Actor Bernard Hill led a celebrated career in both film and television for decades. Sadly, it’s been confirmed that Hill has died at age 79.
He was born on December 17, 1944, and passed away on May 5, 2024. His most popular roles include Théoden, King of Rohan, in Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings film trilogy as well as Captain Edward Smith in James Cameron’s Titanic. As for television, he appeared in both Boys from the Blackstuff in the 1980s and the more modern BBC adaptation of Hilary Mantel’s Wolf Hall.
As shared via Fox, the cause of Hill’s death is currently unknown. However, it’s been shared that he “was with his fiancée, Alison, and his son, Gabriel, when he died.” Family, friends, and fans are all devastated by the news. However, they’re choosing to remember how great of a person Hill was, and what a great catalogue of work he left behind.
This was shared by his fellow The Lord of the Rings cast members Sean Astin and Billy Boyd at Liverpool Comic-Con. As you can see below, Astin had the following to say:
“He was intrepid, he gruff, he was irascible.”
Boyd added his own words:
“We were watching the movies and I said to Dom, I don’t think anyone spoke Tolkien’s words as great as Bernard did.”
The 4 Hobbits pay their respects to Bernard Hill at Liverpool Comic Con
“He was intrepid, he gruff, he was irascible.” – Sean Astin
Echoing Sean’s words, Billy Boyd, said: “We were watching the movies and I said to Dom, I don’t think anyone spoke Tolkien’s words as great as… pic.twitter.com/fNzOLpVh2o
— Fellowship of Fans (@FellowshipFans) May 5, 2024
Other films featuring the work of Hill include The Ghost and the Darkness, The Scorpion King, and The League of Gentlemen’s Apocalypse. Other television appearances include A Very Social Secretary, Sunshine, and From There to Here.
As shared via Empire, Lindsay Salt, director of BBC Drama, also had plenty to say regarding Hill’s work:
“Bernard Hill blazed a trail across the screen, and his long-lasting career filled with iconic and remarkable roles is a testament to his incredible talent,” she stated. “From Boys From The Blackstuff, to Wolf Hall, The Responder, and many more, we feel truly honoured to have worked with Bernard at the BBC. Our thoughts are with his loved ones at this sad time.”
Overall, Bernard Hill was a fantastic actor and a human being that will be missed.