Galactic Biography is a weekly article focusing on one of the many people who have contributed to the world of Star Wars. This week features the English actor Christopher Lee.

Christopher who?

Christopher Lee was born on May 22, 1922 in London, England. During World War II, he joined the Royal Air Force and also worked as an intelligence officer. Afterwards, he world begin his acting career, working in productions such as The Curse of Frankenstein as Frankenstein’s monster, numerous Dracula films as the vampire himself, and in the 1959 film The Mummy. He was a frequent co-star of Peter Cushing, who also portrayed a Star Wars character.

But how does he relate to Star Wars?

Christopher Lee was cast for the role of the villain Count Dooku in The Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith. Dooku, a former jedi, is the apprentice of Darth Sidious, working to manipulate the galaxy into a civil war between the Confederacy and Republic, which opens the way for the Sith takeover. Though a veteran of movie sword fighting, the onscreen duels are done by a stunt-double, due to Lee’s old age.

“Your swords, please. We don't want to make a mess of things in front of the Chancellor.” –Count Dooku speaking to Obi-Wan and Anakin

What else did he do?

Christopher Lee is also known for his role as Francisco Scaramanga in the James Bond film The Man with the Golden Gun. He starred in the movie Jinnah, and played the dark wizard Saruman in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Not yet retired at the age of 86, he will be appearing in the 2010 movie Alice in Wonderland.

How about some trivia?

-Ian Fleming, author of the James Bond novels, is Christopher Lee’s step-cousin

-Christoper Lee received the world records of Most Connected Living Actor, Most Credited Living Movie Actor (with 244 film and TV roles), and Most Screen Swordfights (he dueled in a total of 17 films).

Written by :

pattonrommel