Earlier this morning, June 11, wife of Christopher Lee, Birgit Kroncke, announced that the 93-year-old actor passed away on Sunday, June 7, at 8:30am.
The legendary actor is known for his many film roles. Count Dooku of the dreaded new Star Wars trilogy, Sarumon in The Lord of the Rings, Dracula in the 1958 film of the same name, and Fu Manchu in the series about the fictional criminal mastermind being some of his more recognized roles.
Lee was more than just a theatrical actor, though, as his marvelous voice brought to life an important character to the Kingdom Hearts series. In Kingdom Hearts II and Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days, Lee provided the vocals for Ansem the Wise. After being betrayed by his own apprentice, Ansem spirals into a tailspin of villainy and moral conflict, Lee’s voice working to show Ansem’s pain and anger.
Along with his portrayal of Ansem, Lee also provided the voice for the narrator in the Steam-released title, Deus Ex Machine 2. The title features Lee narrating the player’s life, represented in a colorful, psychedelic world. Lee also served as the narrator for LEGO: The Hobbit, the Traveller’s Tales game based on the first two Hobbit movies.
In his early years, Lee served in the Finish Army, the British Home Guard, and the Royal Air Force and took part in World War II, the North African Campaign, and the Battle of Monte Cassino.
He is survived by his wife and daughter Christina Erika Carandini Lee.
