Lord of the Rings star Bernard Hill dies aged 79
Topics: Lord of the Rings, Film and TV
Callum Jones
Featured Image Credit: Karwai Tang/WireImage via Getty/New Line Cinema
Topics: Lord of the Rings, Film and TV
The Lord of the Rings star Bernard Hill has died at the age of 79.
His agent Lou Coulson confirmed the news of his death to the BBC on Sunday (May 5).
Hill is arguably best known for his role as King Théoden of Rohan in the latter two Lord of the Rings movies, The Two Towers and The Return of the King.
The movie gained worldwide fame and Hill was often praised for his role in the franchise.
Advert
He and fellow Lord of the Rings star Viggo Mortensen received a tribute from the film's stunt team in the form of a haka as they were the actors who had portrayed Middle Earth's kings.
Before all of that, Hill portrayed Captain Smith in Titanic, with the film depicting the infamous moment when the captain decides to go down with his ship.
And those a little older may remember Hill from his work in Boys from the Blackstuff.
In the series, Hill played Jimmy 'Yosser' Hughes, an unemployed tarmac layer who came to represent the mood of many Brits during the 1980s.
Hill continued to be involved within TV in his very last days.
He will be on our TV screens once more over the coming weeks as he has a role in the second season of Martin Freeman-led drama The Responder.
Many have flocked to social media to pay tribute to the actor, with fans dubbing him as 'an incredible, raw actor' and 'one of the greats'.
Barbara Dickson, who previously worked with Hill, penned on X: "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."
Another fan on X wrote: "Rest in Peace Bernard Hill - the man responsible for the most iconic scene in cinematic history.
"A sword-day, a red day, ere the sun rises! Ride now, ride now, ride to Gondor!"
While a third remarked: "So sad to hear about the death of Bernard Hill. His portrayal of King Théoden is just incredible - what a legacy to have."