Renowned British actor Bernard Hill, celebrated for his roles in iconic films such as “Titanic” and “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy, has passed away at the age of 79. His family confirmed his demise in the early hours of Sunday.
In a statement released on Sunday, Hill’s family expressed profound sadness at his passing, revealing that he was in the company of his fiancée Alison and his son Gabriel at the time of his death.
“It is with the greatest sadness that we must announce that Bernard Hill, renowned actor known for his roles in ‘Titanic’ and ‘Lord of the Rings,’ passed away in the early hours of this morning at the age of 79,” his family said in a statement.
“He was with his fiancée Alison and his son Gabriel.”
Hill rose to prominence in his native England with his portrayal of unemployed men in the gritty drama “Boys from the Blackstuff” (1982), which became emblematic of the Thatcher era. However, it was his nuanced performances in supporting roles that garnered him widespread recognition.
In James Cameron’s 1997 blockbuster “Titanic,” Hill portrayed Captain Edward Smith, the ship’s captain haunted by the tragedy and ultimately resigned to his fate. His portrayal of Captain Smith, clutching the ship’s helm in the face of impending disaster, remains etched in cinematic memory.
He further solidified his status as a versatile actor with his portrayal of Theoden, King of Rohan, in Peter Jackson’s “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy. From being manipulated by his adviser in “The Two Towers” to evolving into a heroic leader in “The Return of the King,” Hill’s portrayal captivated audiences worldwide.
Throughout his illustrious career, Hill graced the screen with his talent in a variety of roles, including appearances in “Gandhi,” “Shirley Valentine,” and “The Scorpion King.”
His agent, Lou Coulson, confirmed Hill’s passing to the PA news agency, stating that the actor died in the early hours of Sunday.
Paying tribute to Hill, Director of BBC Drama Lindsay Salt hailed him as a trailblazer whose enduring career was marked by iconic and remarkable performances, a testament to his remarkable talent.
Source: CNN
