Night of the Big Heat

Did You Know..

Peter Cushing (Actor)

Christopher Lee (Actor)

Born: May 27, 1922 in Belgravia, London

Best Known For: Playing Dracula.

Early-life: Born Christopher Frank Carandini Lee on May 27, 1922, in Belgravia, London, the son of an Italian aristocrat and a soldier. He had an older sister, Xandra, whose daughter is actress Harriet Walter. When their parents divorced, the children were raised by their mother and her second husband, a banker. Lee attended Wellington College, then worked in a London shipping office before serving in the RAF during the Second World War. On being demobbed, he was snapped up by Rank Studios, but failed to get a big break, appearing instead in several small roles.

Career: Lee hit the big time in 1957 when his formidable height landed him the role of the monster in Hammer's The Curse of Frankenstein. It marked the beginning of his horror movie partnership with Peter Cushing, which also included such films as Dracula, The Mummy, and The Gorgon. Lee went on to become one of the world's most prolific actors. Star Wars episodes II and III and The Lord of the Rings introduced him to a new generation of fans. Other significant titles include The Wicker Man, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Gremlins II, The Man with the Golden Gun and The Golden Compass. He also appeared in Alice in Wonderland, Burke and Hare, Season of the Witch and The Hobbit. He died on June 7, 2015, at the age of 93 due to respiratory problems and heart failure.

Quote: "There are many vampires in the world today - you only have to think of the film business."

Trivia: Lee was knighted in 2009. Away from acting, he was an accomplished singer and had an intriguing sideline as a heavy metal star.

Patrick Allen (Actor)

Terence Fisher (Director)

2:00 pm - 3:50 pm, Saturday, December 27 on Legend Xtra (69)

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