THEATRE STAR BERNARD HILL DEAD AT 79, Known For ‘LOTR,’ ‘Titanic’.
The family of British actor Bernard Hill, who gained notoriety for his supporting parts in the “Titanic” and “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy, revealed his passing on Sunday.
The family of Bernard Hill released a statement saying, “It is with the greatest sadness that we must announce that Bernard Hill, a 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.”
“He was with his son Gabriel and fiancée Alison.”
Starring in the grim thriller “Boys from the Blackstuff,” which became an emblem of the Thatcher period in 1982, Hill rose to popularity in his native Britain.
But, he will be most known to viewers for his minor roles, which he played with quiet dignity in some of the biggest box office hits ever.
In the 1997 multi-Oscar winning film “Titanic,” directed by James Cameron, Hill portrays Captain Edward Smith of the ship, a man tormented by his part in the catastrophe and finally accepting of his fate.
Before the rising water swells in through the windows, we last see him by himself, still holding onto the ship’s helm.
Theoden, King of Rohan, who in “The Two Towers” is tricked by his advisor before emerging as a fearless leader in “The Return of the King,” is the character that Hill later played in two installments of Peter Jackson’s critically acclaimed “The Lord of the Rings” series.
Gandhi, Shirley Valentine, and The Scorpion King were among the other parts of films.
He passed away early on Sunday morning, according to his agent, Lou Coulson, who spoke to the PA news agency. CNN has made a separate inquiry for a response.
“He blazed a trail across the screen, and his long-lasting career filled with iconic and remarkable roles is a testament to his incredible talent,” BBC Drama Director Lindsay Salt said in a tribute to Hill.
Credit: CNN
