Actor Bernard Hill, renowned for his roles in Titanic and Lord of the Rings, has passed away at the age of 79.
As per CNN, Hill's family shared the sad news on Sunday in a statement, noting, "We're deeply saddened to announce that Bernard Hill, a famous actor known for his roles in Titanic and Lord of the Rings, passed away early this morning at the age of 79."
Hill found fame for his notable role in the 1982 BBC TV drama Boys from the Blackstuff, where he portrayed Yosser Hughes, a character who struggled and often failed to cope with unemployment in Liverpool.
Furthermore, in James Cameron’s 1997 multi-Oscar winning Titanic, Hill plays the ship’s Captain Edward Smith as a man haunted by his role in the tragedy and ultimately resigned to his fate.
We last see him alone, holding onto the ship's wheel, just before the water floods in through the windows.
Hill later appeared in the Lord of the Rings as King Theoden.
Other film roles included Gandhi, Shirley Valentine and The Scorpion King.
Lindsay Salt, director of BBC Drama, paid tribute to him, saying: "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."
