Birgit Kroencke: What Happened to the Wife of Christopher Lee?

Birgit Kroencke, renowned Danish actress and fashion designer, shared a remarkable life with her husband, the late Christopher Lee. Their enduring love story began in 1961 and spanned 54 years until Lee’s passing in 2015. Now 89, Kroencke maintains a private life, leaving a legacy through her noteworthy contributions to fashion and film, alongside her daughter Christina Erika Lee.

Birgit Kroencke is the wife of the late British actor and singer Christopher Lee. 

Christopher Lee, the spouse of Birgit, acted in movies as Saruman in The Hobbit (2012–2014) and The Lord of the Rings (2001–2003), Count Dooku in multiple Star Wars films (2002–2008), and Francisco Scaramanga in the 1974 James Bond film The Man with the Golden Gun.

Quick Bio

Full NameBirgit Kroencke
Famous asWife of Christopher Lee
GenderFemale
Age89 years old
Date of Birth20 April, 1935
Place of BirthCopenhagen, Denmark
OccupationActress and Fashion Designer
SpouseChristopher Lee (Deceased)
ChildrenChristina Erika Lee
Net WorthN/A

Who is Birgit Kroencke?

Birgit Kroencke is a Danish fashion designer and actress. On April 20, 1935, she was born in Copenhagen, Denmark. 

Who is Birgit Kroencke
PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES

When Birgit wed the late British actor Christopher Lee in 1961, she became well-known in the media. Birgit Kroencke and Christopher Lee remained married until Lee died in 2015.

During their marriage, Birgit worked as a fashion designer and was frequently spotted going to events and award ceremonies with her husband.

How old is Birgit Kroencke?

Birgit Kroencke the wife of the late English actor Christopher Lee is currently 89 years old as of 2024. 

She was born on 20 April 1935 in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Who are Birgit Kroencke’s Parents?

Unfortunately, there is no publicly available information about the parents of Birgit Kroencke. 

We know that her parents were Danish but other than that, any information about them, such as their names, ages, etc., is unknown.

Educational Background

Since Birgit Kroencke rose to fame after her marriage to Christopher Lee, details such as her early life and educational background are unknown.

Her Spouse- Christopher Lee

Christopher Lee, born  Sir Christopher Frank Carandini Lee, was a British actor and singer best recognized for his legendary roles as villains in horror movie franchises.

He was born in Belgravia, London, England, on May 27, 1922, and died there on June 7, 2015, at the age of 93. 

Christopher Lee
PHOTO: ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY

Throughout his illustrious sixty-year career, Lee became well-known for his powerful and deep voice. 

He frequently portrayed characters such as Count Dracula in Hammer Horror films, Francisco Scaramanga in the James Bond film “The Man with the Golden Gun,” Count Dooku in the “Star Wars” prequel trilogy, and Saruman in the film trilogies “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit.”

In recognition of his work in theater and philanthropy, Lee was knighted in 2009. 

Throughout his career, he has won numerous awards, including the BAFTA Fellowship in 2011 and the BFI Fellowship in 2013. 

In addition to his acting career, Lee was a World War II veteran who rose to the rank of flight lieutenant in the Royal Air Force before acting.

How Did Birgit and Christopher Meet? 

Birgit Kroencke and Christopher Lee were introduced to each other by a friend in 1960. They both liked each other and soon started dating. 

The couple got married in 1961 at St Michael’s Church in Chester Square, London. They welcomed their only child a daughter Christina Erika Lee on November 23, 1963.

The couple was married for 54 years before Christopher Lee’s death in 2015 at the age of 93.

Birgit Kroencke’s Daughter- Christina Erika Lee

Christina Erika Lee is the only child of Birgit Kroencke and the late British actor Christopher Lee. 

Birgit Kroencke’s Daughter- Christina Erika Lee
PHOTO: CINEMATOGRAPHE.IT

She was born on November 23, 1963, in Lausanne, Switzerland, and spent her childhood in London, where her parents lived. 

Christina Erika Lee is a private person and there is not much information available about her personal or professional life. She has been married to Juan Rodriguez since July 28, 2001.

Birgit Kroencke’s Professional Career

Birgit Kroencke is a Danish actress and fashion designer. Birgit gained media attention when she married the late British actor Christopher Lee in 1961.

Birgit Kroencke’s Professional Career
PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES

Throughout her career as a fashion designer, she has worked with many talented artists she was the face of Jo Malone London’s cover in 2016. 

Birgit was also a participant in the CELINE 2010 Campaign and the 2010 Tim Walker took pictures of the stunning woman for Vogue Italia. 

She is also an actress and is known for her work in movies such as Rikki and Her Men (1962), Een blandt mange (1961), The Salamander (1981), Safari 3000 (1982), and London aktuell (1969).

Birgit Kroencke: By Christopher Lee’s Side

Birgit accompanied Christopher Lee to many public events. 

Birgit Kroencke, By Christopher Lee's Side
PHOTO: WIKIPEDIA

She was there in 2011 when University College Dublin presented an homage to Christopher, and she said that the UCD Law Society’s honorary life membership was “in some ways as special as the Oscars.” 

In March 2013, The Guardian listed Birgit Kroencke and Christopher Lee  among the fifty best-dressed over 50s.

Christopher Lee’s Death

Christopher Lee passed away on 7 June 2015 in Chelsea and Westminster Hospital in London at the age of 93.

According to reports, Heart failure and respiratory issues were the causes of his death.

Lee’s wife, Birgit Kroencke, chose to withhold the news for four days until all family members and friends had been informed.

Many actors, musicians, and even the prime minister expressed their sorrow at Lee’s passing and praised his extraordinary skill.

According to Prime Minister David Cameron, Christopher Lee was a “titan of the golden age of cinema.” 

Christopher was honored by the academy at the 88th Academy Awards on 28 February 2016 in the annual Memoriam section.

Birgit Kroencke’s Net Worth

There is no information available about Birgit Kroencke’s net worth, as her withdrawal from the public eye has left her career details a mystery. 

However, his husband Christopher Lee’s net worth was estimated to be $25 million at the time of his death. 

He earned his wealth through his successful career in the entertainment industry, which included acting, singing, and authoring.

Where is Birgit Kroencke Now?

Birgit Kroencke has kept a low profile since his husband Christopher Lee’s death. 

There is no explicit information about her current whereabouts but she is believed to be living somewhere in the United States.