Legendary Titanic and Lord of the Rings actor Bernard Hill dies aged 79-Sabrina Barr-Entertainment – Metro

RIP (Picture: Rex)

Bernard Hill, a legendary actor whose best-known performances included roles in Titanic, Lord of the Rings and Boys from the Blackstuff, has died aged 79.

The news of the late actor’s death was reported by the BBC, hours before the release of his latest project, season 2 of BBC drama The Responder with Martin Freeman.

Singer and actress Barbara Dickson was one of the first to pay tribute to Hill on X, writing in a statement: ‘It’s with great sadness that I note the death of Bernard Hill. We worked together in John Paul George Ringo and Bert, Willy Russell marvellous show 1974-1975.

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

Hill’s agent, Lou Coulson, confirmed to BBC News that the actor died in the early hours of Sunday morning.

The publication added that a statement from his family is expected to be released soon.

Hill played the formidable Théoden, King of Rohan in the Lord of the Rings film franchise (Picture: Pierre Vinet/New Line/Saul Zaentz/Wing Nut/Kobal/Rex/Shutterstock)

Devastatated fans of the late cinema icon have been sharing tributes to him on social media, while also honouring their favourite performances of his career.

‘RIP Bernard Hill. His performance as Yosser Hughes on Boys from the Blackstuff was perfection and British television at it’s best,’ wrote @alelliott88 on X.

David shared: ‘I don’t say this lightly: Bernard Hill as King Theoden in the Lord of the Rings trilogy is one of my all-time favourite performances, a fascinatingly complex turn which brings to life a fascinatingly complex character.

‘RIP to the great Bernard Hill.’

One person on X, Dr OE Murlor, brought up the fact that Hill was the only actor to appear in two films that one 11 Oscars each – The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King and Titanic.

This is a breaking news story, more to follow soon… Check back shortly for further updates.

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