Christopher Lee was a Hollywood legend well-known for his portrayal of villains in movies and during his time on Earth, the icon lived a life that was filled with glory, honor, and fame.
Sir Christopher Lee was an actor best known for villainous roles like Saruman in the "Hobbit" and "Lord Of The Rings" movies but before his fame as a Hollywood star, the icon was a SAS soldier.
The actor was born in Belgravia in 1922 to an army colonel and model. Lee joined the military at 17 and was involved in the 1939 Winter War against the Russians.
Late Christopher Lee at 66th Locarno Film Festival opening ceremony on August 7, 2013 in Locarno, Switzerland | Photo: Getty Images
In 1940, he joined the RAF and in 1941, he was attached to the LRDG which was the vanguard of the SAS. He reportedly fought behind enemy lines in North Africa and nearly died twice during the second world war.
Lee had seven decades worth of acting experience under his belt and with his tall stature and domineering voice, the actor was a sensation to watch.
Late Christopher Lee, British actor, wearing a red-and-black striped tie, in a studio portrait, against a light blue background, circa 1970. | Photo: Getty Images
The actor was given the flight lieutenant rank, although he was not a pilot during his time with the RAF and also worked for the SOE and became a Nazi hunter after the war.
However, sources claimed that the "Dracula" star never accomplished any of his heroic feats and was believed to have suffered from delusions of grandeur.
"The Man With The Golden Gun" star became a fan of metal music after he heard the Black Sabbath in the early seventies and this inspired his musical career.
Christopher Lee in a publicity portrait issued for the film, 'Taste the Blood of Dracula', United Kingdom, January 01, 1970 | Photo: Getty Images
He released the "Revelation" album in 2006. In 2010, he released "Charlemagne: By The Sword And The Cross" followed by "Charlemagne: The Omens Of Death" in 2013. His final contribution to music was "Metal Knight" in 2014.
Lee had seven decades worth of acting experience under his belt and with his tall stature and domineering voice, the actor was a sensation to watch and earned the spotlight with his performance in "Dracula."
Late Christopher Lee during "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" London Premiere at Odeon Leicester Square in London, United Kingdom on July 17, 2005 | Photo: Getty Images
He found new fame in the "Lord Of The Rings" franchise and as Count Dooku in "Star Wars." However, according to the actor in a 2004 interview, the most important film to him was "Jinnah." In his words,
"It had the best reviews I've ever had in my entire career - as a film and as a performance."
Late Christopher Lee poses during the Bangkok International Film Festival at Siam Paragon Festival Venue on February 20, 2006 in Bangkok, Thailand | Photo: Getty Images
He was married to Birgit Kroencke from 1961 until his death in 2015 and they share a daughter.
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