The Life and Deaths of Christopher Lee

This programme examines the life and career of English actor Christopher Lee, drawing on interviews with his friends, family and notable filmmakers. Contributors include Peter Jackson, John Landis and Joe Dante, who share their recollections of the star. Through these conversations, the programme provides insight into Lee’s extensive career.

The Life and Deaths of Christopher Lee is a one‑off television programme that presents a concise portrait of the celebrated English actor. Classified as a single‑episode feature, it aims to give viewers a clear sense of who he was, both on and off the screen, without extending into a series format. The core of the show centres on Lee’s extensive career, tracing his evolution from early roles to the iconic parts that defined his legacy. By charting his professional milestones, the programme offers a straightforward overview of the breadth of his work, highlighting the varied characters he inhabited over the decades. To flesh out this narrative, the documentary incorporates interviews with people who knew him personally and professionally. Friends and family members share recollections that add a personal touch, while a selection of filmmakers—among them Peter Jackson, John Landis and Joe Dante—provide insight into his impact on the industry and the collaborative experiences they enjoyed with him. These combined perspectives create a rounded account of Lee’s life and career, stitching together anecdotes, behind‑the‑scenes commentary and reflections from those who worked alongside him. The programme therefore serves as a succinct yet comprehensive look at an actor whose presence resonated across generations of cinema.