Blackley, Manchester – Award-winning actor Bernard Hill, known for his iconic roles as Captain of the Titanic and King of Rohan in the Lord of the Rings trilogy, passed away at the age of 79. His agent confirmed his death, revealing that Hill’s fiancée and son were by his side. Hill was scheduled to appear at Comic Con Liverpool but had to cancel last minute.
Hill’s Lord of the Rings co-stars paid tribute to him at Comic Con, with Sean Astin describing him as “intrepid,” “irascible,” and “beautiful.” Billy Boyd also praised Hill’s portrayal, expressing that no one could speak Tolkien’s words quite like him. Elijah Wood bid farewell to Hill with a heartfelt message, remembering him as a friend and king who will never be forgotten.
In 2002, Hill joined the Lord of the Rings universe as King Théoden, playing a pivotal role in The Two Towers and Return of the King. His character, initially under a spell, becomes a key ally to the heroes of the trilogy, leading armies into battle against evil forces. The Return of the King earned 11 Oscar nominations, winning all of them, a rare feat only achieved by a few films like Titanic.
Hill’s portrayal of Captain Edward Smith in Titanic showcased his versatility as an actor, bringing to life the stoic captain who goes down with his ship after hitting an iceberg. Born in Blackley, Manchester in 1944, Hill’s career began with the acclaimed 1982 BBC drama Boys from the Blackstuff, earning him critical praise and a BAFTA nomination.
Throughout his career, Hill appeared in a variety of supporting roles in films like Gandhi, Shirley Valentine, True Crime, and Valkyrie. His TV credits include the BBC adaptation of Wolf Hall as the Duke of Norfolk. Just hours after his passing, Hill’s presence was felt on British television screens as the second season of BBC One’s The Responder premiered.
Director of BBC Drama, Lindsay Salt, paid tribute to Hill’s incredible talent and lasting impact on the industry. Hill’s legacy as an actor who brought authenticity and depth to his characters will be remembered fondly by fans and colleagues alike.