Christopher Lee: podcast appearances and interviews

Sir Christopher Frank Carandini Lee (27 May 1922 – 7 June 2015) was an English actor and singer known for his commanding voice and screen presence. Over a career spanning more than 60 years, he often portrayed villains in horror and franchise films. Lee gained fame for his portrayal of Count Dracula in seven Hammer Horror films, beginning with the 1958 film Dracula. He frequently appeared alongside his friend Peter Cushing in productions such as The Curse of Frankenstein (1957) and The Mummy (1959). His filmography includes roles in James Bond's The Man with the Golden Gun as Francisco Scaramanga, as well as the character of Count Dooku in the Star Wars prequel trilogy. He also played Saruman in the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit film trilogies. Lee appeared in numerous other films, including Sleepy Hollow, Alice in Wonderland, and Hugo, as well as genres ranging from horror to fantasy and drama. In addition to his acting career, Lee was a classically trained singer with an interest in heavy metal music. He recorded several albums, notably the symphonic metal concept albums Charlemagne: By the Sword and the Cross and Charlemagne: The Omens of Death, in which he portrayed the historical figure of Charlemagne through spoken word, singing, and narration. Recognized for his contributions to drama and charity, Lee was knighted in June 2009 and received several prestigious fellowships, including the BAFTA and BFI Fellowships.