Christopher Lee: a long and varied career

It's traditional, if not respectful, to say nice things about someone who dies. That's especially true when the person is a well-known movie actor.

Christopher Lee, who died Sunday at the age of 93, wasn't the best known actor who ever graced the screen. But those of us who were raised on the horror productions of Hammer Films certainly were familiar with his name. And recent audiences, those who are fans of the "Lord of the Rings" and "Star Wars" franchises, likely know of him as well.

In fact, the obit written for the website Rotten Tomatoes includes a pretty good line about Lee that flirts with disrespect but actually makes the point that Lee enjoyed a long and varied career. According to the site, Lee is the "only actor to contribute to the Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, James Bond, and Police Academy franchises."

In the film world, you take the roles where you find them.