Saturday night, October 19th, a newly blonde Johnny surprised his friend Sir Christopher Lee by appearing on stage to present Sir Christopher the British Film Institute Fellowship award for his long and illustrious film career.

In his presentation, Johnny said: “It is my great honor to bestow this award to a very great man. He’s inspired me like he has so many, he’s fascinated me like he has so many.

“He’s been a wonderful individual and over the years I’ve had the pleasure of working with him and it has been a childhood dream come true. But as great as it is to work with him, that pleasure doesn’t compare with getting to know him and being able to count him as a true friend.

“A national treasure and a genuine artist. I love you!”

A visibly moved Sir Christopher accepted the award by first addressing Johnny: “I don’t know what to say. I didn’t know you were going to be here and it’s a very emotional moment for me as you can probably hear. I must try and pull myself together.”

A little later in his acceptance speech, Sir Christopher again spoke about Johnny’s surprise appearance.

“Somebody told me Johnny wouldn’t be able to come tonight as he was somewhere else in Europe.

“I can’t thank you enough.

“He means an enormous amount to me. He is one of very few young actors on screen today who’s truly a star. I don’t think he likes that expression very much but I’m sure he knows what I mean. Everything he does has a meaning. He’s a joy to work with, an actor’s dream and certainly a director’s dream. I could go on a long time but I’d probably embarrass him.

“I cannot thank you enough for coming here and giving me this award. It’s a great joy to me.”

Congratulations to Sir Christopher on this impressive honor!

To see a larger image of Johnny and Sir Christopher together, click HERE.