Christopher Lee passed away today, and it’s always tough to hear this kind of news from Hollywood. It stings even more when it’s about such a beloved and iconic figure like him.

Hollywood gives us a glimpse into so many stories, not just in movies but also in the lives of those who bring them to life. Christopher Lee‘s story is one of those memorable ones. He was a tireless actor, boasting over 200 film appearances and many more on TV.

Lee was part of the British Home Guard and served in the Royal Air Force during World War II. However, his story wasn’t destined to be just about war; it was about achieving greater fame and recognition. Above all, he was a man whom fate wanted to become a legend.

As I grew older, I learned there was no connection between my two favorite Lees from that time.”

Dracula: The Iconic Role

I first heard about him when I was young, through his most iconic character, Count Dracula. His portrayal sparked my interest in horror movies at an early age. It was partly because of him that Sir Christopher was one of the first actors whose name I actually knew.

As a kid, I wondered why Christopher Lee looked nothing like his “cousin” Bruce Lee. Obviously, at six or seven, I didn’t quite get that sharing a last name didn’t mean they were related. As I grew older, I learned there was no connection between my two favorite Lees from that time.

One role that really stood out to me was his portrayal of the sinister Dr. Fu Manchu.

The Sinister Fu Manchu

As the years went by, I came to know more of his characters, usually villains, played by Christopher Lee. One role that really stood out to me was his portrayal of the sinister Dr. Fu Manchu. I can’t remember if it was in The Brides of Fu Manchu or The Blood of Fu Manchu.

But it had to be one of those since they were the only ones aired on TV in Peru. My memory might be a bit hazy on the details, but I vividly remember the character he brought to life. I suppose, as a child, learning about the actor behind these characters led me to imagine some sort of kinship with Bruce Lee.

I was pleasantly surprised to learn that Christopher Lee was the voice of King Haggard in The Last Unicorn, one of my all-time favorite movies.”

The Voice of Haggard and Rasputin

Another role I recall is Rasputin, the mad monk, from a film that’s now just a blur in my memory. Thanks to YouTube, I’ve been able to find some clips that had faded from my mind over the years. The scene that still stands out is when Rasputin was shot, yet he kept getting back up, over and over again.

I was pleasantly surprised to learn that Christopher Lee was the voice of King Haggard in The Last Unicorn, one of my all-time favorite movies. This animated film is one I have so many memories of, and I still love it to this day. As a kid, I watched the Spanish-dubbed version, but once I moved to Los Angeles, I finally got the chance to rent and enjoy the original version.

His role as Francisco Scaramanga actually drew me into the world of Agent 007, licensed to kill.”

Scaramanga and Other Memorable Role

I never really considered myself a James Bond fan—I’ve only seen a few of the films. However, I loved seeing Sir Christopher as the antagonist to Roger Moore in The Man with the Golden Gun. His role as Francisco Scaramanga actually drew me into the world of Agent 007, licensed to kill.

A fun fact: that film and I share the same age, both premiering in 1974. After that, his following films were a bit obscure, leading some to think his days as a star were over. His most notable role for years was a small part as Dr. Cushing Catheter in Gremlins 2: The New Batch.

His star shone brightly once more when he played Saruman the White in The Lord of the Rings Trilogy.”

Saruman and the Return to Stardom

His star shone brightly once more when he played Saruman the White in The Lord of the Rings Trilogy. Peter Jackson‘s epic trilogy had one of its standout characters in this traitorous white wizard. He then portrayed Count Dooku in the Star Wars saga, a villain as ominous as his name suggests: Darth Tyranus.

By then, it was a delight to watch him in various films, big or small. In the twilight of his life, he continued to deliver memorable performances that audiences cherished. Whether as Monsieur Labisse in Hugo or Dr. Wilbur Wonka in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, this great actor left a lasting impression.

Pero irónicamente también es un momento muy grato para recordar a todos esos hermosos y entrañables personajes el cual interpretó.”

Remembering an Icon

Christopher Lee was not just an extraordinary actor; he was a multifaceted man. He was a flight lieutenant in the RAF, the best Count Dracula ever, the Comte de Rochefort, Frankenstein’s monster, Francisco Scaramanga, Sir Henry Baskerville, Kharis the Mummy, Dr. Fu Manchu, Mohammad Ali Jinnah, Dr. Catheter, King Haggard, Grigori Rasputin, Sherlock Holmes, Mycroft Holmes, Dr. Pierre Gerard, Count Dooku, Saruman, Monsieur Labisse, Dr. Wilbur Wonka, Mephistopheles, Lord Summerisle, and so many more.

Today is a sad day, remembering all the incredible cinema moments this great actor gave us. Yet, ironically, it’s also a wonderful moment to celebrate all those beautiful and endearing characters he brought to life. A noble man, now immortal, much like his most famous character, the legendary Prince of Darkness.

R.I.P. Sir Christopher Lee.

Meet you at the next entry.