Christopher Lee, the actor who played Saruman in The Lord of the Rings, did meet J.R.R. Tolkien.

The meeting occurred in the Eagle and Child pub in Oxford, a place Tolkien frequented. Lee was a big fan of Tolkien's work and considered the meeting a very memorable experience.

Here's a bit more detail:

Lee's Awe:

Lee was deeply impressed by Tolkien, describing himself as nearly falling off his chair when he saw the author walk into the pub.

Brief Meeting:

The meeting was brief, with Lee primarily saying "How do you do?" in his awe.

Tolkien's Approval:

Lee hoped Tolkien would approve of his portrayal of Saruman, reflecting his deep admiration for the author and his work.