The legendary actor passed away Sunday after reportedly suffering respiratory problems.
Sir Christopher Lee, best known for his roles in Lord of the Rings, the Star Wars prequels, and as Dracula in a staggering 10 films, has died in a hospital after suffering respiratory problems, The Telegraph reports.
“The actor died at 8:30am on Sunday at London’s Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, sources close to his family said.” Lee was in the hospital for three weeks for respiratory problems and heart failure. Lee turned 93 on May 27 in the hospital.
Lee recently signed up for a new film said to be set in the hours leading up to the attack on the Twin Towers in New York, titled The 11th, which was due to begin filming in November.
Born in London, England in 1922, Lee is of noble Italian Ancestry. Prior to beginning his prolific film career, Lee volunteered in the Royal Air Force and then served with the RAF and British intelligence during WWII, helping with the hunt for Nazi war criminals.
Lee’s portrayal of the vampire Dracula in the 1958 Hammer Horror production, and the sequels to follow, paved the way for the imposing actor to become one of the most recognizable figures in all of cinema. Despite his age and vast portfolio, Lee mesmerized a newer generation of film enthusiasts in the early 2000’s when he appeared in the Blockbuster Lord of the Rings franchise. Shortly after, Lee took on the role of Count Dooku in Star Wars Episodes II and III.
In 2009, Lee was knighted by Prince Charles in recognition of his lifetime contribution to the film and television industries.
Lee is survived by his wife Birgit Kroencke Lee and daughter Christina Erika Lee.
Sleep easy, you wonderful man.
