CHRISTOPHER LEE - CHRISTOPHER LEE TOPS 2005 US MOVIE GROSSES LIST

British movie veteran CHRISTOPHER LEE is the unlikely leader on a new list of the most marketable film stars in America.

The 83-year-old actor's three 2005 films, CHARLIE + THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY, THE CORPSE BRIDE and STAR WARS, EPISODE III: REVENGE OF THE SITH, grossed a whopping $640 million (GBP355.5 million), according to a new USA Today poll.

Ironically, Lee topped the 2002 list as well thanks to roles in blockbusters STAR WARS and LORD OF THE RINGS.

His staggering total was over $70 million (GBP38.9 million) more than what the five films EWAN McGREGOR starred in amassed to come in second.

MORGAN FREEMAN finished 2005 in third place with $555.9 million (GBP308.8 million) from six movies and all-time box office leader SAMUEL L JACKSON and GARY OLDMAN round out the top five.

Oldman, another Brit, starred in just two films that grossed $468.5 million (GBP260 million).