Christopher Lee Dies At 93

Christopher Lee has died at the age of 93.

Lee, known for iconic villain roles in Lord of the Rings, Star Wars and Dracula, passed away in Chelsea and Westminster Hospital in London on Sunday after being treated for respiratory problems.

According to reports, the decision to release the news days after Lee’s death was due to his wife of 50 years Birgit Krøncke’s desire to tell family members first.

In 2001, Lee played the evil wizard Saruman in The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, and Sith Lord Count Dooku in 2002’s Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones and 2005’s Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith.

Christopher Lee most recently appeared in The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies in 2014 and has one more movie to be released with Angels in Notting Hill.

Lee was also known for his love of heavy metal having released “Darkest Carols, Faithful Sing” this past Holiday season.