Renowned actor Bernard Hill, known for his memorable roles in “The Lord of the Rings” and “Titanic,” has passed away at the age of 79. His agent, Lou Coulson, confirmed that Hill died on Sunday morning.
Hill became part of “The Lord of the Rings” series in the second film, “The Two Towers,” where he portrayed Théoden, the King of Rohan. He reprised the role in the following year’s “The Return of the King,” a movie that garnered 11 Oscars. One of the film’s standout moments features Hill’s character delivering an inspiring battle cry, rallying his troops for an epic charge into battle.
In “Titanic,” Hill portrayed Captain Edward Smith, a character based on a real person. As the ill-fated ship faces its demise, Captain Smith stoically retreats to the wheelhouse, facing the impending disaster with quiet resolve. The film, which also won 11 Academy Awards, showcased Hill’s talent in a poignant role.
Hill’s acting career began to gain recognition with his portrayal of Yosser Hughes in the 1982 British TV miniseries “Boys From the Blackstuff.” His performance earned him a nomination from the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA), and the show itself won the BAFTA for best drama series.
Coincidentally, Hill’s passing occurred on the same day that the second series of the Nwoow drama “The Responder” was scheduled to air. In the series, Hill played the father of the show’s lead actor, Martin Freeman.
Lindsay Salt, director of Nwoow Drama, praised Hill’s illustrious career, stating that he “blazed a trail across the screen.” She emphasized his incredible talent and expressed condolences to his loved ones during this difficult time.
