Sir Christopher Frank Carandini Lee was an English actor, singer, and military officer. In a career spanning more than sixty years, Lee became known as an actor with a deep and commanding voice who often portrayed villains in horror and franchise films. Lee was knighted for services to drama and charity in 2009, received the BAFTA Fellowship in 2011, and received the BFI Fellowship in 2013.
Lee in 2013
Lee as the title character in Dracula (1958). Lee fixed the image of the fanged vampire in popular culture.
Lee and his close friend Peter Cushing in Horror Express (1972). They starred in twenty-two films together.
Lee at Forbidden Planet, New Oxford Street, London, signing The Two Towers
British Film Institute Fellowship
The British Film Institute (BFI) is a charitable organisation established in 1933, based in the United Kingdom. It has awarded its Fellowship title to individuals in "recognition of their outstanding contribution to film or television culture" and is considered the highest accolade presented by the Institute: British actor John Hurt said the award was "the highest honour possible".
David Lean received the Fellowship in 1983
American Orson Welles was one of the six inaugural recipients of the Fellowship in 1983.
Dame Maggie Smith received the Fellowship in 1992
Irish actress Maureen O'Hara was awarded the Fellowship in 1993.