Early in the morning on May 5, actor Bernard Hill, who was best known for his roles in “Titanic” and “the Lord of the Rings,” passed away at the age of 79.
Hill’s agent Lou Coulson confirmed news of his passing to the BBC on Sunday. The actor reportedly passed away in the early hours of May 5.
Hill was best known for his role as Theoden, King of Rohan, in Peter Jackson’s adaptation of JRR Tolkien’s “The Two Towers” and “Return of the King.” Hill had previously appeared as Edward Smith, captain of the ill-fated Titanic, who was famous for going down with his sinking ship in James Cameron’s film about the tragedy.
Hill was set to appear in Liverpool, UK’s Comic-Con later this week. Event producers have offered their condolences regarding his passing.
“We’re heartbroken to hear the news of Bernard Hill’s passing. A great loss. Thinking of his family at this very sad time, and wishing them a lot of strength,” a statement read.
Hill was the only actor in history to appear in two films that won 11 or more Oscars, for his roles in both “Titanic” and “Return of the King.”
Many of Hill’s co-stars over his storied career offered condolences on his passing. Dominic Monaghan, who played Merry in the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy, posted a photo to Instagram alongside the caption: “The Broken king has passed to the grey havens but he will always be remembered. #ripbernard”
Scottish actress and musician Barbara Dickson, who starred with him in a musical about the Beatles, referred to him as a “marvellous actor,” in a post on X.
“It’s with great sadness that I note the death of Bernard Hill,” she wrote. “We worked together in John, Paul, George, Ringo and Bert, (by) Willy Russell marvellous show 1974-1975. A really marvellous actor. It was a privilege to have crossed paths with him. RIP Benny x.”
“I had a couple of scenes with Bernard Hill in True Crime,” wrote actor Michael McKean. “A gent, of course. Also funny, smart and flawless at the job. RIP, sir.”
Hill’s career kicked off in earnest when he starred in the BBC TV drama Boys from the Blackstuff in 1982. He portrayed Yosser Hughes, who struggled and frequently failed to cope with unemployment.
He later returned to work with the BBC again for 2015’s Wolf Hall, which tells the story of the counsel of Henry the VIII. In the series, Hill portrayed the Duke of Norfolk.
The day he passed, he was set to return to the screen for a role in The Responder, a BBC drama starring Martin Freeman.
“Bernard Hill blazed a trail across the screen, and his long-lasting career filled with iconic and remarkable roles is a testament to his incredible talent,” said Lindsay Salt, director of BBC Drama, in a statement. “From Boys from the Blackstuff, to Wolf Hall, The Responder, and many more, we feel truly honoured to have worked with Bernard at the BBC. Our thoughts are with his loved ones at this sad time.”
Hill appeared in myriad films over his career, including a season of BBC’s Claudius in 1976, 1982’s Gandhi, 1989’s Shirley Valentine, The Scorpion King in 2002 and Valkyrie in 2008 alongside Tom Cruise.
Hill is survived by his wife Marianna and their son Gabriel.
The post Bernard Hill, Lord Of The Rings, Titanic Actor Dead At 79 appeared first on Resist the Mainstream.
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Author: John Symank
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