A legend of the screen in a great many guises, a genuine cultural icon has passed. British actor Christopher Lee died on the 7th of June, though his death was only made public today, the 11th; announcement was delayed to keep the matter private between family members. Few have failed to see a film starring the late actor, whose vast variety of memorable roles ranged from Fu Manchu and Count Dracula in the infamous Hammer Horror films, and parts in more recent franchises The Lord of the Rings and Star Wars. Lee's status on the screen was acknowledged by several prominent bodies, including the British Film Institute, the London Critics' Circle, the Karlovy Vary and Locarno Film Festivals respectively, and BAFTA, who awarded him a Fellowship in 2011. Furthermore, he was an acclaimed musician, with operatic training as a bass singer, and with a number of heavy metal records to his name in recent years. He died at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital in London, having earlier been admitted for respiratory and heart problems. Many will miss this inimitable talent, whose contribution to cinema can hardly be quantified in any article, no matter how lengthy, no matter how reverent. The greatest tribute? Just watch any one of his 280-odd screen performances, and witness this screen legend at his finest.
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