Actor. During a lengthy and distinguished film career, with a wide range of roles to his credit, he will perhaps be best remembered for his work in the Horror genre and his association with Hammer Films, where he was often paired with Peter Cushing. Notably as 'Count Dracula.' Additionally, he shared the screen with such horror legends as Boris Karloff and Vincent Price. Born Christopher Frank Carandini Lee, his father was a military figure, his mother was of Italian descent, he was educated at Wellington College and served with the Royal Air Force during World War II. Lee launched his film career with "Corridor of Mirrors" (1948) and played the monster in Hammer's "The Curse of Frankenstein" (1957). This was followed with "Horror of Dracula" (1958) and "The Mummy" (1959). During the 1960s, he played the lead role in the 'Fu Manchu' film series. He continued his greatly sought after movie career during the 1970s, as he co-starred in "The Wicker Man" (1973) and played the 'James Bond' villain 'Scaramanga' in the picture "The Man with the Golden Gun" (1974). In later years, he became associated with the "Lord of the Rings," "Star Wars" and "The Hobbit" franchises and remained highly active within the industry until his death. He died from heart and respiratory failure.
Actor. During a lengthy and distinguished film career, with a wide range of roles to his credit, he will perhaps be best remembered for his work in the Horror genre and his association with Hammer Films, where he was often paired with Peter Cushing. Notably as 'Count Dracula.' Additionally, he shared the screen with such horror legends as Boris Karloff and Vincent Price. Born Christopher Frank Carandini Lee, his father was a military figure, his mother was of Italian descent, he was educated at Wellington College and served with the Royal Air Force during World War II. Lee launched his film career with "Corridor of Mirrors" (1948) and played the monster in Hammer's "The Curse of Frankenstein" (1957). This was followed with "Horror of Dracula" (1958) and "The Mummy" (1959). During the 1960s, he played the lead role in the 'Fu Manchu' film series. He continued his greatly sought after movie career during the 1970s, as he co-starred in "The Wicker Man" (1973) and played the 'James Bond' villain 'Scaramanga' in the picture "The Man with the Golden Gun" (1974). In later years, he became associated with the "Lord of the Rings," "Star Wars" and "The Hobbit" franchises and remained highly active within the industry until his death. He died from heart and respiratory failure.
Bio by: C.S.
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