Christopher Lee dies: horror legend to Bond villain - in pictures

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Sir Christopher Lee has died at the age of 93 in hospital following respiratory and heart problems.

His death was announced today, but he passed away early on Sunday morning at London's Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, according to the Daily Telegraph.

In a film career that spanned eight decades, Lee's first role was in the 1948 drama Corridor of Mirrors, while his last on-screen appearance was in the final film of the Hobbit trilogy, The Battle of the Five Armies, which came out just last year.

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Lee played the role of Dracula on no fewer than ten occasions between 1958 and 1970. In 1974 he played opposite Roger Moore as Bond villain Scaramanga in The Man with the Golden Gun and, later in life, played Saruman, the evil wizard in the Lord of the Rings franchise.

At 6ft 5in, and with a deep strong voice, Lee was renowned for his commanding presence on screen. He developed an affinity with fellow actor Peter Cushing, with whom he appeared frequently during the 1950s and 60s. It was with Cushing that Lee starred in a number of gothic horror films made by Hammer Production Company, coining the term 'Hammer Horror' in the process. As a keen fencer, he did the majority of his own stunt work and claimed the honour of having taken part in more on-screen sword fights than any other actor.

Alongside his acting talents, Lee spoke six languages and spent time working for the British Intelligence Service during the Second World War. In 2009 he was knighted in the Queen's Birthday Honours for services to drama and charity, before going on to receive the Bafta fellowship award in 2011.

Tributes have poured in following the announcement of his death, with Jonathan Ross mourning the passing of "a great actor, a great star and a lovely lovely man".

Lee is survived by his Danish wife of 50 years and one daughter.