Bernard Hill, an English actor famous for playing Theoden, King of Rohan in “The Lord of the Rings” film trilogy, passed away on Sunday morning. His agent, Lou Coulson, confirmed the death news.
The cause of death has not been revealed yet. Hill was born on 17 December 1944 in Blackley, a small town outside Manchester. The actor first gained recognition as Yosser Hughes in the BBC television drama “Play for Today.”
Critics praised him for his work in serious TV dramas, small-budget films, and theater. Hill appeared in numerous renowned movies, including Titanic, The Two Towers, The Lord of the Rings, and The Return of the King.
He was the first actor to star in more than one film that grossed over $1 billion and the only actor to appear in two of the three movies that won 11 Oscars. In “Titanic,” Hill played the role of Capt. Edward J. Smith, who instructs one of his crew members to increase the ship’s speed that caused the fatal collision with an iceberg.
Hill played a prominent role in “The Lord of the Rings” as the king of Rohan, who prematurely aged and debilitated due to the conniving evil wizard Saruman. However, neither of these roles captured the breadth of his career.
During an interview, Hill revealed that the role that actually gained him recognition was Yosser Hughes, a jobless Liverpool resident, in “Play for Today.”
His ability to work with complex characters across various mediums stood as a testament to his unparalleled talent and enduring legacy in the entertainment industry. Bernard Hill’s passing marks the end of an era, leaving behind a void that his fans will feel. Our deepest condolences go out to his family during this difficult time.
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