Actor Bernard Hill (79), known for The Lord of the Rings and Titanic, has died

Actor Bernard Hill (79) has died in Great Britain. He played Captain Edward Smith in Titanic and King Théoden in the ‘Lord of the Rings’ trilogy.

His agent Lou Coulson confirmed to BBC News that he passed away in the early hours of this morning.

In Titanic, the Oscar-winning 1997 film, he played Captain Edward Smith. He is better known for his role of King Théoden in the ‘Lord of the Rings’ trilogy.

His breakthrough role was as Yosser Hughes in the drama Boys from the Blackstuff, first broadcast on the BBC in 1982.

Alan Bleasdale, who wrote Boys from the Blackstuff, said Hill’s death was “a great loss and also a great surprise”.

“It was an amazing, mesmerizing performance. Bernard has given everything to that and you can see that in all scenes. He just became Yosser Hughes.”

“You always had the feeling that Bernard would live forever. He had great strength, both physically and personality-wise.”

Actor Bernard Hill came from Manchester and had just finished filming a new TV series. He played a role opposite Martin Freeman in the second season of ‘The Responder’, the first episode of which can be seen on BBC on Sunday evening.

Lindsay Salt, director of BBC Drama, paid tribute: “His enduring career was full of iconic and remarkable roles. 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.”