Christopher Lee: Actor Known for Roles in ‘THE LORD OF THE RINGS’ and ‘DRACULA’, Dies at 93

Preston Barta // Features Editor

Christopher Lee, the British actor known for his many film roles such as Count Dracula in numerous films and Saruman the White in THE LORD OF THE RINGS films, has passed away at the age of 93 reports say. Lee reportedly died at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital in London at 8:30 a.m. local time on Sunday after being admitted three weeks prior with respiratory problems.

Lee first stepped into the spotlight after portraying Count Dracula in a string of films in the ’50s and ’60s. His towering frame (at 6’5″) and deep voice made him menacing and the perfect choice for some of the most beloved villains. Lee played James Bond villain Francisco Scaramanga in THE MAN WITH THE GOLDEN GUN (1974), Count Dooku in the STAR WARS prequel films (2002 and 2005), and the aristocratic leader of a pagan cult in THE WICKER MAN (1973).

Lee may be lost but his movies and memories of him live on. He will be sorely missed. Rest in peace, sweet prince.