6-5-2024 (MANCHESTER) Renowned actor Bernard Hill, celebrated for his memorable performances in blockbusters such as “Titanic” and “The Lord of the Rings,” has passed away at the age of 79.
Hill’s notable roles include portraying Captain Edward Smith in the Oscar-winning film “Titanic” (1997) and King Théoden in “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy.
However, it was his breakout performance in the 1982 BBC TV drama “Boys from the Blackstuff” that truly catapulted him to fame. In the series, Hill compellingly depicted the struggles of Yosser Hughes, a character grappling with unemployment in Liverpool.
Confirmation of Hill’s passing was provided by his agent, Lou Coulson, who revealed that he peacefully passed away early on Sunday morning, accompanied by his fiancée Alison and his son Gabriel.
Fellow actors from “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy, including Elijah Wood, Sean Astin, Dominic Monaghan, and Billy Boyd, paid heartfelt tributes to Hill at Comic Con in Liverpool. Astin described him as “intrepid” and “beautiful,” while Boyd praised his unparalleled delivery of Tolkien’s words, declaring him irreplaceable.
Alan Bleasdale, the writer of “Boys from the Blackstuff,” expressed shock and sadness at Hill’s demise, hailing his mesmerizing portrayal of Yosser Hughes as extraordinary.
Hill, a native of Manchester who resided in Suffolk, was set to grace television screens once again in the upcoming BBC drama series “The Responder,” starring Martin Freeman. His rich legacy of iconic performances, spanning from “Boys from the Blackstuff” to “Wolf Hall” and beyond, earned him widespread acclaim.
Lindsay Salt, director of BBC Drama, commended Hill’s remarkable talent and contributions to the industry, describing his career as a testament to his incredible skill.
Hill’s portrayal of Yosser Hughes in “Boys from the Blackstuff” earned critical acclaim, with the series receiving a BAFTA for Best Drama Series in 1983 and ranking among the top TV shows ever made by the British Film Institute.
Throughout his illustrious career, Hill showcased his versatility in various roles, including the Duke of Norfolk in the BBC drama “Wolf Hall” and appearances in acclaimed productions such as “Gandhi” (1982) and “Valkyrie” (2008).
Hill’s unexpected passing saddened many, including attendees of Comic Con Liverpool, where he was scheduled to appear. Tributes poured in from across the industry, with Scottish musician Barbara Dickson describing him as a “marvellous actor” and offering her condolences to his family.
