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.

Share this with others on...
News

Bait for the beast Simon Panay on challenging attitudes to albino people in The Boy With White Skin

Ice cool Hélène Cattet and Bruno Forzani talk Reflection In A Dead Diamond

Songs and silence Urška Djukić on music, unspoken communication and Little Trouble Girls

The beauty of doubt Toni Servillo on costumes by Carlo Poggioli and working with Paolo Sorrentino on La Grazia

Peter Hujar's Day leads Independent Spirit nominations Full list of film contenders revealed

One Battle After Another takes top Gotham prize It Was Just An Accident wins on the numbers

More news and features

Interact

More competitions coming soon.