak - Pink Flamingo Nightclub Manager
The Man Who Could Cheat Death~1959 - Dr. Pierre Gerard
The Treasure of San Teresa~1959 - Inspector Jaeger - Hamburg Police
The Mummy~1959 - Kharis - The Mummy (see Actor Connections - Film)
The Hound of the Baskervilles~1959 - Sir Henry Baskerville (see Actor Connections - Film)
The Truth About Women~1958 - François
The Battle of the V.1~1958 - Brunner
Corridors of Blood~1958 - Resurrection Joe
Dracula~1958 - Count Dracula (see Actor Connections - Film)
A Tale of Two Cities~1958 - Marquis St. Evremonde
Bitter Victory~1957 - Sergeant Barney
The Traitor~1957 - Doctor Neumann
The Curse of Frankenstein~1957 - The Creature (see Actor Connections - Film)
Fortune Is a Woman~1957 -Charles Highbury
Ill Met by Moonlight~1957 - German officer at the dentist
Alias John Preston~1956 - David Garrity, alias John Preston
The Battle of the River Plate~1956 - Manolo
Beyond Mombasa~1956 - Gil Rossi
Port Afrique~ 1956 - Franz Vermes
Private's Progress~1956 - General Von Linbeck's Aide
Crossroads~1955 - The Ghost
The Dark Avenger~1955 - Captain of the Guards (French Patrol Captain)
Final Column~1955
Police Dog~1955 - Johnny - A Constable
Storm Over the Nile~1955 - Karaga Pasha
That Lady~1955 - Segovian Groom/Aide-de-Camp to the King/Captain of the Guard/Salamancan Assassin/Rider on Arab Horse
(right)
Moulin Rouge~1952 - (uncredited) Georges Seurat (see Actor Connections - Film)
Top Secret~1952 Babes in Bagdad~1952 - Slave Dealer
Paul Temple Returns~1952 - Sir Felix Raybourne
The Crimson Pirate~1952 - Joseph (Military Attaché)
Valley of Eagles~1951- Det. Holt
Captain Horatio Hornblower R.N. (Royal Navy)~1951 - Spanish Captain (Natividad)
Prelude to Fame~1950 - Newsman They Were Not Divided~1950 - Chris Lewis
Trottie True~1949- Hon. Bongo Icklesham
Penny and the Pownall Case~1948 - Jonathan Blair
Scott of the Antarctic~1948 - Bernard Day
Saraband for Dead Lovers~1948 - Duke Anthony von Wolfenbuttel
Hamlet~1948 - Spear Carrier who says "Light" (see Actor Connections - Film)
My Brother's Keeper~1948 - Second Constable
Song of Tomorrow~1948 - Auguste
One Night With You~1948 - Pirelli's Assistant
Film (dubbing)
Alexander the Great~1956 - the voice for Helmut Dantine's Nectenabus
Monsieur Hulot's Holiday~1953 - (voices for English version)
Film Producer
The Making of a Legend~2003 Nothing But the Night~1972 (producer) (uncredited)
Film Stunts (driver)
The Man With The Golden Gun~1974
TV
Bei Burda Live~2014 - Himself
Part 2: The Light Fantastic
Part 1: The Colour of Magic
Pope John Paul II~2005 - Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski
Star Wars: Feel the Force~2005 - Himself
The 100 Greatest Movie Stars~2003 - Himself
Dracula's Bram Stoker~2003 - Himself
The Making of a Legend~2003 - Himself
From Hollywood to Borehamwood~2003 - Himself
Christopher Lee: A Life in Films~2003 - Himself
This Morning~2003 - 11/12/03
Breakfast~2003 - Himself 11/11/03
Richard & Judy~2001 - Himself 11/4/03
James Bond: A BAFTA Tribute~2002 - Himself
Best Ever Bond~2002 - Himself/Scaramanga
The Big Breakfast~2002 - Himself
The Heaven and Earth Show~2002 - Himself
Leute heute~2002 - Himself
Richard and Judy~2001 - Himself 5/02
R2-D2: Beneath the Dome~2001 - Himself
Quest for the Ring~2001 - Himself/Saruman
National Geographic: Beyond the Magic - The Lord of the Rings~2001 - Himself/Saruman the White
Passage to Middle-Earth: Making of 'Lord of the Rings', A~2001 - Himself/Saruman
Burnt Offering: The Cult of the Wicker Man~2001 - Himself
Once Upon a Time in Europe~2001 - Presenter/Introduction
Les Redoutables~2001 - Death in Confession
The Big Breakfast~2001 - Himself
Midsomer Murders~2001 - Count Dracula (archive footage) in Who Killed Cock Robin?
Turning Points~2000 - Himself (# 1.10)
Ghost Stories for Christmas~2000 (mini) - the voice of M.R James
Gormenghast~2000 (mini) - Flay in 1.1-1.4
Legends~2000 - Himself
The New Adventures of Robin Hood~1996-1998 -
Olwyn in The Auction 3.13 12/13/98
Nightmare of the Magic Castle
The Sceptre 2.10
The Legend of Olwyn 1.4
A Race Against Death 1.5
Robin and the Golden Arrow 1.1
Ivanhoe~1997 (mini) - Lucard de Beaumanoir in Parts Three, Four, Five, Six (see Actor Connections - TV)
Strictly Supernatural~1997 - Narrator
The Odyssey~1997 - Tiresias in 1.1, 1.2
Moses~1996 - Ramses
Soul Music (The Wyrd Sisters)~1996 (mini) - the voice of Death in 1.1-1.6
Street Gear~1995 - Nick Dupont (13 episodes)
Tales of Mystery and Imagination~1995 -
Host/Prince Prospero in The Masque of the Red Death
The Host in The Oval Portrait
The Host in Berenice
The Host in The Fall of the House of Usher
The Tomorrow People~1995 - Rameses/Sam Rees in The Rameses Connection: Part 4, 3, 2, 1 (see Actor Connections - TV)
Flesh and Blood: The Hammer Heritage of Horror~1994 - Himself/Narrator (small clip below)
The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles~1992 - Count Ottokar Graf Czerin in Austria, March 1917
Fear in the Dark~1991 - Narrator and archive footage of Dracula
Sherlock Holmes and the Leading Lady~1991 - Sherlock Holmes
The Care of Time~1990 - Karlis Zander
Treasure Island~1990 - Blind Pew (see Actor Connections - TV)
Around the World in 80 Days~1989 (mini) - Stuart
Wetten, Dass..?~1987- Himself in Wetten, Dass..? aus Kiel
Shaka Zulu~1987 (mini) - Lord Bathurst
The Disputation~1986 - King James of Aragon
The Far Pavilions~1984 (mini) - Kaka-ji Rao (see Actor Connections - TV)
Faerie Tale Theater~1984 - King Vladimir V in The Boy Who Left Home to Find Out About the Shivers
Charles & Diana: A Royal Love Story~1982 - Prince Philip
Charlie's Angels~1980 - Dale Woodman in Angel in Hiding: Parts 1, 2
How the West Was Won~1978 (mini) - The Grand Duke Dimitrij in Buffalo Story
Pilot
This Is Your Life~1974 - Himself in Christopher Lee (see Actor Connections - TV)
Orson Welles' Great Mysteries~1973 - Arnaud in The Leather Funnel 7/13/74
Poor Devil~1973 - Mr. Lucifer
Victims of Terror~1967 (US Educational V) - On-screen narrator
The Avengers~1967-1969 -
Colonel Mannering in The Interrogators
Prof. Frank N. Stone in Never, Never Say Die
The Alfred Hitchcock Hour~1964 - Karl Jorla in The Sign of Satan
One Step Beyond ~1961 - Wilhelm Reitlinger in The Sorcerer
Tales of the Vikings~1959 - Lord Roderick - Norman Knight in Pedigree
William Tell~1959 - Prince Erik in Manhunt
White Hunter~1958 - Mark Caldwell in This Hungry Hell
Ivanhoe~1958 - Sir Otto in The German Knight
Dessinger in Operation Firefly Assignment Foreign Legion -
Gardener in As We Forgive
Arab in The Anaya
The Gay Cavalier~1957 - in The Lady's Dilemma
Errol Flynn Theater~1957 -
Count Henri de Dairval in Fortunes Of War
The Visitant in Evil Thoughts
Maurice Gabet in The Model
Compte de Merret in Love Token
The Scarlet Pimpernel~1956 - Louis - The French Executioner in The Elusive Chauvelin
Colonel March of Scotland Yard~1956 - Jean-Pierre in At Night All Cats Are Grey
Sailor of Fortune~1956 - Yusif in The Desert Hostages
Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., Presents~1953-1956
Marenko in The Immigrant
Official in Border Incident
Antonio in The International Settlement
Radenko in The Death of Michael Turbin
in Destination Milan
Sabre of London (The Vise)~1955 - Martell in Man in Demand (archive footage)
Kaleidoscope~1946-1947 - Commissaire of Police
Theatre and Live Performances
Oedipus Myth~2005 - Narration (Barbican Theatre, London, UK)
Magic of the Dance~2005 - Narration (Regent Theatre, Norwich, UK)
Earthshaker Festival~2005 - Singer with Manowar and Rhapsody (Geisewind, Bavaria) knac.com
Rumplestiltskin~1930s - demonic Rumpelstiltskin (school production)
Radio
Christopher Lee's Fireside Tales~2013? - Reader
The Monkey's Paw
The Man and the Snake
John Charrington's Wedding
The Man of Science
The Black Cat
Mystery Theater~2009 - Host for classic mystery shows
The Monkey's Paw~2007 - Reader
Quote...Unquote~2005 - Himself/Guest
Quote...Unquote~2003 - Himself/Guest
Edgar Allen Poe's Gothic Tales~2003 - Reader:
The Cask of Amontillado
The Pit and the Pendulum
The Tell-Tale Heart
Leading Ladies~2000 - Presenter (2 parts)
Don Maclean~2000 - Guest
Blithe Spirit~1999 - Reader in A Centenary Celebration of Noël Coward
A Very British Story~1999 - (4 episodes)
Some Like It Wilder~1998 - Himself
The Gemini Apes~1998 - Drake
Dracula - A Birthday Tribute~1997 - Himself
The Afternoon Shift~1996 - Himself in Exorcising Ghosts
Judi Spiers~1995 - Himself
Desert Island Discs~1995 - Himself
Outside the Circle~1994 - Reader
A Night at the Opera~1994 - Himself discussing opera
100 Years of the Movies~1994 - Himself (several episodes)
Cinema 2~1993 - Himself
Packed Lunch~1991 - Guest
Britannia - The Film~1990 - Himself in Fantasy by Gaslight Frankenstein and Dracula - the Gothic Tradition - discussion (8 episodes) (see Actor Connections - Radio)
With Children In Mind~1989 - Himself narrating Peter and the Wolf
Test Match Special~1987 - Himself (talking sports - cricket)
Ron Goodwin~1983 - Himself (playing piano)
Star Sound Extra~1982 - Himself
Christopher Lee~1979 - Himself
Jeremy Cordeaux (show - South Australia)~1979 - Himself discussing Tall, Dark, and Gruesome
Film Time~1973 - Himself discussing Nothing But The Night and his own film company
The Horror Story~1973 - Himself discussing Frankenstein, Dracula, Lovecraft.
The Movie Quiz~1972 - Himself
Study on 3~1971-1972 - Himself in The Horror Story 1: Gothic Tales
Christopher Lee~1971 - Himself
Star Sound~1970 - Himself
Sound Screen 70~1970 - Himself (see Actor Connections - Radio)
Alan Freeman (show)~1969 - Himself
Galaxy~1969 - Himself/Guest
Movie-Go-Round~1968 - Himself
Leviathan 99~1968 - The Captain (Lee refers to the Captain as Ahab though the character is nameless)
Movie-Go-Round~1965 - Himself/Guest (3 episodes)
Movie-Go-Round~1962 - Himself/Guest (2 episodes)
Movie-Go-Round~1959 - Himself/Guest (3 episodes)
Saturday Matinee~1954 - Kravic in When the Wind Blows
The Noble Spaniard~1953 - Count de Moret
Curtain Up!~1952 - Sebastien, Duke of Burgundy in Passport to Pimlico
English Theatre~1952 - Presenter of Henry Navarre: Ladies and Gentlemen of the Court
Triple Bill~1952 - Pedro in (one of these plays):
Only Got Egg
The Philosopher
The Patriot
Saturday Matinee~1950 - The Major in Success to Seraphine!
Dick Barton - Special Agent~1950 - Champ Rotherham
Audio Books/Albums
The Children of Hurin~2007 - Narrator
Sherlock Holmes: Valley of Fear and The Hound of the Baskervilles~1993 - Narrator/reader
Jack Higgins (series)~1992 - Narrator
To Catch a King - reader
A Game for Heroes - reader
Tales of Horror - reader
Dracula~1969 - Narrator/reader (all characters) Note: this was a special 2-record vinyl album that was available to order ($5.95) only through Castle of Frankenstein Magazine.
Audio Performances (radio)
Agatha Christie - The Witness for the Prosecution~2010 - Narrator
This Sceptred Isle (series 8 volumes) - Narrator
Neverwhere~2007 - Narrator
Music
Ghost Riders in the Sky
Christopher Lee: Darkest Carols, Faithful Sing Christopher Lee: A Heavy Metal Christmas~2014 - singer
The Lord of the Rings: Complete Songs and Poems~2006 - one of 14 soloists (with The Tolkien Ensemble)
Rhapsody: The Magic of the Wizard's Dream~2005 - Singer (also recorded in French, German, and Italian)
Rhapsody: Symphony of Enchanted Lands II: The Dark Secret~2005 - narrated as the Wizard King
"She'll Fall for Me"~1995 - Competitor/singer/self (see Actor Connections - Music Videos)
Books
Lord of Misrule: The Autobiography of Christopher Lee~2004 - by Christopher Lee
The Christopher Lee Filmography: All Theatrical Releases 1948-2003~2004 - by Tom Johnson and Mark A. Miller
Lord of the Rings Weapons and Warfare~2003 - by Chris Smith and Christopher Lee
Lips of Blood: An Illustrated Guide to Hammer's Dracula Movies Starring Christopher Lee
James Bond's London~2001 - by Gary Giblin, Christopher Lee and Peter Hunt
Christopher Lee: The Authorised Screen History~2001 - by Jonathan Rigby
The Cult Films of Christopher Lee~2000 - by Jonathan Sothcott
English Gothic: A Century of Horror Cinema~2000 - by Jonathan Rigby
Tall, Dark and Gruesome (Autobiography)~ 1997 - by Christopher Lee
Video Games
God of War II~2007 - voice of Zeus
Kingdom Hearts II~2006 - voice of Diz
EverQuest II~2004 - Lucan D'Lere
GoldenEye: Rogue Agent~2004 - Francisco Scaramanga
Lord of the Rings: Battle for Middle Earth~2004 - Saruman The White
Lord of the Rings: The Third Age~2004 - Saruman The White
Freelancer~2003 -
The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers~2002 - Saruman
The White Conquest: Frontier Wars~2001 - Anvil, Headquarters
Rocky Interactive Horror Show, The~1999 - Narrator
Ghosts~1994 - Dr. Marcus Grimalkin/Himself
Awards, Honors, and Nominations
29th Evening Standard Film Awards:
Special Achievement Award: Christopher Lee
Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films (Saturn Awards):
Nom 1980 Saturn Award Best Actor for Arabian Aventure
Rec'd 1979 Life Career Award
Nom 1979 Saturn Award Best Actor for The Wicker Man
Awards Circuit Community Awards:
Nom 2002 ACCA Best Cast Ensemble for The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (shared)
Rec'd 2001 ACCA Best Cast Ensemble for The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (shared)
Bram Stoker Awards:
Rec'd 1995 Lifetime Achievement Award
BAFTA (British Film Institute Awards):
Rec'd 2011 BFI Academy Fellowship
Catalonian International Film Festival (Caixa de Catalunya):
Rec'd 1983 Best Actor for House of the Long Shadows (shared with Vincent Price, Peter Cushing, John Carradine)
CBE (Britain) Rec'd 2001 Commander of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II.
Cinema For Peace Awards:
Rec'd 2014 Honorary Award
DVD Exclusive Awards:
Nom 2003 DVDX Award Best Audio Commentary (Ensemble) for Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers
Empire UK Awards:
Rec'd 2002 Lifetime Achievement Award
Evening Standard British Film Awards:
Rec'd 2002 For Lifetime Achievement
Fantafestival:
Rec'd 1993 Career Award
Fantasporto (International Fantasy Film Award):
Rec'd 1984 Best Actor for his contributions to the fantastic film genre.
Festróia - Tróia International Film Festival:
Rec'd 2007 Golden Dolphin for his career.
Jules Verne Adventure Film Festival:
Rec'd 2006 Lifetime Achievement Honor
London Critic's Circle Film Awards
Rec'd 1994 Dylis Powell Award
Karlovy Vary International Film Festival:
Rec'd 2008 Festival President's Award
Locarno International Film Festival:
Rec'd 2013 Excellence Award
London Critics Circle Film Awards:
Rec'd 1994 Dilys Powell Award
MTV Movie Awards:
Rec'd 2003 Best Fight for Star Wars Episode II - Attack of the Clones (with Yoda)
Nom 2002 Best Fight for Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (shared: Ian McKellen)
Nom 2002 Best Villain for Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
Online Film Critics Society Awards:
Rec'd 2003 Best Ensemble for The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (shared)
Phoenix Film Critics Society Awards:
Rec'd 2003 Best Acting Ensemble for The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (shared)
Rec'd 2002 Best Acting Ensemble for The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (shared)
Screen Actors Guild Awards:
Nom 2003 Outstanding Performance by the Cast of a Theatrical Motion Picture for Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (shared)
Nom 2002 Outstanding Performance by the Cast of a Theatrical Motion Picture for Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (shared)
Seattle Film Critics Awards:
Rec'd 2003 Living Treasure Award
Sitges-Catalonian International Film Festival:
Rec'd 1983 Caixa de Catalunya Best Actor for House of the Long Shadows (shared)
SFX Awards, UK:
Nom 2003 Outstanding Performance by the Cast of a Theatrical Motion Picture for The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (shared)
Nom 2002 Outstanding Performance by the Cast of the Theatrical Motion Picture for The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (shared)
Nice, France honored Mr. Lee with a Crystal Eagle Head...the highest honor bestowed from the city, usually reserved for heads of state, ambassadors, etc.
Miscellany:
2011 - The French government made him a Commander of the Order of Arts and Letters.
2009 - Made a Knight Bachelor for Services to Drama and the Charity - he was knighted by Prince Charles.
2008 - Guinness Book of World Records: Most Connected Living Actor
Is listed as the Center of the Hollywood Universe by the Oracle of Kevin Bacon website at the University of Virginia, because he can be linked to anyone in Hollywood on average in 2.59 steps. That is less than either Charleton Heston, Sean Connery or Kevin Bacon himself. The uncle of actress Harriet Walter. (Fanny Dashwood in Sense and Sensibility)
2005 - Most Bankable Star
2005 - Received a star on central London's famed Avenue of the Stars. The Scaramanga gene was named after Christopher Lee's character, Scaramanga...the world's most expensive hitman in the Man With The Golden Gun. (1974) The character was the nemesis of James Bond's nemesis and was identifiable only by his third nipple.
2004 - Made an honorary citizen of Casina, Italy - home of his ancestors.
2004 - Empire Magazine poll - Greatest Living Actor #16 Lee found the role of Count Dooku (Star Wars) intriguing and was eager to immerse himself in the role.
2001 - Appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire for Services to Drama
2001 - Guinness Book of World Records - Star with the most screen appearances to his name.
1997 - Appointed a Commander of the Venerable Order of Saint John
1995 - Was one of the judges for the Miss World beauty pageant.
1987 - For the Charity "Stars in der Manege (Stars in the Arena) he played a magician in "The Floating Virgin" with Maria Schell's daughter Marie-Theres Relin.
1978 - Turned down Donald Pleasance's role in Halloween
1972 - Lee founded Charlemagne Productions Limited
1947 - In the film, Dick Tracy Meets Gruesome, Boris Karloff's character (Gruesome) gives his name as Christopher Cushing.
Only actor from The Lord of the Rings movies to have met J.R.R. Tolkien
At 6'5" - was the tallest leading actor for his entire career.
Had more on-screen sword fights than any other actor in the history of film.
Belonged to three stunt unions.
He's played "Death" four times in his films, Rameses twice
Could recite every official executioner in England since the 15th century, and on June 17, 1939 (he was two weeks into 17) witnessed the last public execution (of Eugène Weidmann) by guillotine in France. Lee would go on to play Charles-Henri Sanson, a fourth-generation executioner, in La Révolution française (1989.)
The blood dripping fangs, worn by Lee in many of his vampire films were created by Irish dental technician Sean Mulhall.
Vincent Price and Christopher Lee were born on the same day (27th May) and Peter Cushing was born on the 26th May.
A cousin of Ian Fleming (creator of James Bond 007) - they even fought together in the SOE.
Came down with malaria six times within the span of a single year during his service in military intelligence.
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