Bernard Hill, 'Lord of the Rings' Actor, Dies at 79

Hill Played Théoden, King of Rohan, in the Trilogy

Hill's Career Spanned Five Decades

Bernard Hill, the English actor who played King Théoden of Rohan in Peter Jackson's "The Lord of the Rings" film trilogy, has died at the age of 79. Hill's agent confirmed the actor's passing on May 5, 2024.

Hill's death comes as a loss to the acting community and fans of the "Lord of the Rings" franchise. His portrayal of Théoden was both powerful and moving, and his performance helped to bring J.R.R. Tolkien's epic story to life on the silver screen.

In addition to his role in "The Lord of the Rings" films, Hill also appeared in "Titanic" as Captain Edward Smith and in "Gladiator" as Commodus's father. His career spanned five decades, and he appeared in over 100 films and television shows.

Hill's death is a reminder of the enduring legacy of "The Lord of the Rings" films. The trilogy remains one of the most successful and beloved film franchises in history, and Hill's performance as Théoden will continue to be remembered for years to come.