Eye For Film >> News >> Bernard Hill dies at 79

Bernard Hill dies at 79

Lord Of The Rings star's latest show due to air tonight

by Amber Wilkinson

Bernard Hill speaking to Siobhan Synnot in 2017
Bernard Hill speaking to Siobhan Synnot in 2017 Photo: Courtesy of Pako Mera/© EIFF, Edinburgh International Film Festival All Rights Reserved

Boys From The Blackstuff star Bernard Hill has died at the age of 79.

The Manchester-born star who began his career in TV roles including Yosser Hughes in the Alan Bleasdale drama, went on to find fame on the big screen, playing notable characters, including Theoden in The Lord Of The Rings trilogy and Captain Edward Smith in James Cameron's Titanic.

His agent confirmed his death with the BBC.

Early shows in his career also included I, Claudius and Crown Court. He was a versatile character actor, with other films including Scottish cult favourite Restless Natives and Hollywood fare like Gothika.

His career was celebrated at an in person event at Edinburgh International Film Festival in 2017, when he was on the international jury.

Hill's latest TV drama, The Responder, is due to air on BBC tonight.

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