Stage and screen icon Bernard Hill bids farewell: Beloved star of ‘Titanic’ and ‘Lord of the Rings’ passes away at 79

Revered actor Bernard Hill, celebrated for his remarkable performances across film, television, and stage, has sadly passed away at the age of 79.

The family of the distinguished actor, known for his unforgettable roles in Titanic and Lord of the Rings, shared the heartbreaking news in an official statement.

“It is with the greatest sadness that we must announce that Bernard Hill, renowned actor known for his roles in Titanic and Lord of the Rings, passed away in the early hours of this morning at the age of 79,” the statement read.

Born on December 17, 1944, in Blackley, Manchester, Hill emerged from a working-class background, attending Xaverian College and later graduating from Manchester Polytechnic School of Drama in 1970.

Hill’s breakthrough came with his portrayal of Yosser Hughes in Alan Bleasdale’s The Black Stuff and its sequel Boys from the Blackstuff in the 1980s, earning widespread acclaim for his depiction of a man struggling against societal injustices.

Throughout his career, Hill showcased remarkable versatility, from his roles in historical dramas like Gandhi (1982) and Titanic (1997) to his portrayal of King Théoden in Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy (2002-2003). He captivated audiences with his performances on stage, including memorable roles in Macbeth and A View from the Bridge.

In addition to his film and stage work, Hill made notable appearances on television, such as playing the Duke of Norfolk in the BBC adaptation of Hilary Mantel’s Wolf Hall (2015). His talent transcended genres, as evidenced by his roles in diverse projects like Shirley Valentine (1989), The Scorpion King (2002), and ParaNorman (2012).

Tributes poured in from fans and colleagues alike, honouring Hill’s legacy and the impact of his performances across generations.

Rest in Peace Bernard Hill – the man responsible for 𝗧𝗛𝗘 most iconic scene in cinematic history.

A sword-day, a red day, ere the sun rises! Ride now, ride now, ride to Gondor! pic.twitter.com/eTWnAlJ6Sb

— Nick Bell (@nickbellofbpl) May 5, 2024

I had a couple of scenes with Bernard Hill in True Crime. A gent, of course. Also funny, smart and flawless at the job. RIP, sir. pic.twitter.com/uQhQj8NUzJ

— Michael McKean (@MJMcKean) May 5, 2024

Godspeed, Bernard Hill. Folks will be sharing memories of his various roles today, but for me, Théoden King stands alone – a standout performance in a film series full of standout performances.

May his family be comforted during this difficult time. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/oMQSmAA9bP

— The Nerd of the Rings (@nerdoftherings1) May 5, 2024

If there was ever a performance that could be called iconic, it was Bernard Hill as Yosser Hughes.
The downward spiral of a man who had lost everything was emblematic of Thatcher’s Britain of the 80’s.#RIPBernardHill pic.twitter.com/bzBhllLyBZ

— Nye Bevan was right 🇺🇦🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 (@GarethRavenhill) May 5, 2024

The Great Bernard Hill will be appearing in #TheResponder tonight.

A huge part of my youth on film 💙

Terrible news but a king amongst men x pic.twitter.com/SZ0leH5a4I

— Philip S. McGuinness (@Phil_McGuinness) May 5, 2024

So long to our friend, our king, Bernard Hill.

We will never forget you.

“For he was a gentle heart and a great king and kept his oaths; and he rose out of the shadows to a last fair morning.”

photo by Viggo pic.twitter.com/lxjepm5rUZ

— Elijah Wood (@elijahwood) May 5, 2024