By Christopher K. House
One of Hollywood's most prolific character actors, Christopher Frank Carandini Lee has passed away at the age of 93.
Lee. a breakout star of many Hammer horror films transcended time and became known to a new generation of film fans with roles in The Lord Of The Rings and, The Hobbit. Star Wars as Count Dooku, among many other genre films of this generation. Lee struggled with his acting career in the beginning. He never could find his footing in the numerous small films and television roles he had. It was his first breakout film with Peter Cushing, The Curse Of Frankenstein for Hammer Films in 1957 that Lee found his true calling. Lee would go on to star in Hammer Films until 1976. In 1977, Lee made the trip to Hollywood, starring in numerous American films and plays. Even appearing on the iconic show Saturday Night Live. In 2011, after nearly 3 decades he made an appearance in a Hammer production. Lee gave a "superbly sinister" performance in The Resident, alongside Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Hilary Swank.
Lee died at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital on 7 June 2015 at 8:30 am after being admitted for respiratory problems and heart failure shortly after celebrating his 93rd birthday in the hospital. His wife delayed the public announcement until 11 June, in order to break the news to their family
We will have more on the life and work of Christopher Lee in the near future in a more detailed article.
One of Hollywood's most prolific character actors, Christopher Frank Carandini Lee has passed away at the age of 93.
Lee. a breakout star of many Hammer horror films transcended time and became known to a new generation of film fans with roles in The Lord Of The Rings and, The Hobbit. Star Wars as Count Dooku, among many other genre films of this generation. Lee struggled with his acting career in the beginning. He never could find his footing in the numerous small films and television roles he had. It was his first breakout film with Peter Cushing, The Curse Of Frankenstein for Hammer Films in 1957 that Lee found his true calling. Lee would go on to star in Hammer Films until 1976. In 1977, Lee made the trip to Hollywood, starring in numerous American films and plays. Even appearing on the iconic show Saturday Night Live. In 2011, after nearly 3 decades he made an appearance in a Hammer production. Lee gave a "superbly sinister" performance in The Resident, alongside Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Hilary Swank.
Lee died at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital on 7 June 2015 at 8:30 am after being admitted for respiratory problems and heart failure shortly after celebrating his 93rd birthday in the hospital. His wife delayed the public announcement until 11 June, in order to break the news to their family
We will have more on the life and work of Christopher Lee in the near future in a more detailed article.