It’s a sad day for movie lovers around the world as celebrated and beloved actor Sir Christopher Lee has passed away at age 93.
British screen legend Sir Christopher Lee passed away on Sunday morning from complications caused by heart and respiratory issues, according to The Telegraph.
The actor began his career in 1946 in the television series KALEIDOSCOPE, shortly after he returned from serving in the Royal Air Force and British Intelligence– in an unit simply known as “The League of Ungentlemanly Warfare”– during World War II. He went on to thrill audiences as one of the most influential actors in early horror films, including his career-defining role in 1958’s DRACULA. Along the way, he also made headlines for roles in FU MANCHU, THE THREE MUSKETEERS, the James Bond movie THE MAN WITH THE GOLDEN GUN, and SHERLOCK HOLMES films as both Sherlock and Mycroft Holmes (in different decades.)
The actor suffered a heart attack in 1985 and was advised to retire from acting, but was back to work within the year and continued to work for another 30 years.
More recently, the actor has been adored for his performances as Saruman in THE LORD OF THE RINGS and THE HOBBIT films, as well as the STAR WARS prequel series as Count Dooku.
Still working at 93, Lee was set to star in 9/11 lead-up film THE 11TH with Uma Thurman prior to his passing.
Sir Christopher Lee was an irreplaceable staple of popular film and will be sorely missed.