Bernard Hill Biography: 'Titanic' and 'Lord of the Rings' Star Passes Away at 79

Bernard Hill, Celebrated for Roles in Iconic Films

British actor Bernard Hill, best known for supporting roles in "Titanic" and "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy, has passed away at the age of 79. He was with his fiancée Alison and son Gabriel.

Hill gained fame in 1982's "Boys from the Blackstuff" and later appeared in James Cameron's 1997 Oscar-winning film "Titanic," playing Captain Edward Smith in a tragic scene.

Actor David Hill died in early hours of Sunday. He appeared in two parts of Peter Jackson's "The Lord of the Rings" series, as Theoden, King of Rohan. Other film roles include "Gandhi," "Shirley Valentine," and "The Scorpion King."

Liverpool Comic Con announced the death of Bernard Hill, who was set to appear. The event expressed heartbreak and condolences to his family. Folk musician Barbara Dickson also expressed sadness over the news.

A really marvellous actor. It was a privilege to have crossed paths with him. RIP Benny x.

Born in Blackley, Manchester on 17 December 1944, Hill was raised in a Catholic family of miners, and studied at what is now the Manchester School of Theatre. Hill's breakthrough role in 1979's The Black Stuff was as a working-class Scouse man, portrayed by the brutality of the British welfare state.

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British actor David Hill gained fame with his catchphrase "Gizza job". He appeared in films like Gandhi, Mountains of the Moon, Skallagrigg, and Madagascar Skin. In the 1990s, he starred in The Ghost and the Darkness and played the captain in Titanic.

In 1999, Hill starred in Clint Eastwood's True Crime, describing it as "great fun" and praised Eastwood's considerate direction. He played Theoden in the second Lord of the Rings film, The Two Towers, and reprised the role in Return of the King. Hill cherished every moment of his time on the series, expressing his fondest memory.

The actor’s other noteworthy roles include Philos in the Dwayne Johnson-starring supernatural thriller The Scorpion King, and Thomas Howard in the BBC’s six-part adaptation of Hilary Mantel’s Wolf Hall. Hill’s most recent role comes in the Martin Freeman police drama The Responder, which begins on BBC One this Sunday.

Bernard Hill: A Storied Career Ends on the Day of His Latest Premiere

As the doomed ship takes on water, Hill’s character silently retreats to the wheelhouse. As the cabin groans under the pressure of the waves, he takes a final breath and grabs the wheel as water bursts through the windows.

Hill first made a name for himself as Yosser Hughes in “Boys From the Blackstuff,” a 1982 British TV miniseries about five unemployed men. He was nominated for an award in 1983 from the British Academy of Film and Television Arts for the role, and the show won the BAFTA for best drama series.

His death came the same day the second series of the BBC drama “The Responder” was to air, in which he played the father of the show’s star, Martin Freeman.

Bernard Hill blazed a trail across the screen, and his long-lasting career filled with iconic and remarkable roles is a testament to his incredible talent, said Lindsay Salt, director of BBC Drama. “Our thoughts are with his loved ones at this sad time.

Revered Actor from 'Titanic' and 'LOTR,' Dies at 79

English actor Bernard Hill, best known for roles in Titanic and The Lord of the Rings, died on Sunday. He was 79. Hill's agent, Lou Coulson, confirmed his death to NPR. Coulson said Hill was with his fiance and son at the time. Hill's acting career spanned over 50 years both onscreen and on-stage.

His latest role aired Sunday as the main character's father in the BBC show The Responder. Lindsay Salt, the director of BBC drama, described Hill as a one-of-a-kind actor. His long-lasting career filled with iconic and remarkable roles is a testament to his incredible talent," Salt said in a statement.

Hill's notable roles include Captain Edward John Smith in Titanic, King Théoden of Rohan in The Lord of the Rings trilogy, and Yosser Hughes in Boys from the Blackstuff. He received multiple nominations and awards for his performances, including an award from the Screen Actors Guild for his role in The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King.

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Bernard Hill Biography

Overview

• Born December: 17, 1944 · Manchester, England, UK
• Died: May 5, 2024
• Height: 5′ 9″ (1.75 m)

Mini Bio

Bernard Hill is an English actor. He is well recognized for playing King Théoden in The Lord of the Rings film trilogy, Captain Edward Smith in Titanic, and Luther Plunkitt, the Warden of San Quentin Prison in the Clint Eastwood film True Crime.

Hill was also known for playing roles in television dramas, including Yosser Hughes, the troubled "hard man" whose life is falling apart in Alan Bleasdale's groundbreaking Boys from the Blackstuff in the 1980s, and more recently, as the Duke of Norfolk in the BBC adaptation of Hilary Mantel's Wolf Hall.

Family

• Spouse : Marianne(? - present) (1 child)
• Children : Gabriel Hill

Trivia

Actor Christopher Hill is known for his roles:

• The Lord of the Rings:
• The Two Towers (2002),
• Titanic (1997),
• The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003).
• Oscars Nominated Films:
• Gandhi (1982)
• Titanic (1997)
• The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002)
• The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)

He is the only actor to star in two billion-dollar films that have both won 11 Oscars. Hill has also appeared in four films nominated for the Best Picture Oscar, including Gandhi (1982), Titanic (1997), The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002), and The Lord of the Rings:

The Return of the King (2003). He has also appeared in three different versions of "A Midsummer Night's Dream" and has worked with two actors who played Mohammad Ali Jinnah. Hill's birthday coincides with the release date of The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003). He has a son with his wife Marianne Hill and has worked with two actors who played Mohammad Ali Jinnah.

FAQs

What were Bernard Hill's most notable roles?

Bernard Hill was famous for his roles as Captain Edward Smith in "Titanic," King Théoden in "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy, and Yosser Hughes in "Boys from the Blackstuff."

How long was Bernard Hill's acting career?

Bernard Hill's career spanned over 50 years, featuring performances both onscreen and on-stage.

Did Bernard Hill win any awards for his acting?

Yes, among other nominations, Bernard Hill was part of the ensemble that won a Screen Actors Guild Award for "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King."

When and where was Bernard Hill born?

Bernard Hill was born on December 17, 1944, in Manchester, England.

What was Bernard Hill's final acting role?

His last role aired the day he passed, playing the main character's father in the BBC show "The Responder.