Christopher Lee
Christopher Frank Carandini Lee (born May 27, 1922) is a distinguished British actor. He shouldn't be confused with Christopher Lee, historian.Lee became famous for his role as Count Dracula in a string of Hammer Horror films. He is viewed by many as the quintessential film villan. Other notable films include The Wicker Man and The Man with the Golden Gun. Lee is now over 80 years old, and still appearing in films such as ', and '.
Educated at Wellington College, he volunteered to fight for the Finnish forces during the Winter War against the Soviet Union in 1939, then served in the Royal Air Force and intelligence during World War II.
Lee appeared on the cover of the Wings album Band on the Run along with other people, including Clement Freud.
Lee has played roles in over 220 films since 1948, and has had many notable television roles. He appeared as Flay in the BBC television miniseries Gormenghast, based on Mervyn Peake's novels.
His great grandparents formed Australia's first opera company, performing before miners in towns in the outback. Author Ian Fleming, his cousin, wanted Lee to play the first James Bond film villain, Dr No.
Lee was a natural choice for the Lord of the Rings movies, where he plays the role of Saruman, as he makes it a habit of reading the novel at least once a year.