Actor Bernard Hill, known for his memorable roles in Titanic and Lord of the Rings, has passed away at the age of 79. His agent, Lou Coulson, confirmed his death on Sunday morning, stating that he was with his fiancée Alison and son Gabriel at the time. Hill’s career spanned iconic roles such as Captain Edward Smith in Titanic and King Théoden in the Lord of the Rings trilogy, earning him recognition for his versatile talent and impactful performances.
Hill’s breakthrough role came in the 1982 BBC TV drama Boys from the Blackstuff, where he portrayed Yosser Hughes, a character grappling with unemployment in Liverpool. The series showcased Hill’s exceptional acting skills, leading to critical acclaim and establishing him as a prominent figure in British television and cinema.
Following news of his passing, tributes poured in from his co-stars and colleagues. Actors from the Lord of the Rings trilogy, including Elijah Wood, Sean Astin, Dominic Monaghan, and Billy Boyd, fondly remembered Hill’s contributions to the films during a Comic Con event in Liverpool. Astin praised Hill’s qualities, describing him as intrepid, funny, gruff, irascible, and beautiful, while Boyd highlighted the emotional depth Hill brought to his portrayal of Tolkien’s characters, expressing deep sorrow at his loss.
Alan Bleasdale, the writer of Boys from the Blackstuff, also expressed sadness at Hill’s passing, emphasizing the profound impact of his performance as Yosser Hughes. Hill’s dedication to his craft and ability to bring characters to life with authenticity and emotion left a lasting legacy in the entertainment industry, making his death a great loss to the acting community and fans worldwide.