The famous British actor, Bernard Hill passed away at the age of 79. According to the actor’s team, he breathed last in London on Sunday, 5 May. He acted in timeless films like ‘Titanic’ and ‘The Lord of the Rings’.
Hill’s early career
Bernard Hill was born in Manchester, England (17 December 1944). In 1975, Bernard entered the world of acting through a documentary called ‘It Could Happen To You’. Later he acted in films like ‘Gandhi’ directed by Richard Attenborough and ‘Mountains of the Moon’ directed by Bob Rafelson.
Hill’s unforgettable performances
Hill rose up to fame by playing Yosser Hughes in the popular BBC TV drama ‘Boys from the Blackstuff’ about five unemployed men in 1982. Hughes’ portrayal of a proud yet desperate man struggling with unemployment in ‘Liverpool’ in the early 1980s earned him widespread recognition for his exceptional acting skills. But it was Bernard Hill’s performance in two first-rate classics that cemented his fame, status and household name. He was nominated for an award in 1983 from the British Academy of Film and Television Arts for the role, and the show won the BAFTA for best drama series.
Hill’s performance in ‘Titanic’
In 1997, In ‘Titanic,’ Hill played Captain Edward Smith, one of the only characters based on a real person in the 1997 tragic romance. He is seen as the ruthless yet tragic commander of the ill-fated RMS Titanic. His performance adds a unique depth to the historical character, portraying the kindness and tragic side of a captain with great skill. The film also won 11 Academy Awards.
Hill’s performance in ‘The lord of the rings’
He also starred In Peter Jackson’s ‘The Lord of the Rings’ trilogy. Hill is seen playing Thoden, King of Rohan. The story of his transformation from a controlling king to a brave king is etched in the viewer’s mind, especially in memorable scenes like the Battle of Helm’s Deep. Hill joined ‘The Lord Of The Rings’ franchise in the second film of the trilogy, 2002’s The Two Towers. The following year, he reprised the role in ‘Return of the King’, a movie that won 11 Oscars. In addition to movies, Bernard acted in several TV series too.
Throughout his long career, he has performed a variety of roles in multiple genres with great skill, proving time and again his devotion to the art of acting. The death of Bernard Hill has naturally cast a shadow of mourning in the entertainment world.
It’s with great sadness that I note the death of Bernard Hill. We worked together in John Paul George Ringo and Bert, Willy Russell marvellous show 1974-1975. A really marvellous actor. It was a privilege to have crossed paths with him. RIP Benny x#bernardhill pic.twitter.com/UPVDCo3ut8
— Barbara Dickson (@BarbaraDickson) May 5, 2024
Actress and singer Barbara Dickson confirmed the death of Bernard Hill on her X handle (formerly Twitter).
She also posted a black-and-white picture of the late actor with himself.
His death came the same day the second series of the BBC drama The Responder was to air, in which he played the father of the show’s star, Martin Freeman.
Lindsay Salt, director of BBC Drama said, “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. Our thoughts are with his loved ones at this sad time. May his soul rest in peace.”
