R.I.P. Mr. Lee

Those following my mind droppings know I really don't do the celebrity thing. The word has been denegrated over the past three decades, especially in the era of not so real reality T.V.

But there are still a few people left that embody the true meaning of deserved iconic status and a celebration of the person's life and artistry. Christopher Lee died at the age of 93 this past Sunday. His wife of 54 years delayed release of the news to have time to notify their relatives.

When I think of Christopher Lee I can't help but smile. I grew up watching the Hammer Studios horror films and couldn't get enough of Lee, Peter Cushing and Vincent Price. When Lee stared at you as Dracula you knew you were in trouble, he didn't even have to speak and quite often did not. He was my favorite Bond villain, Francisco Scaramanga, the man with the golden gun, "his eye may be on you or me, who will he burn?"

In the 21st century Lee's career had a remarkable resurgence, turning in unforgettable performances in the Star Wars and Lord of the Rings franchises. His role as Saruman in L.O.T.R. had an interesting twist as he was the only member of the cast to actually have met J.R.R. Tolkien. He also read and reread the Trilogy every year since it's original publication.

His roles are innumerable, having appeared on the big and small screen between 275 and 400 times depending on what source you consult. He was a world class fencer and brought the talent of the flourish to his role as Count Dooku in the Star Wars universe. He studied opera in Sweden in the 1950's and in his late eighties and early nineties recorded several heavy metal albums.

We don't use the term Renaissance Man much anymore and to be honest there aren't many but Christopher Lee was one. You made a difference Mr. Lee and the little boy in this writer will always wish he had met you.

Rest in peace and please don't come back as a zombie!