Christopher Lee

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Arts & Culture

Christopher Lee

English actor

Also known as: Sir Christopher Frank Carandini Lee

Written by Richard Pallardy

Fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last Updated: Mar 29, 2024 • Article History

Christopher Lee

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Category: Arts & Culture

In full:: Sir Christopher Frank Carandini Lee

Born:: May 27, 1922, Belgravia, London, England

Died:: June 7, 2015, London (aged 93)

On the Web:: Guinness World Records - Sir Christopher Lee 1922 -2015: A look back over an incredible record-breaking acting career (Mar. 29, 2024)

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Christopher Lee (born May 27, 1922, Belgravia, London, England—died June 7, 2015, London) English actor known for his film portrayals of villains ranging from Dracula to J.R.R. Tolkien’s wizard Saruman. Lee was born to an Italian contessa and a British army officer. After a stint at Wellington College (1936–39), he joined the Royal Air Force (1941–46), attaining the rank of flight lieutenant during his World War II service. Lee then pursued an acting career. Though initially dismissed by casting directors because of his imposing 6-foot 5-inch (1.96-metre) stature, he was eventually cast in Corridor of Mirrors (1948). Numerous supporting roles ...(100 of 496 words)

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