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• He was suffering respiratory problems and heart failure

• He celebrated his 93rd birthday in hospital

• His wife chose to delay the announcement to inform family

• Veteran star was best known for roles in Dracula, the Wicker Man and Lord of the Rings

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Sir Christopher passed away in Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London, on Sunday after being treated for respiratory problems.

The actor made his name playing Dracula in the Hammer Horror films, as well as Scaramanga in classic Bond film The Man With The Golden Gun.

Lee was knighted in 2009 for services to acting, but also branched out into music in his later life, most notably with the symphonic metal album Charlemagne.