Founder and Managing Partner
Hill’s last role was in a BBC drama set to premier its second season on the day he died.
WASHINGTON — Actor Bernard Hill, who played in “Titanic” and the “Lord of the Rings” movies, has died, according to multiple reports. He was 79.
Hill played Captain Edward Smith in the 1997 Oscar-winning film about the sinking of the Titanic. His character, after attempting to evacuate as many passengers as possible, goes down with the ship and dies in the icy Atlantic.
He als played King Théoden in two of the “Lord of the Rings” films, where he rode to the aid of Gondor in battle before being mortally wounded by the Witch-king.
Hill, who was still actively acting up until his death, is set to return to TV as a character in the British show “The Responder,” which begins airing its second season Sunday.
The BBC confirmed Hill’s death through his agent, Lou Coulsen, who said he died early Sunday morning.
According to CNN, Hill’s family announced his death on the same day, saying he was with his fiancée and son.
“It is with the greatest sadness that we must announce that Bernard Hill, 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,” the statement obtained by CNN said. “He was with his fiancée Alison and his son Gabriel.”
Hill began acting in 1970, but got his breakout roll in 1982, when he was cast as Yosser Hughes in the BBC Drama “Boys from the Blackstuff.”
According to IMDB, Hill had 130 acting credits in film and television, with 56 of those coming from appearances on the silver screen.
In a statement released to the BBC, Lindsay Salt, director of BBC Drama, paid tribute to the late actor, calling his career “iconic and remarkable.”
“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,” Salt said. “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.”
[embedded content]
(source)