On Sunday morning, the world bid goodbye to legendary British actor Christopher Lee as the 93-year-old passed away at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital due to respiratory problems and heart failure.
The report of his death came a few days after because of his wife's decision to inform family members first, according to The Guardian.
Christopher Lee's legendary acting stint was made known from his portrayal of Dracula, and later took roles for several horror films. Among his highly acclaimed and classic portrayals was becoming Count Dooku in "Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones" and "Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith."
He also reprised the role of Saruman in "The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring," and sequel film "The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers."
One online biography of Christopher Lee said he was born to one of the oldest families in Europe in 1922. He attended Wellington College and Eton College, schools where he took courses on Greek and Latin. During the second World War, he reportedly served in the Royal Air Force and Special Forces and received accolades for his services.
Christopher Lee's film debut was in 1947 for the Gothic romance "Corridor of Mirrors," his biography said. In the next decade, he was featured in about 30 films, both action and horror films.
The Guardian reported he also became a "regular collaborator" with Tim Burton for films such as "Corpse Bride," "Sleepy Hollow," "Dark Shadows," and "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory."
The Guardian writer Peter Bradshaw, who is among the people Christopher Lee personally encountered in life, shared stories about the legendary British actor and vividly described him from youth to old age.
"Christopher Lee continued a career of great professionalism and industry which was noted for any great stardust or magic until the end of the 90s, when the Star Wars prequel trilogy and the Tolkien movies called on him, with his increasingly legendary personal aura and Merlin-like appearance," Bradshaw wrote.
When Bradshaw saw Christopher Lee walk as Dracula, he described him as "tall, handsome and well-built, with an easy athleticism and a frank, direct manner," not to mention hearing his "deep, melodious" and commanding voice.
Recalling his roles from "Star Wars" and "The Lord of the Rings," the film critic and writer said, "Now an old man, but still powerfully resonant and mellifluous. Lee had become a walking folk memory of popular cinema: an actor of muscular intelligence and grace with a staggering career."
