Bernard Hill: Titanic and Lord of the Rings actor dies… here’s what to know about him

Renowned actor Bernard Hill, celebrated for his iconic portrayals in Titanic and Lord of the Rings, has passed away at the age of 79. 

He famously depicted Captain Edward Smith in the acclaimed 1997 film and brought King Théoden to life in the epic fantasy series. 

Hill’s career took flight with his compelling performance as Yosser Hughes in the 1982 BBC TV drama Boys from the Blackstuff, where he embodied the struggles of unemployment in Liverpool. 

His agent, Lou Coulson, confirmed his passing early Sunday morning, noting his fiancee Alison and his son Gabriel were with him at the time.

Here’s some things to know about the late Bernard Hill:

Career Highlights: Hill’s extensive career spanned iconic roles in “Boys from the Blackstuff,” “Wolf Hall,” and Peter Jackson’s “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy.

Notable Performances: Hill’s portrayal of Yosser Hughes in “Boys from the Blackstuff” garnered critical acclaim, earning the series a BAFTA for best drama series in 1983.

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Lord of the Rings: Hill joined the cast for the second and third films of Peter Jackson’s trilogy, earning widespread recognition for his role as King Théoden.

Other Works: Hill’s diverse career included roles in “I, Claudius,” “Gandhi,” “Shirley Valentine,” “The Scorpion King,” and “Valkyrie.”

Scheduled Appearance: Hill was set to appear at Comic Con Liverpool but had to cancel at the last minute, leaving organizers and fans heartbroken at his passing.

Barbara Dickson’s Tribute: Scottish musician Barbara Dickson remembered Hill as a marvelous actor and expressed gratitude for having known him.

Birth and Background: Hill was born in Blackley, Manchester, and grew up in a Catholic family of miners.

Education: He attended Xaverian College and later studied at Manchester Polytechnic School of Drama, graduating with a diploma in theatre in 1970.

Career Breakthrough: Hill gained prominence for his portrayal of Yosser Hughes in Alan Bleasdale’s BBC Play for Today programme, “The Black Stuff,” and its series sequel, “Boys from the Blackstuff.” His character’s phrase “Gizza job” became iconic during protests against Margaret Thatcher’s government due to high unemployment.

Notable Roles: He played Sergeant Putnam in “Gandhi” (1982) and appeared in “The Bounty” (1984). Hill also had smaller parts in various British television dramas, including “I, Claudius” (1976) as Gratus.

Personal Life: Hill was married to American-born actress Marianna Hill, with whom he had a son named Gabriel. They lived in Suffolk. He was a devoted supporter of Manchester United.

Recognition: In 2019, Hill received an honorary degree from the University of East Anglia.