Sir Christopher Lee RIP

Today seems to have been a particularly sad day for the world of entertainment, with three significant figures from that world reaching the end of their mortal lives. Beside Sir Christopher Lee whose death a few days ago was announced today, there were similar obituary announcements for Ron Moody, famous for playing Fagin in "Oliver," and for Jazz star Ornette Coleman. All died rich in years - at 93, 91, and 85 respectively and all will be missed.

But I particularly want to remember Sir Christopher Lee who had a very long and truly spectacular career - he said he wanted to die with his boots on and indeed was planning another film at the time of his death.

As a young man Christopher Lee served in RAF intelligence during World War II. He was quoted as saying that

"I was attached to the SAS from time to time but we are forbidden – former, present, or future – to discuss any specific operations. Let's just say I was in Special Forces and leave it at that. People can read in to that what they like."

Becoming an actor after the war, he started the most amazing film and voice acting career. He was

Dracula,
Fu Manchu,
Rasputin
Count Rochefort in "The Three Musketeers" 
Lord Summerisle in the original "The Wicker man"
Count Dooku from "Star Wars"
Saruman the White from "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit,"
James Bond villain Francisco Scaramanga in "The Man with the Golden Gun."

and far too many other parts to mention.

He was also a talented musician and had a musical career as well as an acting one.

Scott Weinberg said of him

"Do you have kids? They know who Christopher Lee is. Are your grandparents still around? So do they. That's amazing. Such a cool guy too."

He was a truly amazing human being and will be greatly missed.

Rest in Peace.

Comments

Jim said…
He will always be Count Dooku to me. (even if he was the best Dracula)

RIP
Cristopher
9:07 pm
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