Sir Christopher Frank Carandini Lee (London, 1922 – 2015) was a British actor, an icon of horror cinema. Rising to prominence in the 1950s and 1960s through his work with Hammer Film Productions, he played iconic roles such as Count Dracula, Frankenstein's Monster, and The Mummy, solidifying his reputation as the face of cinematic evil.

His imposing stature, deep voice, and ability to embody sinister yet sophisticated characters made him an ideal choice for villainous roles. In later years, he expanded his range, appearing in successful productions such as Francisco Scaramanga in *The Man with the Golden Gun* (James Bond), Count Dooku in the *Star Wars* saga, and notably the wizard Saruman in *The Lord of the Rings* trilogy, demonstrating a long and varied career.