The news of Christopher Lee’s passing sent shock waves of remorse through all of fandom yesterday. Few actors are as iconic in their roles as Lee was to his. He was unabashedly focused on elevating the quality of genre pictures to high thespianic stature. He became synonymous with fantasy, whether it be Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, or his many turns with Tim Burton, and gave those films much needed heft and gravitas. To show his gratitude for decades of support from fans, Lee gave a haunting final thank you in Christmas 2013. The video makes for a sad yet inspiring footnote to a career requiring the greatest of ovations.

Cheers to you Christopher Lee and may you forever rest in peace.

(care of io9.com)

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