Role

:

Performer

Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Orchestral

 

 

Vocal

 

Christopher Lee was a British actor and musician who was born on May 27, 1922, in Belgravia, London. He was the son of Lieutenant Colonel Geoffrey Trollope Lee and Countess Estelle Marie Carandini di Sarzano. Lee was educated at Wellington College and later at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London. Lee began his acting career in 1947 with a small role in the film "Corridor of Mirrors." He went on to appear in several films throughout the 1950s, including "The Curse of Frankenstein" and "Dracula." Lee became known for his portrayal of villains in horror films, and his deep, distinctive voice became a trademark of his performances. In addition to his acting career, Lee was also a talented musician. He began singing as a child and later learned to play the piano and violin. Lee's love of music led him to pursue a career as a classical singer, and he studied under the renowned vocal coach Maria Kurenko. Lee made his debut as a classical singer in 1986, at the age of 64. He released his first album, "Christopher Lee Sings Devils, Rogues & Other Villains," in 1998. The album featured Lee's interpretations of songs from musicals and operas, as well as traditional folk songs. Lee's second album, "Revelation," was released in 2006. The album featured Lee's interpretations of songs from the Bible, including "The Lord's Prayer" and "The Magnificat." Lee's deep, resonant voice was perfectly suited to the religious themes of the album, and it received critical acclaim. In addition to his albums, Lee also performed live concerts. He performed at the Royal Albert Hall in London in 2010, and at the Metal Hammer Golden Gods Awards in 2013. Lee's live performances were always well-received, and he was known for his powerful stage presence. Lee's contributions to classical music were recognized with several awards and honors. In 2001, he was awarded the Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for his services to drama. In 2011, he was awarded the BFI Fellowship, the highest honor given by the British Film Institute. Lee was also awarded the Spirit of Metal award at the Metal Hammer Golden Gods Awards in 2010, in recognition of his contributions to the heavy metal genre. Lee continued to perform and record music until his death on June 7, 2015, at the age of 93. He left behind a legacy as both an actor and a musician, and his contributions to both fields will be remembered for years to come.

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