Christopher Lee: An Unexpected Giant of Cinema

Christopher Lee is most familiar to the world as a consummate actor with a deep, rich voice and a towering presence. In ten hammer Studios films he became the embodiment of evil, inhabiting the character of Count von Dracula with a sinister charm.
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Credits:
Host - Simon Whistler
Author - Steve Theunissen
Producer - Samuel Avila
Executive Producer - Shell Harris
Business inquiries to [e-mail]
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[@FunSizeSpamberguesa]

The story of how he met Tolkien is kind of hilarious: randomly, in a pub, and he was so surprised he could barely speak.

[@calichef1962]

While Mr. Lee may have wanted to play Gandalf, I can't see anyone else play Sauroman as well as he did. He and Ian Mc Kellen were perfectly cast, as were all the actors in the trilogy.

[@MikadoOkami]

Imagine an alternate universe where Christopher Lee played Gandalf and Ian Mckellen played saruman

[@requinremembers]

@@MikadoOkami I prefer that universe.

[@darthXreven]

agreed, it's hard seeing anyone else in those roles, it would be interesting to see how Lee would have played Gandalf though but I love what we got all the same....

[@FunSizeSpamberguesa]

I read somewhere that the reason he didn't ask for the role of Gandalf was because he was old enough that he wasn't sure he could physically do it.

[@Syklonus]

Gandalf and Sauruman are essentially the same character anyway, just at different stages and who take different paths. Lee pretty much got as close to his wish as possible, so I think he was happy.

[@samuelbarber6177]

This guy had one of the most interesting and craziest lives I’ve ever seen: He witnessed the last ever Public Execution in France using a guillotine, he was given permission to marry into Swedish royalty, he was the inspiration for James Bond and he was the only member of the LOTR cast to actually meet J R R Tolkien...

[@bobocpe]

Inspiration for Bond was a guy called Dusko Popov. Still, Lee was a badass...

[@samuelbarber6177]

@@bobocpe I think Fleming had several inspirations for the character (incidentally, him and Lee were cousins) not to mention he took the name from an ornithologist because he wanted to give his spy an unremarkable name

[@bobocpe]

@@samuelbarber6177 :)

[@Ty-vj4wg]

He also was related to Charlemagne, met the men who killed Rasputin, and he climbed Mount Vesuvius 3 days before it exploded in 1944.

[@caliburn1123]

​@@bobocpe or a German spy named Otto skorzeny

[@concernedcitizen6313]

What about his metal albums? Did I miss mention of those? :-( Oh, and metal interludes might work.

[@Amccordford]

I was a little surprised his heavy metal music wasn't mentioned either. They're a very defining feature of his last years.

[@antivalidisme5669]

Quite a sad surprise for me too. I especially enjoy his Jacques Brel metal cover and Holy Hell what about his work with Tommi Iommi \m/

[@TheBlueB0mber]

Also his work with Luca Turilli. Thanks for pointing this out!

[@TulilaSalome]

As a young man, he also performed classical music, though more as a hobby - I was also surprised none of his singing was mentioned at all.

[@Moonbeam143]

Concerned Citizen I love your avatar. I love Lil Bub.

[@rainkatt]

Thank you for featuring Sir Christopher Lee. I had the pleasure of interviewing him when I was 17, he also was gracious enough to autograph several portraits I had done of him. I will never forget his eyes, his charm and kindness

[@barrywerdell2614]

How about a bio of Lee's fellow actor Peter Cushing

[@williemherbert1456]

Yes, the one who was famously playing the role as Grand Morf Tarkin

[@adriannespring8598]

Yeeesss!!!

[@MaxwellAerialPhotography]

They were best friends and apparently got kicked out of cinemas a few times for laughing too loudly.

[@sicily7220]

His voice is unforgettable. He plays a great "bad: guy. His voice to me sounds of a man that is cool and calculating; almost sinister (like Vincent Price).

[@Amccordford]

Christopher Lee, Vincent Price, Tony Jay... We're running out of people with creepy voices! :(

[@petuniasevan]

Yes, he did the voice overs for the character Lucan d'Lere in the the MMO game Everquest 2. Best 'bad guy' voice ever.

[@skeven0]

also he voice Death in Discworld

[@michaelbandada9887]

AFord 42 Alan Rickman had a nasty voice and Jeremy Irons too!

[@ethanshepherd4963]

I like the music 7:08

[@raptin1595]

He was literally the most interesting man in the world. From Nazi hunter, British war hero, metal, an expert fencer, an incredible acting career, everything from Frankenstein’s Monster, to Dracula, sauromon the white, count dooku, a respectful and accurate portrayal of the founder of Pakistan, and that only scratches the surface.

[@IanStLouis-nh5hq]

I cant imagine someone living a fuller life than this man. What a marvelous perspective he must have had.

[@straightrippnable706]

Playing Dracula 10 times must be hundreds, thousand at least, percent more than average people act in that role....

[@jurysout1]

I'm a big admirer of Ian Fleming but this admiration went through the roof when I learned in this biog that he praised Lee's performance in The Man With The Golden Gun 10m years after he died.

[@cognitivedissident2881]

I think he was talking about critics not Fleming.

[@BaphometsLounge]

I heard the same thing @jurysout1 heard @@cognitivedissident2881. Hopefully I was mistaken.

[@amhk5918]

My friends dad was his driver and when he (friend) was little Christopher Lee called the dad and because they had talked about my friend being a big fan Lee asked to talk to him! He spoke German and my friend said he was very nice. I wish I would have had that chance :(

[@matthewmckenna248]

Christopher Lee served in the SOE (Special Operations Executive). And them went on to become one hell of an actor.

[@josi4251]

So he said. However, it is fairly well known now that he inflated or flat-out created some of his military service. He was actually only on the periphery of some of the services he claimed to have been involved in; others he simply made up. (Notice that this biography doesn't mention his service as a "spy.")

[@whitewizard953]

@@josi4251 He himself has stated that he was an RAF intelligence officer who was "attached" to special groups from time to time but was not actually part of them. People just use the word "spy" in general. In interviews he never goes into the details but just leaves it open to curiosity so the articles and media fill the gaps. So he didn't technically lie but just left out the bulk of the story to speculation.

[@antoniomeirelles4299]

Love the episodes but Yankee doodle playing intermitenly is kind of a buzz kill.

[@Mandrake42]

Yeah, its bizarre

[@Martyn2021]

Antonio Meirelles I would put that down to the song being in either the free to use category or in the KZbin archive

[@dfiala9890]

The song is an important Anglo-American artifact. It started as a burn against the "unsophisticated" Americans by the Brits and was then appropriated by the Americans as a rallying cry. I thought it fit in quite well for a segment about a British airman coming over to the States.

[@DoReMi123acb]

Antonio Meirelles Why? The British created that tune as I recall🤔😏

[@towermoss]

@@DoReMi123acb not exactly, it was a medieval Melody found in many European countries.

[@mrsilk309]

Lets not forget the Heavy Metal album he wrote with Tony Iommi released when he was in his early 90's. God damn Chris Lee was cool. Another great Biographic Whistler. Keep them coming!

[@JimFortune]

Liam Silk Would it have been a good score for this video? ;->

[@mrsilk309]

Its basically Black Sabbath with Saruman ranting over the top. It might of worked in places. XD

[@michaelbatts5655]

A life lived to the full.

[@grindmaster7433]

As far as I know he never recorded anything with Tony Iommi, but with Richie Faulkner of Judas Priest

[@NickCADA]

I can guarantee you Tony Ionmi must’ve been just as thrilled to make an album with him.

[@Sawlon]

When I saw the first Dracula with Christopher showing teeth and blood I was hooked! Thanks for sharing, Simon!

[@lavoniajohallharris3313]

Me too when i was 10 🧛‍♂️

[@caroledonoghue2119]

I was fifteen.

[@castorenka]

Ian Fleming died 10 years before The Man With the Golden Gun came out. How could he be "delighted with the portrayal"?

[@balooko31]

Possibly meant the screen writer?

[@MAGGOT_VOMIT]

@@balooko31 _I thought he meant the screenwriter also._

[@bradleydavies4781]

He made that movie.

[@cognitivedissident2881]

I think he was talking about critics.

[@ignitionfrn2223]

0:50 - Chapter 1 - Early life 3:50 - Chapter 2 - Making a living 5:35 - Chapter 3 - The war years 7:20 - Chapter 4 - A new career beckons 9:05 - Chapter 5 - Hammer horrors 11:05 - Chapter 6 - Serious acting 13:40 - Chapter 7 - Coming to america 15:30 - Chapter 8 - A lifelong dream fullfilled 16:55 - Chapter 9 - The waning years

[@brianartillery]

Vincent Price had an interesting life - how about a bio of him?

[@DoReMi123acb]

brianartillery YES! YESSSSS!!!!👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@maddieroxx4eva]

I second that one.

[@8kigana]

Very good point, you can't beat that horror great.

[@antonyolivier3288]

Yes, do it, yes

[@requinremembers]

Agreed!!

[@orcdoc]

Meeting Christopher Lee while working on The Lord of the Rings trilogy was the highlight for me from that entire project. He was a true gent and a fascinating man.

[@P90XGetRipped]

He had such a great speaking voice. RIP

[@samsoncrosswood7259]

A class act, truly, and a classy actor. Rare today.

[@BlueHooloovoo]

What an amazing life and legacy Sir Christopher Lee left us with. He was great professional, intellectual, and above all else a hero. He will be missed.

[@brianyule1289]

His voice work as Death in Terry Pratchett animations is simply perfect

[@StarSong936]

I would love it if you did a biographic of the real James Bond. He was an ornithologist, and I've read his autobiography. He and Ian knew each other, and, if you're interested in science, he is worth reading. I hope you have this in your future plans, and thanks for everything you've done so far. I have a lot of respect for Christopher Lee, both in cinema and his contributions outside of the realm of acting.

[@JimFortune]

Daniel Gable James Bond, the dentist?

[@StarSong936]

An ornithologist is somebody who studies birds. An orthodontist is is an oral surgeon who works on teeth. Confusing I know, but when it comes to language, it's up to history as to what the words mean. Anyhow, James Bond studied birds.

[@JimFortune]

Daniel Gable I must have mis-remembered. The part I do remember is that Fleming was looking for the most boring name he could come up with. So much for that.

[@StarSong936]

Yes, Ian Flemming was looking for the most boring name he could come up with. I saw a reproduction of the letter he sent to James Bond in which me admitted as much. I'm going to look up anything else I can find. I've been going by what I remember from his autobiography, which, if you can find it, I would encourage you to read. Here's a reference: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Bond_(ornithologist)

[@DrDolan2000]

One of the most amazing actors who will forever be remembered. By this generation, the next generation, and forevermore. Rest in peace, you beautiful man

[@laztoth3104]

Who doesn't love Christopher Lee!!! Truly a great Actor 👍🏼

[@ahippy8972]

Thank you for this, mr Lee was probably the best modern British actor as well as a war hero and a great linguist

[@thejudgmentalcat]

I've been a big fan of his since his Hammer days with Cushing. They worked great together.

[@diannaroeder9661]

Christopher Lee is one of my all time favorite actors! My personal favorite was Dracula. It makes sense he was so smart, handsome and regal. Didn't know all this wonderful back you've shared. Looking forward to the next installment, thanks for sharing 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾

[@HayabusaPaul]

Ian Fleming died in 1964. How could he have been pleased with Lee's portrayal of Scaramanga in The Man with the Golden Gun?!

[@postersandstuff]

Exactly

[@tenhirankei]

That was the strength of Lee's performance! Even the dead take notice of it.

[@BaphometsLounge]

I caught that as well...

[@MrSuperior248]

I remember him playing Count Dooku. I had no idea how long or varied his career was. I didn't really think anything of it when I watched the movies but I think I did recognize that this was a great actor.

[@kyleshiflet7932]

My favorite actor along with Boris Karloff and Peter Cushing and Peter lore

[@dannybarcenas9701]

Vincent Price

[@lexfacitregem]

FYI: The soldier's pic at 6:55 is of J.R.R. Tolkien, not Christopher Lee! Blasphemy!!! :-)

[@Ama-Elaini]

Christopher Lee was a massive Tolkien fan... I guess he wouldn't appreciate the mix up though. :P

[@TheCandiceWang]

More mistakes

[@LiteraryRetreat]

Glad you didn't mention the disastrous remake of The Wicker Man starring Nicolas Cage.

[@KimsLantern]

Yeah, no offense to Nic Cage, but that movie was insulting.

[@jevinday]

Mr Lee posted a youtube video on Christmas back in 2013, it was basically just him spreading a message of love on Christmas. It was the sweetest thing I've ever seen in my life. He was truly one in a billion. A true virtuoso of multiple forms of art.

[@jefftucker201]

R.I.P Me Lee, you are a true legend and will be missed! :(

[@johnsummers9660]

It's easy to forget how good The Wicker Man is if you haven't seen it in a while. Lee has one of the best monologues ever in that film.

[@diannelavoie5385]

Later in life he became a count for real when he was installed as Count Carandini in a special ceremony at the family's palazzo. He also sat for a formal portrait. I believe the ceremony was on KZbin. Don't know if it still is.

[@jalapenohiway]

Wow, what an amazingly diverse & dedicated individual! Thanks for this gem Simon!

[@tribudeuno]

You didn't mention the film that I worked with him on, Gremlins 2; The New Batch. His role was that of a genetic scientist. Back in those days, photos on a movie set were real events, since only the script supervisor and property people were the only ones allowed to take pictures, mainly with a Polaroid. I have a photo of myself shaking the hand of Christopher Lee...

[@adamlewis1916]

No mention that he turned down an opportunity of singing opera. No mention that he holds the record for most cinematic sword fights. No mention of the heavy metal albums. No mention that he was the only actor in the LOTR series to have met Tolkein.

[@davidyoung5114]

I'd have included two more pieces in THE WANING YEARS: #1. At age 89, he reprised his role as Sauromon in the Hobbit trilogy, and again showed his immense prescense as a super-fan of Tolkien, and #2. in 2011's Hugo, he was the only cast member to have actually been to the train station (as a youth) where the events of the movie took place.

[@ericabbott9128]

THANK YOU!! He has always been my favorite actor from when I was a child in the 1960's.. it made me so happy when his career rocketed late in his life.. he was a legend

[@Ammo08]

Did I read once that Christopher Lee was the Queen's favorite actor?

[@barnhartjoel]

This was excellent. I learned new stuff about one of my favorite actors. Now, how about that Peter Cushing bio? He was another exceptionally gifted actor who led a remarkable life as well. Seems like a nice follow-up.

[@emmitstewart1921]

Great information But playing "Yankee Doodle" for a story about the most recognizably British actor in history is just plain ridiculous. He would probably found it hilarious.

[@Qardo]

Fun fact: Yankee Doodle was an insulting song. As Doodle is slang for moron or fool. It amazes me on how people forget this and flaunt this song around. Oh well. I guess we are all fools.

[@scottmantooth8785]

i'm sure he would have referenced Deliverance...and that would in of itself had been a surreal experience

[@therugburnz]

Replacement for an ungranted license of a cool song.

[@LaktostheIntolerant]

Yeah, wasn't it basically a remix of an old English song?

[@ProNorden]

Error at 13:23 : "The writer was delighted ..." Unlikely. Ian Fleming died in 1964, about 10 years before TMWTGG & Lee's portrayal of Scaramanga, probably the most sympathetic villain in the series.

[@riinak7212]

I never knew he tried to help the Finns in WWII; as one with Finnish ancestry whose place of origin is around the city of Viipuri, which was ceded to the USSR after the war and is now called Vyborg, one can only dream that the Finns had prevailed in the Winter & Continuation Wars so I could return to the part of Finland my family comes from, rather than everywhere else, but Finland is a beautiful place so it's not like I would be upset to see Helsinki, Turku, Tampere, Rovaniemi, Oulu, etc. Thank you for the information and please keep these films coming as well as the TopTenz & Today I Found Out series. Anything I can do with pronunciation, proofreading, beta-watching, ,etc. for any projects, I'd be glad to do to help. Thank you for getting all this information out! :) Oh, and you forgot Lee's two metal albums, one of which was released when he was 90!

[@SAWiebe]

I think it criminal that his work on the album The King of Elfland's Daughter wasn't mentioned. The musical adaptation of Lord Dunsany's influential fantasy novel was pretty damned good - and he was marvelous in it.

[@SpaceMonkeyBoi]

He may have been over the age of 90, but he still died too soon.

[@stevennelson45]

Thank you, Simon. I enjoyed watching late night horror movies as a youngster in the mid 1960s and was first terrified by Christopher Lee as the quintessential Count Dracula in the 1958 “Horror of Dracula”. No other actor played the role of the Prince of Darkness with such intensity & carnal magnetism. I’ve only recently discovered your biographies on KZbin and thank you for your brilliant work, intelligent humor, and charm. Cheers!

[@ahippy8972]

Absolutely adore this channel! I loved watching your art programs back when I was a fine art student at st martins too x

[@Knights_Oath]

Another favorite conversation Lee had on set I love. Was Ewan McGregor asking Lee why his hands were covered in scars. He responded that he had recieved them over the years. Swordfighting on screen. The swords were dulled and blunted. But that did not mean they wouldn't cut you. Even in his 80's he was a skilled duelist, fitting of Count Dooku. Who was considered the most skilled duelist the Jedinhad seen in years.

[@SophiaAstatine]

Omg. THANK YOU SO MUCH! Awesome to have a video with this legendary, badass man

[@concernedcitizen6313]

This is great, but the interlude music? Kind of weird and nothing about it makes me think of Christopher Lee. If I have any complaint about these BioGraphics videos, it's the interludes. Perhaps rather than repetitive, and often distracting, clips of actual songs, you could get someone to just compose a few seconds of mood music? That is, if you need music at all....

[@Saint_nobody]

Agreed, its quite graining. Should've been a shredding electric guitar instead.

[@8kigana]

Concerned Citizen yes I made a note of it today. It's a Yankee doodle type of tune, he's not a yank( ok by citizenship, but he served honorably for the British military!). Playing silly banjo river music aka "deliverance" type of music is so wrong.

[@Qardo]

Yankee Doodle is an insulting song. As "Doodle" is slang for Moron or Fool. It was used by the British a lot during the war with the 13 Colonies. Trying to insult those who think of breaking from the British Empire.

[@bigsouth010]

Oh get over it. You unappreciative snob

[@susanpohlers2638]

Christopher Lee is one of my favorite actors of all time! Thanks for doing a bio on him!

[@123popup]

It's amazing to me how many "faces" Christopher Lee has.

[@dionr1168]

Hundreds of Senators are now under the influence of a Sith Lord called Darth Sidious. Twice the pride, double the fall. I sense great fear in you Skywalker! You have hate! You have anger! But you don't use them! Also, Count Dooku was not the first Star Wars role he was considered for. He was considered for the role of Tarkin in A New Hope, but turned it down, and the role instead went to his friend Peter Cushing.

[@StarSong936]

@@destyrian I thought Peter Cushing was great. Though my favorite roll I saw Peter Cushing in was as Dr. Who in the two movies he appeared in. I have to say though, any roll I saw either of them in was very well done, and I respect them both as great actors. Note: In not saying anything here about the other actors they appeared with. All did great jobs. I'm only speaking about the rolls they played.

[@barrycardiss6017]

Always some loon brings a democratically elected president into any non related subject. He has created a strong economy, millions of jobs ,especially for women and Hispanics with black youth employment at an all time high...you'd think sociailists would be happy.....

[@lovelessissimo]

@@StarSong936 Peter Cushing hated the boots he had to wear, and so for almost all of the shots of Tarkin, he is actually barefoot.

[@fenriz218]

@@barrycardiss6017 Being happy isn't really high on the list of socialist agendas. They tend to complain about democracy - their worst enemy - until they get a socialist regime... until that collapses and they'll complain how hellish the socialist regime was, etc. At least they'll have four more years of doing what they can do best...

[@anthonyluisi7096]

Terra Novei , agreed . If I remember correctly , Peter Cushings wife had recently passed away and he was in a depression , Christopher Lee comforted Peter and convinced him to act in the movie with him stating it would be good therapy for him to break out of his depression .. both were very good friends 👏

[@josephgonzales1815]

Saruman the White - one of my favorite characters of ALL time

[@jeffjones229]

Thank you for this. Mr Lee was a truly unique and great actor and deserves such a fine biopic.

[@laurawillits176]

That was brilliant, thanks! Mr. Lee was truly amazing.

[@celticpoet21]

awesome video! Despite Lee wanting to escape being horror typecast, its amazing that one of his best and closest friends was American crown prince of terror himself, Vincent Price. Could you do a video of Price next by any chance?

[@jasonsantos3037]

My respect for Christopher lee shame hes not with us no more but he will live on as a legendary actor and an interesting man of his lifetime.

[@o0TreyRoyer0o]

Yay!!! Thank you so much for this!

[@panchemist]

I've been bingewatching (if that is the correct term) your series. Thank you indeed.

[@dancoughlan8001]

Sir, thank you again. I've seen most of his movies and the rest I will watch now. I personally meet Patrick Macnee back in the 70,s. A wonder gentleman in his own right also. How about a Bio on Mr Macnee if not already done?

[@caroleannmc3897]

Awww, Christopher Lee is one of my favourite 'Brits I'm Proud Of'! He had a long and interesting life, saw the best and worst of humanity along the way. He was very much in the Acting Is A Job vein. It was one of the things he did in life, rather than the thing that defined his life. So he never got caught up in the movie world crap. No infidelity, violence, fraud/bankruptcy or drug taking scandals, married for 50 years, well adjusted child .... Does that even still happen anymore!!? Metal musical links would have been more appropriate though.

[@JPoulAndersson]

I knew Christopher Lee was a great man, but I was unaware of his Academic prowess as well as his combat career. What a top bloke!

[@sadnessinside123]

Great video, well done. Thank you

[@ATaskProductions]

What about getting the golden god award for being the oldest metal artist in history. Also his albums were about his ancestor Charlemagne

[@clemkadiddlehopper7705]

you've done Christopher Lee, so how about Peter Cushing?

[@ronsorage78]

One of if not my all time fav actors. Dude was a legend while alive and sorely missed.

[@TheBlueB0mber]

Great episode! A truly iconic actor.

[@788rad]

And another video added to my favourites.

[@petrameyer1121]

I am really disappointed. After suggesting Lee myself I think this bio is pretty sloppy. Important and fun facts missing: - Christopher Lee enlisted in the Royal Air Force in 1940, where he worked as an intelligence officer specializing in cracking German ciphers and skulls and any other Nazi bullshit he came in contact with. In North Africa, he was attached to the Long Range Desert Patrol, the forerunner of the SAS. - After working with the LRDP, Lee was assigned to the Special Operations Executive - better known as Winston Churchill's Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare. It has been stated that Lee's exploits were an inspiration for Flemmings 007 because his cousin Ian Flemming worked there at the time too! His service records are sealed and Lee didn't talk much about his service (when pressed on the subject, he reportedly asked his interviewer, "Can you keep a secret?". When they excitedly say yes, he leaned in close and says, "So can I.") - By the time he retired as a Flight Lieutenant in 1945 he'd been personally decorated for battlefield bravery by the Czech, Yugoslavian, English, and Polish governments and was good friends with Josip Broz Tito, so draw your own conclusion. You make it sound as if was sitting in an intelligence bureau while he was out there in the field during the war. - Lee's movies have grossed more than any actor ever - his top five alone grossed $4.4B - Lee also belongs to three stuntman unions, did all of his own stunts, once busted his face smashing head-first through an actual plate glass window for a scene, injured himself falling into an open grave while portraying Dracula, and once had his hand slashed open during a drunken sword fight with Errol Flynn! - Lee has appeared in more on-screen sword duels than any other actor ever and was a masterful fencer. - A classically trained singer, Christopher Lee also released a heavy metal hardcore symphonic power metal concept album about Charlemagne when he was 88 years old. He's played with Rhapsody and Manowar, and on his 90th birthday, he released a metal single called "Let Legend Mark Me as the King" with music written by some of the guys from Judas Priest. - Christopher Lee was also a master golfer who once played with Jack Nicklaus and is the only actor to have been a member of the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers, the most prestigious country club in the world. Lee was the Commander of the Order of St. John's of Jerusalem, a Knight Bachelor of the Order of the British Empire, and once received a medal from Mikael Gorbachev.

[@donfelipe7510]

The world was a very different place when Sir Christopher was growing up, especially being born into the upper classes as he was. I confess I know little of his life but I know a bit more now and I'm very intrigued, I might look for a biography book on him sometime, is there one you would recommend since you're obviously a fan? Just a theory but perhaps being familiar with different languages and having relatives gave him an advantage with the SOE. It's all about connections.

[@vollsticks]

Don't forget his involvement in training the Operation Anthropoid assassins

[@tomnorton4277]

I read that although he could have used a stuntman, Christopher Lee insisted on doing Count Dooku's somersault in Revenge of the Sith, despite being 83 years old at the time. He did it on wires but he still must have been in excellent shape to manage that at his age.

[@davedarrington9925]

He also had the chance to be an opera singer ..... he turned It down, and regretted the decision for the rest of his life.

[@keithw4039]

He made the most of his life..had connections..so what? Would you throw that spoon away? Yup..thought so....

[@joshbegley3498]

That was beautiful. Thank you.

[@auoeni9321]

*I've been looking forward to this.*

[@danis8455]

Also simon this is by faar the best channel i seen you on so faar! :)

[@seamusscullion1596]

I have been looking forwerd to this

[@benway23]

Thank you for your work.

[@jamesgrassia844]

Thank you Simon, Lee is one of my favorites.

[@EvlEgle]

Not a word about his musical career? Wtf... He was also a Heavy Metal musician with at least 2 albums I know of, a some collaborations

[@postersandstuff]

He was mostly known as an actor though

[@garretth8224]

Those albums make up a small portion of his life compared to his acting career.

[@robertpoopert2808]

i love this man

[@grayj7441]

As an old fan of horror. It was quite pleasing to see his ascension in cinema in his golden years.

[@bryedtan]

Thank you very much for selecting one of my favorite actors the late Sir Christopher Lee I first saw him in the early Hammer films his charm and voice is so magnetic you remember it always Thank You keep up the good work

[@zarasbazaar]

Seems odd to have Yankee Doodle playing in the background of such a quintessentially British actor.

[@douglasmontgomery2063]

"Count Von Dracula?!" No, Simon. No "Von." Dracula wasn't German...

[@kafkatrap6812]

You mean Baron Von Frankenstein? Where does it say count von Dracula?

[@johnkirby8939]

Simon said it at 0:08 seconds in.

[@fenriz218]

@@kafkatrap6812 In the video and the description... And yeah, Dracula wasn't German but, as a German, I wish he would have been and would still be around...

[@kali3665]

@@johnkirby8939 Pretty sure he's reading his script verbatim. That gets him in trouble a lot....

[@mattrogers1946]

I know, right?

[@georgechalhoub4484]

This is the Best and concise Bio of Christopher Lee I ve watched. Great choice in picking what to emphasise.

[@torqueamerican4319]

What an amazing life C Lee had. Remarkable man. Fantastic vid Simon!!!

[@thearabianmage]

Amazing

[@soterioncoil2163]

I'm so glad he was in TLotR and Star Wars!

[@terrychristopher1342]

Well done! Thank you.

[@AlexanderWill1970]

Great summary of the life and work of one of my lifelong favorite actor. Thank you.

[@eddieb7054]

I remember seeing his first Dracula movie at the age of 8. His cape reminded me of Bishop Fulton Sheen and from then on I thought the good bishop was a vampire.

[@lord_sherman]

Excellent! Now, I´m waiting for the Vincent Price Biographic ;)

[@lunarscorpio3987]

_I have been looking forward to this._

[@archstanton6102]

Fantastic video. And a coincidence I only suggested it last week?

[@VisualBRON]

That photo of Patrick Macnee ... is his son Rupert Macnee ( sorry! )

[@MrInitialMan]

And no mention of his Knighthood?

[@johnrawlings9098]

A remarkable man. I watched Christopher Lee growing up with his portrayals of Dracula, Frankenstien's monster, the Mummy, Lord Sommerilse from the wicker man, and unforgettable characters/villains. A true craftsman to the art of acting, singing and storytelling voiceovers. My heart broke after hearing/reading of his passing. An icon among the legends of horror movies who he is now reunited with in the hereafter. Simon I love your channels and I enjoy your work and this video rates high on my list. Thanks to all you do and maintain such awesome work. Subscriber for life. Blessings Be my friend.

[@heretic9999]

Terrifically informative.. n downright fascinating.... LOVE my Christof