Renowned actor Bernard Hill, celebrated for his memorable performances in blockbuster films like Titanic and The Lord of the Rings trilogy, has passed away at the age of 79. Hill’s agent Lou Coulson confirmed his death early Sunday morning, marking the end of a distinguished career that spanned decades.
Hill rose to prominence with his breakout role as Yosser Hughes in the BBC TV drama Boys from the Blackstuff, where he portrayed the struggles of coping with unemployment in Liverpool. His compelling portrayal of Captain Edward Smith in the 1997 Oscar-winning film Titanic and King Théoden in The Lord of the Rings further solidified his status as a versatile and talented actor.
Tributes from the entertainment industry have been pouring in since news of Hill’s passing emerged. Scottish musician Barbara Dickson described him as “a really marvellous actor” and expressed her privilege at having crossed paths with him.
It’s with great sadness that I note the death of Bernard Hill. We worked together in John Paul George Ringo and Bert, Willy Russell marvellous show 1974-1975. A really marvellous actor. It was a privilege to have crossed paths with him. RIP Benny x#bernardhill pic.twitter.com/UPVDCo3ut8
— Barbara Dickson (@BarbaraDickson) May 5, 2024
Hill was set to make a return to television screens in the upcoming series two of The Responder, a BBC drama starring Martin Freeman. Lindsay Salt, director of BBC Drama, paid tribute to Hill’s remarkable career, highlighting his iconic roles and incredible talent.
Throughout his extensive career, Hill’s performances in acclaimed productions such as Boys from the Blackstuff, Wolf Hall, and The Lord of the Rings trilogy left a lasting impact on audiences and critics alike. His versatility as an actor was showcased in a range of roles across television and film, earning him widespread recognition and admiration.
Bernard Hill’s legacy as a gifted actor and his contributions to the entertainment industry will be remembered fondly by fans and colleagues alike, marking a significant loss in the world of cinema and television.