Warner Bros
In the quiet hours of June 7, 2015, at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, the curtain fell on the life of one of the greatest actors to ever grace the silver screen, Sir Christopher Lee. Then 93, Lee had lived a life of extraordinary breadth and depth, from his military service in World War II to his unexpected career as a heavy metal vocalist in his twilight years. However, it was his acting career that he was most renowned for, a career that began in the 1940s and spanned memorable roles as the menacing Dracula, James Bond’s foe Francisco Scaramanga, Star Wars’ Count Dooku, and notably, Saruman the White in “The Lord of the Rings” film series.
His portrayal of the White Wizard was central to his last night. A recent UK documentary, “The Life and Deaths of Christopher Lee,” revealed that on the night of his passing, one of “The Lord of the Rings” films was airing on television. Lee suggested they watch it, and he began to explain the process of its creation to the nurses. Within hours, he had gently passed away. “The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies”, which was Lee’s last film and final appearance as Saruman, had been released less than seven months prior, and the world was still abuzz with all things Middle-earth. His last connection with his Tolkienian roots felt like a fitting farewell for a man whose influence on cinema spanned more than half a century.
Christopher Lee’s Special Bond with Middle-earth
Warner Bros
Among all the cast members of Peter Jackson’s Middle-earth sagas, both in “The Hobbit” and “The Lord of the Rings,” Christopher Lee had the deepest ties to the source material. He had been there from the start, having read “The Lord of the Rings” in 1954, the year of its publication. He was known to have read the entire trilogy annually thereafter.
In a 2003 interview, Lee confirmed this habit and revealed an intriguing detail – he had actually met J.R.R. Tolkien in person. Lee’s recounting of their meeting is touching: “I met him, very briefly, in the Fifties. It was at an Oxford pub he frequented, the Eagle and Child. I was there having a beer and was completely overcome when he walked in. I had already started reading the books and thought, ‘This man has created a unique form of literature — one of the great works of all time.’ Throughout my time filming ‘The Lord of the Rings,’ I often wondered what he would have thought and hope he would have approved. I remain a huge fan — I read The Lord of the Rings every year.”
Notwithstanding his affection for Tolkien and Middle-earth, and despite his iconic role as Saruman, Lee intentionally missed the premiere of “The Return of the King.” He had learned that the opening scene featuring Saruman’s demise amidst the wreckage of Isengard had been omitted from the final theatrical cut, as Peter Jackson believed it set the wrong tone for the film. Understandably disappointed, Lee boycotted the premiere. However, the scene was reinstated in the extended edition, and Lee reconciled with Middle-earth, returning for multiple roles in “The Hobbit” films. Recordings of his voice from those films were also used in Warner Bros.’ forthcoming “The War of the Rohirrim” anime. It is truly heartening to know that his connection with Middle-earth endured until his final moments.
Credit: www.slashfilm.com
