Bernard Hill, ‘Titanic’ and ‘The Lord of the Rings’ star, passes away at 79

Bernard Hill, famous for his roles in iconic films such as Titanic and The Lord of the Rings trilogy, died on Sunday at the age of 79, per npr.org.

His agent, Lou Coulson, confirmed his passing to NPR, stating that Hill was with his fiance and son at the time of his death.

The renowned English actor’s illustrious career spanned over five decades, during which he captivated audiences both on-screen and on-stage. His latest role was as the main character’s father in the BBC show The Responder, with the final episode airing on the day of his passing.

Lindsay Salt, the director of BBC drama, paid tribute to Hill, describing him as a unique and exceptional actor. 

Bernard Hill/Joel Ryan-Invision-AP

Hill’s portrayal of Captain Edward John Smith in the 1997 blockbuster Titanic remains one of his most memorable performances. In The Lord of the Rings trilogy, he showcased his versatility with his portrayal of King Théoden of Rohan.

Born in Manchester, England, Hill also received acclaim for his role as Yosser Hughes in Boys from the Blackstuff, a British series depicting the struggles of men in Liverpool during a time of economic hardship.

Throughout his career, Hill received numerous nominations and awards, including recognition from the Screen Actors Guild for his role in The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King.

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