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

English actor Bernard Hill, known for his memorable roles as Théoden, King of Rohan, in "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy and Captain Edward Smith in "Titanic," has passed away at the age of 79.

English actor Bernard Hill, renowned for his iconic portrayal of Théoden, King of Rohan, in "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy and Captain Edward Smith in the 1997 blockbuster "Titanic," has passed away at the age of 79.

Hill's agent confirmed his passing on Sunday morning, although the cause of death remains unknown at this time. His death marks a significant loss for the entertainment industry and leaves behind a legacy of memorable performances that will forever be etched in the hearts of audiences.

Born in Manchester, England, on December 17, 1944, Hill began his acting career in the 1970s, appearing in small roles in television series and stage productions. His breakthrough came in 1982 when he starred in the BBC2 program, "The Black Stuff," as Yosser Hughes, a working-class man struggling with unemployment and other obstacles. His character's catchphrase, "Gizza' job!" ("Give us a job") became a rallying cry for dissidents of Conservative Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher's policies.

Hill's film career took off in 1996 with his role in the adventure film "The Ghost and the Darkness," starring alongside Michael Douglas and Val Kilmer. The following year, he made a lasting impression in James Cameron's epic disaster film "Titanic," where he played the ill-fated Captain Edward Smith, who heroically went down with his ship.

Hill's versatility as an actor was further showcased in his portrayal of the enigmatic Philos in the 2002 action-adventure film "The Scorpion King," starring Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. In the same year, he joined the cast of "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy, where he breathed life into the character of Théoden, the noble and resolute King of Rohan. His inspiring speeches and unwavering determination left an indelible mark on audiences worldwide.

Throughout his career, Hill appeared in numerous other films and television shows, including "Gandhi" (1982), "The Bounty" (1984), "Full Metal Jacket" (1987), "Gladiator" (2000), and "The Gathering Storm" (2002). He also lent his voice to the character of King Théoden in the video game adaptations of "The Lord of the Rings."

Hill's most recent appearances include several episodes of the BBC series, "The Responder," and a film in pre-production at the time of his passing. His untimely death has been met with an outpouring of grief from fans, colleagues, and the entertainment community at large.

Lindsay Salt, the director of BBC Drama, paid tribute to Hill, stating, "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."

Hill's legacy as a gifted actor will undoubtedly live on through his unforgettable performances, inspiring and captivating generations to come.