Lord of the Rings actor Christopher Lee passes away at the age of 93

Christopher Lee has died at the age of 93.

The legendary actor had been receiving treatment at a London hospital for respiratory problems and heart failure over the last three weeks.

And according to sources close to his family, he died at 8.30am on Sunday at London’s Chelsea.

Though his wife Lady Lee, chose to delay the public announcement of his passing until she had informed all close family members- the couple were married for more than 50 years.

Lee's career led him from Hammer horror to Star Wars.

He also played a leading role in Lord of the Rings and one of the great Bond villains.

Tributes have been flowing in from fans since the news broke:

"To be a legend, you've either got to be dead or excessively old!" - Sir Christopher Lee
Now it's done, and forever. pic.twitter.com/mGXOA4Ow36

— Macron m'a radicalisé (@MatthieuBB) June 11, 2015

Scared the living daylights out of me for years. And I loved him for it.
RIP Christopher Lee pic.twitter.com/i2sKDXAMhU

— Omid Djalili (@omid9) June 11, 2015

Hammer Films, Lord of the Rings, metal albums, and of course Howling part 2. What a great and eclectic career. RIP Christopher Lee.

— Jay Bauman (@JayBauman1) June 11, 2015