'Titanic' actor Bernard Hill who played Captain Smith passes away at 79

Bernard Hill, a respected British actor recognised for his roles in both 'The Lord of the Rings' and 'Titanic,' has died at the age of 79. His passing was announced by actress-singer Barbara Dickson on X (formerly Twitter). She shared her memories of working with Hill in the 1970s, describing him as a "really marvellous actor" and expressing how privileged she felt to have known him.

Born in Manchester, England, Hill's acting career was marked by a number of significant roles. Perhaps one of his most influential early roles was as Yosser Hughes in the BBC TV series 'Boys from the Blackstuff.' This series, which focused on the struggles of unemployment in Liverpool during the early 1980s, brought Hill considerable praise and a nomination for a prestigious British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) award in 1983. The show itself won a BAFTA for the best drama series.

In the realm of film, Hill is perhaps best known for his portrayal of King Théoden in 'The Lord of the Rings' trilogy. He first appeared as Théoden in the 2002 film 'The Two Towers' and reprised his role in the following film, 'The Return of the King,' which won 11 Oscars. His portrayal of Théoden is remembered for its depth and strength, capturing the transformation of a king under the influence of dark forces to a courageous leader in battle.

Another of Hill's iconic roles was Captain Edward Smith in the 1997 blockbuster 'Titanic,' directed by James Cameron. The film, which also won 11 Academy Awards, featured Hill as the captain of the ill-fated ship. His performance added a significant layer of humanity and dignity to the historical figure, contributing to the film's emotional depth.