• Bernard Hill, known for roles in Titanic and Lord of the Rings, passed away at 79
• Hill had a successful career in British TV and film, appearing in iconic movies such as Gandhi and Titanic
• Fellow Lord of the Rings actors paid tribute to Hill at Comic Con Liverpool, remembering him as a talented and beloved member of their film family
Here is what happened:
The film community mourns the loss of Bernard Hill, a beloved star known for his roles in iconic movies such as “Titanic” and “Lord of the Rings.” Hill, who portrayed Captain Edward Smith in “Titanic” and King Théoden in the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy, passed away at the age of 79. His agent confirmed the news, revealing that Hill’s fiancée, Alison, and son, Gabriel, were by his side when he died on May 5th. The cause of his death was not disclosed.
Hill, a British actor originally from Manchester, England, began his acting career in the late ’70s in the UK before transitioning to films in the ’80s and ’90s. He appeared in movies like “Gandhi,” “The Ghost and the Darkness,” and his most notable role in “Titanic” alongside Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet. Hill also starred in “The Scorpion King” and the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy, solidifying his place in cinematic history.
His colleagues and fans paid tribute to him, with Sean Astin, who played Frodo Baggins, expressing their grief at his loss. Fellow actors from “Lord of the Rings” also honored Hill’s memory at Comic Con Liverpool. Astin, alongside Dominic Monaghan, Billy Boyd, and Elijah Wood, shared heartfelt words for their late friend on stage, praising his talent and presence on screen. Hill’s passing leaves a void in the entertainment industry, but his legacy lives on through his unforgettable performances.
