Titanic and Lord of the Rings star Bernard Hill dies aged 79

5 May 2024, 15:08 | Updated: 5 May 2024, 17:08

Tributes to Titanic star Bernard Hill after he died aged 79 this morning.

The actor played Captain Edward Smith in the Oscar-winning 1997 epic romance Titanic, which starred Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet.

Hill also played Theoden, King of Rohan, in The Lord Of The Rings trilogy directed by Sir Peter Jackson.

His agent Lou Coulson told reporters that he died in the early hours of Sunday.

Hill is currently in the second series of BBC drama The Respondent which begins airing on Sunday.

Aside from headline roles in film, he was also known for his turns in Boys from the Black Stuff and Ben Kingsley flick Gandhi.

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.

"From Boys from the Blackstuff, to Wolf Hall, The Responder, and many more, we feel truly honoured to have worked with Bernard at the BBC. Our thoughts are with his loved ones at this sad time."

Barbara Dickson wrote on X: "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."

Hill was born in Manchester and studied acting at the Manchester Polytechnic School of Drama.

His first role was as PC Cluff in the Granada series Crown Court.