Actor Who Played Saruman and Count Dooku Dies at 93

Christopher Lee was also known for playing Count Dracula.

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Christopher Lee, the actor who made a career out of playing villains, has passed away at the age of 93. To an older generation he's known best for playing Count Dracula from the 50s and 70s, as well as Scaramanga in the James Bond film The Man With the Golden Gun. Millenials will likely remember him for playing Saruman in The Lord of the Rings series, and Count Dooku in Star Wars Episodes II and III

After serving in WWII Lee made his film debut in 1947's Corridor of Mirrors. From there he went on a prolific run that included more than 270 acting credits on IMBD. He was the only actor to appear in both the Star Wars and The Lord of the Rings series, and his character in the former was most likely named after his most famous role as the notorious vampire. 

He's survived by his wife of more than 50 years, Birgit “Gitte” Kroencke Lee, a daughter, and a niece. 

[via The Hollywood Reporter]

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