Bernard Hill: Lord of the Rings and Titanic Actor Dies Aged 80

Hill Played Théoden, King of Rohan, in the Epic Trilogy

Bernard Hill, the English actor known for his roles as King Théoden in The Lord of the Rings film trilogy and Captain Edward Smith in Titanic, has died. His agent confirmed the news to the BBC on May 5, 2024.

Hill's Early Career and Breakthrough with Yosser Hughes

Hill was born on December 17, 1944, in Manchester, England. He began his acting career on stage in the early 1970s, before making his film debut in 1983's The Long Good Friday. Hill's portrayal of Yosser Hughes, an unemployed factory worker, in the 1982 BBC series Boys from the Blackstuff launched his career and garnered critical acclaim.

Over the following decades, Hill appeared in a wide range of films and television shows, including Titanic (1997), which earned him an Academy Award nomination for his supporting role. In 2001, he was cast as Théoden, King of Rohan, in The Lord of the Rings film trilogy, a role that cemented his status as a beloved character actor.

Bernard Hill's death is a significant loss to the acting world. His unforgettable performances in these iconic films will continue to inspire and entertain generations to come.