English actor Bernard Hill, best known for his portrayal of Théoden, King of Rohan, in J.R.R. Tolkien's “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy and Captain Edward Smith in James Cameron's “Titanic,” passed away on May 6, 2024, at the age of 79. The cause of death is unknown.
Born in Durham, England, Hill began his acting career in the late 1970s with roles in various British television shows. His breakthrough role came as Yosser Hughes in Alan Bleasdale's “Boys from the Blackstuff,” a BBC drama series that explored unemployment and poverty during Margaret Thatcher's tenure as Prime Minister.
Hill gained international recognition for his role as Captain Smith in Cameron's epic disaster film, “Titanic.” In the movie, he portrayed the ship's captain with a sense of duty and determination that resonated with audiences. Despite being aware of the impending danger posed by an iceberg, Smith chose to maintain course and ultimately went down with the ship.
Following his role in “Titanic,” Hill appeared in several high-profile films, including “The Ghost and the Darkness,” starring Michael Douglas and Val Kilmer, and “The Scorpion King.”
In Peter Jackson's adaptation of Tolkien's epic fantasy novels, Hill portrayed Théoden, the wise and valiant king of Rohan. His performance was praised for its depth and nuance, earning him a loyal fanbase among “The Lord of the Rings” fans.
At the time of his passing, Hill had one film in pre-production. He is survived by his fiancée Alison and son Gabriel.
Bernard Hill's long-lasting career filled with iconic roles is a testament to his incredible talent. His work will continue to inspire and entertain audiences for generations to come.
