Actor Bernard Hill, famous for his roles in Titanic and Lord of the Rings, passed away on Sunday morning at the age of 79. His agent, Lou Coulson, confirmed the news. His fiancee Alison and his son Gabriel were present at the location. The family or his agent have not disclosed the cause of death yet. 

Upon hearing the news, singer and actress Barbara Dickson, a close collaborator, posted a poignant tribute on X. She shared a black and white photo of herself with Hill, accompanied by the words, “It’s with great sadness that I note the death of Bernard Hill.” Their collaboration on the wonderful Willy Russell show, John Paul George Ringo and Bert, from 1974 to 1975, was a testament to his exceptional talent. The loss of such a remarkable actor and person is deeply felt by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Cause of Death

According to his medical reports, Hill was doing well and was supposed to be at Comic Con Liverpool later this weekend with other stars of Lord of the Rings. So, the reason for his death is still unknown. 

About Bernard Hill 

Bernard was born in Manchester and graduated with a diploma in theatre in 1970, along with Richard Thomas Griffiths, a famous English actor. Hill became well-known for playing Yosser Hughes in the critically acclaimed BBC television series “Boys from the Blackstuff.” His depiction of Hughes, a proud yet desperate man grappling with unemployment in Liverpool during the early 1980s, earned him widespread recognition for his exceptional acting skills. 

However, Hill’s roles in two monumental blockbusters solidified his status as a household name. In James Cameron’s ‘Titanic’ (1997), he portrayed Captain Edward Smith, the stoic yet tragic commander of the ill-fated Titanic. His performance added depth to the historical figure, capturing both the nobility and the tragic oversight of the captain.

Similarly, in Peter Jackson’s ‘The Lord of the Rings’ trilogy, Hill portrayed King Theoden of Rohan. His portrayal of the manipulated monarch’s transformation into a courageous leader resonated with audiences, particularly in memorable battle scenes like the Battle of Helm’s Deep.