Actor Bernard Hill, best known for his roles in Titanic and The Lord of the Rings, has died aged 79. He played Captain Edward Smith in the 1997 Oscar-winning film and King Théoden in The Lord of the Rings.
Bernard Hill PHOTO Capture Youtube
He also had the lead role in the BBC TV drama Boys from the Blackstuff, portraying Yosser Hughes, a character who struggled – and often failed – to cope with unemployment in Liverpool.
The actor died early Sunday morning, his agent Lou Coulson confirmed. Tributes poured in shortly after news of his death broke.
Scottish singer Barbara Dickson wrote on X that she was
“a truly wonderful actor”.
“It was a privilege that our paths crossed. RIP Benny x”she added.
Hill, who was from Manchester, was due to return to TV screens in the second series of 'The Responder', a BBC drama starring Martin Freeman, which starts airing as early as Sunday. BBC Drama director Lindsay Salt paid tribute, saying:
“Bernard Hill blazed a trail on the screen, and his long career filled with iconic and remarkable roles is a testament to his incredible talent. From Boys from the Blackstuff, to Wolf Hall, The Responder and many more, we are truly honored to have worked with Bernard at the BBC. Our thoughts go out to his loved ones at this sad time.”
Hill received praise for his role in Boys from the Blackstuff and the series won a Bafta Award for “Best Drama Series” in 1983.
In 2000 it was ranked seventh on the British Film Institute's list of the best TV series ever made.
Hill's other memorable BBC TV production was the 2015 drama series Wolf Hall, adapted from Hilary Mantel's book about the court of Henry VIII. The actor portrayed the Duke of Norfolk – an uncle of Anne Boleyn and an enemy of Cardinal Wolsey.
Bernard Hill was also much loved for his performances in Peter Jackson's epic Lord of the Rings trilogy. He joined the cast for the second film, 2002's The Two Towers, and returned to the franchise for 2003's The Return Of The King, which won 11 Oscars.
Other roles in his decades-long career included the 1976 BBC series I, Claudius, an appearance in 1982's Gandhi, 1989's Shirley Valentine, 2002's The Scorpion King, and the Tom Cruise film 2008.
Bernard Hill was due to attend Comic Con Liverpool on Saturday but canceled at the last minute.
As news of his death broke, organizers said on social media platform X that they were “appalled” by Hill's death and sent his family “a lot of strength”.
