Sir Christopher Lee, the veteran actor and star of many of the world’s biggest film franchises, has died aged 93.
“We are deeply saddened to hear that Sir Christopher Lee has passed away,” the British Film Institute (BFI) tweeted, as the news broke on Thursday.
The English-born actor, who made his name playing Dracula and Frankenstein’s monster in the Hammer horror films, appeared in more than 250 movies.
He was best-known for his villainous roles – including Scaramanga in James Bond and evil wizard Saruman in The Lord of the Rings.
The actor’s other credits include The Wicker Man and Star Wars.
The actor is reported to have died on Sunday at Chelsea and Westminster hospital in London, after being hospitalised for respiratory problems and heart failure.
A Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea council spokesman said: “We can confirm that the Register Office issued a death certificate for Mr Christopher Lee on Monday 8 June, Mr Lee died on Sunday 7 June.”
He was knighted in 2009 for services to drama and charity and was awarded a Bafta fellowship in 2011.
James Bond actor Roger Moore tweeted: “It’s terribly when you lose an old friend, and Christopher Lee was one of my oldest.
“We are deeply saddened to hear that Sir Christopher Lee has passed away,” the British Film Institute (BFI) tweeted, as the news broke on Thursday.
His Lord Of The Rings co-star Dominic Monaghan said: “So, so sorry to hear that Christopher Lee has passed away. He was a fascinating person.”
Actor Reece Shearsmith said: “Very upset to learn that Sir Christopher Lee has passed away. An amazing gentleman who brought us so many iconic roles. He will be missed.”
Broadcaster Jonathan Ross said: “So sad to hear that Sir Christopher Lee has died. A great actor, a great star, a surprisingly good singer and a lovely, lovely man.”
Born into affluence in London in 1922, Sir Christopher traced his lineage to Charlemagne, the first Holy Roman Emperor.
After public school he served in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve during the Second World War, where he was mentioned in dispatches.
His screen career began when he joined the Rank Organisation in 1947, training as an actor in their so-called “charm school”.
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