Bernard Hill: Titanic and Lord of the Rings actor dies
Actor Bernard Hill, celebrated for his iconic roles in “Titanic” and “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy, has passed away at the age of 79.
Hill, best known for his portrayal of Captain Edward Smith in the 1997 blockbuster and King Théoden in Peter Jackson’s fantasy epic, began his illustrious career with a breakout performance in the 1982 BBC TV drama “Boys from the Blackstuff,” where he depicted the poignant struggles of Yosser Hughes, a character grappling with unemployment in Liverpool.
Confirming his passing, his agent Lou Coulson stated that Hill passed away early Sunday morning, accompanied by his fiancée Alison and his son Gabriel.
At Comic Con in Liverpool, actors Elijah Wood, Sean Astin, Dominic Monaghan, and Billy Boyd, who starred as the hobbits in “The Lord of the Rings,” paid heartfelt tributes to their co-star. Astin affectionately described him as “intrepid, funny, gruff, and irascible,” while Boyd praised Hill’s unparalleled delivery of Tolkien’s words, stating that he “would break my heart” with his performance.
Alan Bleasdale, the writer of “Boys from the Blackstuff,” expressed his shock at Hill’s passing, describing his portrayal of Yosser Hughes as “astonishing” and “mesmeric.” He emphasized Hill’s immense talent and the lasting impact of his performances.
Scheduled to appear in the second series of the BBC drama “The Responder,” Hill’s untimely demise was mourned by Lindsay Salt, director of BBC Drama, who hailed his remarkable career filled with iconic roles.
Hill’s gritty portrayal of Yosser Hughes earned him acclaim in “Boys from the Blackstuff,” a series that garnered a BAFTA for best drama series in 1983 and secured a place on the British Film Institute’s list of the greatest TV shows.
His versatile talent was further showcased in the 2015 drama series “Wolf Hall,” where he portrayed the Duke of Norfolk, and in various other roles throughout his extensive career.
Despite his passing, Hill’s legacy as a versatile and captivating actor continues to resonate within the industry and among his countless admirers.
