Star Wars: What Happened To Count Dooku BEFORE He Was A Sith

First appearing in 2002’s Attack of the Clones as a mysterious ex-Jedi, Count Dooku has - like many characters - seen considerable development outside the main Star Wars prequels. Being one of the major players behind the Clone Wars, Dooku’s villainy ran deeper than simply controlling the opposing political movement against the Republic.

Played beautifully in Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith by thespian Christopher Lee, Dooku has a considerable role in the demise of Anakin Skywalker. From removing Anakin's arm and then later being beheaded by him, Dooku’s limited screentime has a great impact upon Anakin's character development, as well as the galaxy itself.

The former Jedi left the Order after becoming disillusioned by it and went on to set the groundwork for the Clone Wars, which would one day see his Master Sidious rule the galaxy as a part of the Galactic Empire. However, as mentioned, after being betrayed by his master, Dooku never had a place in this new galaxy he was a part of forming.

But through novels, audio and comics, Count Dooku’s life before his downfall to the dark side has been greatly expanded upon. So, here's what happened to Dooku BEFORE he became a Sith...

Born on the planet Serenno, Count Dooku was born to its rulers Count Gora and Countess Anya. As his Force sensitivity began to become apparent, his own father became scared and abandoned the child. Count Gora had a hatred and fear for those he would deem “freaks”.

His father contacted the Jedi Order to take the boy, but instead of waiting for someone to arrive, Dooku was cast outside the Serenno palace on the edge of the forest with no clothing or way of identification. With the threat of freezing to death due to a lack of clothing and the risk of spine-wolves eating him alive, Dooku was basically left for dead by his father.

However, luckily, Dooku was found by a Jedi seeker and brought to Coruscant, to the Jedi temple, to begin life as a youngling...