Peter Cushing (May 26, 1913 - August 11, 1994) was an British actor, perhaps best known today for his role as Grand Moff Tarkin in the film Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope. He is also remembered for his work in the Hammer Horror films - particularly his recurring roles as Dr Frankenstein in Hammer's Frankenstein films, and as Professor van Helsing in Hammer's Dracula films (opposite Christopher Lee as Dracula). In the mid-1960s, he played the eccentric human scientist Dr. Who in two movies based on the television series Doctor Who.