MOVIE NEWS – Bernard Hill played Captain Edward Smith in James Cameron’s Titanic and King Théoden in The Lord of the Rings.

Actor Bernard Hill, who became known for his many character roles, including as King Théoden in Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings film trilogy and as Captain Edward Smith in James Cameron’s Oscar-winning Titanic, died on May 5, his agent Lou Coulson said. The actor was 79 years old.

Hill was born in Blackley, a working-class area of Manchester, England, in 1944 and grew up in a Catholic mining family, far from the glamour of Hollywood.

His acting journey began at the Manchester Polytechnic School of Drama. Several television roles in the mid-1970s soon followed this.

Hill gained wide recognition for his role as Yosser Hughes in the BBC series The Black Stuff and its sequel, Boys from the Blackstuff. The portrayal of a desperate man always looking for work became synonymous with the real unemployment crisis prevailing in the UK at the time. His character’s constant plea for someone to “Gizza job” became an echo of the times, becoming a part of British culture during such times. Hill’s small-screen career has also featured notable performances in historical dramas such as I, Claudius and the personal John Lennon film A Journey in the Life.

Bernard Hill’s foray into cinema led to iconic roles

In the 1980s and 1990s, Hill expanded his horizons to feature films. Among others, he starred in Richard Attenborough’s film Gandhi and later in The Bounty.

However, his roles as Captain Edward J. Smith in Titanic in 1997 and King Théoden in The Lord of the Rings trilogy were the highlights of his film career, contributing to his unique Academy Award record.

Hill has the distinction of being the only actor to appear in two films that won 11 Academy Awards! The actor has appeared in various genres, from voice acting in the animated horror comedy ParaNorman to the historical drama series Wolf Hall to the 2002 action blockbuster The Scorpion King and the 2008 Tom Cruise film Valkyrie.

One of his last roles was in the BBC drama The Responder, starring Martin Freeman, the second season of which will debut on the day of the actor’s death.

Hill was scheduled to appear at ComicCon in Liverpool, England, on Saturday, but he cancelled at the last minute. Organizers even shared a message on social media saying they were “heartbroken” at the news of his death and offered their support to his family.

BBC Director of Drama Lindsay Salt paid tribute to Hill in a statement:

“Bernard Hill blazed a trail across the screen, and his long-lasting career filled with iconic and remarkable roles is a testament to his incredible talent. From Boys from the Blackstuff, to Wolf Hall, The Responder, and many more, we feel truly honored to have worked with Bernard at the BBC. Our thoughts are with his loved ones at this sad time.”

Source: BBC

“I go to my fathers. And even in their mighty company I shall not now be ashamed.”

RIP Bernard Hill, you utter legend. pic.twitter.com/ZkKLxn9p0J

— Graham McNeill (@GrahamMcNeill) May 5, 2024