May 13, 2002. Copyright, 2002, Graphic News. All rights reserved

The worldŐs best known vampire celebrates his 80th birthday
By Mark Samms

LONDON, May 13, Graphic News:  Christopher Lee is officially recognised by the Guinness Book of Movie Facts and Feats as having appeared in more film and television productions than any other actor. The total exceeds 250 and as he approaches his 80th birthday in robust health, it is obvious he is far from finished.

In the past couple of years, for example, he has played key roles in two films -- Lord of the Rings and Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones -- that are destined to be among the highest-grossing in movie history.

To most filmgoers, Lee is the big guy with the deep voice and penetrating eyes who has appeared in countless horror films and made the role of Count Dracula his own. But behind this deceptively simple appraisal is a man whose life has been as exotic, colourful and fulfilled as any role he has ever played.

Multi-lingual (he speaks four languages fluently) and from aristocratic stock, Lee can trace his European ancestry back to the first century AD. A decorated war hero who served in the Special Forces during World War Two, Lee was once a scratch golfer, has written several books and is a fine opera singer.

He has also been showered with awards from across the world for his contribution to the cinema, and is especially proud of being made an honorary member of three stuntmenŐs unions after performing in all his own action sequences.

Among Christopher LeeŐs other unusual achievements are the fact that he is believed to have taken part in more movie sword fights than any other actor, including Errol Flynn, and that at different times he has played both Sherlock Holmes and his brother Mycroft.

And now, as he begins to specialise in evil wizards to help feed the publicŐs insatiable appetite for fantasy films, Christopher Lee is beginning to appeal to a whole new generation of movie fans -- and the momentum is beginning to build for him to receive a special award at next yearŐs OscarsŐ ceremony.

And Another ThingÉ
Christopher Lee and fellow horror flick star Vincent Price were both born on May 27. Peter Cushing was born on May 26. Spookiness in the stars?
/ENDS

Sources: www.imdb.com, www.christopherleeweb.com