Bernard Hill, renowned for his roles in iconic movies such as “Lord of the Rings” and “Titanic,” has passed away at the age of 79.
His agent, Lou Coulson, confirmed his death in the early hours of Sunday morning. Fans and colleagues alike expressed their sorrow over Hill’s passing.
Neil Ashton, who worked with Hill on BBC’s “From There to Here,” fondly remembered him as incredibly lovely and a phenomenal actor, sending thoughts and love to his family and friends.
During an event in Liverpool, Hill’s “Lord of the Rings” co-stars Elijah Wood, Billy Boyd, Dominic Monaghan, and Sean Astin paid tribute to him, recalling his remarkable talent and personality.
Astin described Hill as intrepid, funny, gruff, irascible, and beautiful, honoring him for his contribution to the series.
Bernard Hill initially gained prominence in British television before transitioning to film roles in the mid-1990s. His breakthrough came with the 1995 drama “The Ghost and the Darkness,” followed by memorable portrayals such as Captain Edward J. Smith in “Titanic” and King Théoden in “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy.
Notably, Hill holds the distinction of being the only actor to appear in two films with 11 or more Oscar wins between “Titanic” and “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King.” Despite his passing, Hill remained beloved by fans, and he was scheduled to appear at Liverpool Comic-Con before his death.
