Today is of course the birthday of Christopher Lee and Vincent Price, and Peter Cushing's birthday was yesterday. So let's share some fun facts about these three titans of terror...

Peter Cushing played the lead in the BBC's 1954 adaptation of Orwell's 1984. Quatermass author Nigel Kneale wrote the screenplay and the Room 101 scene was apparently so horrific one viewer died of shock.

Christopher Lee was (probably) a member of the SAS during WWll; he always declined to discuss his role in British special forces. He did fight at Monte Cassino and was a post-war Nazi hunter in Vienna.

Vincent Price had his own TV cookery show in the UK. Cooking Price-Wise was broadcast by Thames TV in 1971. Price was a well-known gormet and art collector.

Peter Cushing prepared for his role as Dr Frankenstein by training with surgeons to ensure he used a scalpel authentically.

Christopher Lee was descended from Charlemagne, and was the step-cousin of Ian Fleming. His cousin  the Italian Ambassador to Britain persuaded Lee to try acting after the war.

One of Vincent Price's early horror roles was in The Invisible Man Returns (1940). Kurt Siodmak wrote the screenplay and it was so successful that a screwball comedy follow-up 'The Invisible Woman' was rushed out the same year.

Peter Cushing famously wore slippers during the filming of Star Wars as the boots he was given hurt too much. Early publicity for the film portrayed Tarkin as the principle villain, not Darth Vader. Cushing says he was originally considered for the role of Ben Kenobi.

Christopher Lee and Anthony Shaffer worked together on the script for The Wicker Man as Lee was keen to do an 'old-time religious horror story.' He was so keen to get the film made he gave his services for free.

One of Vincent Prince's favourite roles was the villain Egghead in the Batman TV series. After the end of one take Price started throwing eggs at Adam West and Burt Ward. When asked to stop he shouted, "With a full artillery? Not a chance!" A full food fight then erupted.

Peter Cushing's favourite role was Sherlock Holmes. He played opposite Christopher Lee in The Hound Of The Baskervilles. It was the first time the story was filmed in colour and is considered one of the best movies made by Hammer Films.

Christopher Lee has played Dracula 10 times on film.

The Tingler (1959) staring Vincent Price was the first major film to depict LSD use. Some cinema chairs had vibrators built into them to tingle the unsuspecting audience at key points.

Peter Cushing, Christopher Lee and Vincent Price have defined modern cinema in a way that most actors only dream of. Whatever the film, if they were in it you knew you would enjoy it.

Today we salute these Titans of Terror! Don't have nightmares folks...