Actor Bernard Hill, known for his roles in 'Titanic' and 'Lord of the Rings', passes away.
Hill gained recognition in his native country through his performance in the 1982 drama "Boys from the Blackstuff," which portrayed jobless men as emblematic of the Thatcher era.
Yet it was in minor roles where he displayed subtle dignity in some of the most acclaimed films of all time that he was best known to viewers.
In James Cameron's 1997 multi-Oscar-winning "Titanic," Hill portrayed Captain Edward Smith as a man tormented by his involvement in the disaster and ultimately accepting his fate. We last see him holding the ship's wheel as water pours in through the windows.
Hill also appeared in two parts of Peter Jackson's "The Lord of the Rings" franchise as Theoden, King of Rohan. In "The Two Towers," he's deceived by his advisor but becomes a valiant leader in "The Return of the King."
Additional film appearances include "Gandhi," "Shirley Valentine," and "The Scorpion King."
His representative Lou Coulson informed the PA news agency that he passed away in the early hours of Sunday. CNN has also reached out for a separate comment.
In tribute, BBC Drama Director Lindsay Salt remarked, "Hill lit up the screen, and his enduring career filled with iconic and impressive roles is a reflection of his extraordinary talent."
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Despite his success in dramatic roles, Bernard Hill was also appreciated for his contributions to entertainment, particularly in movies like "Titanic" and "The Lord of the Rings." Fans often enjoy rewatching his emotional performance as Captain Edward Smith in "Titanic," and his transformation from a deceived to a valiant leader as King Theoden in "The Lord of the Rings."
Source: edition.cnn.com
