Bernard Hill, actor known for "Titanic" and "Lord of the Rings," dead at 79

Actor Bernard Hill, known for his roles successful "Titanic" and "Lord of nan Rings," died early Sunday, family members confirmed.

Hill was 79. He was pinch his fiancée and his boy erstwhile he died, his supplier Lou Coulson said.

The actor's profession began successful 1974, pinch roles successful respective TV shows. One of Hill's astir well-known roles was arsenic Captain Smith successful James Cameron's 1997 epic "Titanic." His character, which was based connected Captain Edward Smith, nan commandant of nan real-life Titanic, went down pinch nan vessel successful nan film.

Hill besides played Théoden, King of Rohan, successful some "The Lord of nan Rings: The Two Towers" and "The Lord of nan Rings: The Return of nan King."

Sean Astin, Bernard Hill, Elijah Wood and Andy Serkis Jim Spellman/WireImage via Getty Images

The character was meant to beryllium astatine Comic Con Liverpool this weekend, but had to cancel, organizers said connected societal media.

"We're heartbroken to perceive nan news of Bernard Hill's passing," Comic Con Liverpool wrote. "A awesome loss. Thinking of his family astatine this very sad time, and wishing them a batch of strength."

Actor Sean Astin, who played Samwise Gamgee successful nan "Lord of nan Rings" series, remembered nan character astatine nan event, video shared online shows. 

"He was intrepid. He was funny. He was gruff," Astin said. 

Hill's passing was mourned by nan British Academy Film Awards, much commonly known arsenic nan BAFTAs. Hill was nominated for 2 BAFTAs for "A Very Social Secretary" and his breakout capacity successful "Boys From The Blackstuff," which won nan Drama Series BAFTA successful 1983.

Hill's different roles included Philos successful 2002's "The Scorpion King." Most recently, he appeared successful nan BBC play "The Responder," which was scheduled for return connected Sunday.

"Bernard Hill blazed a way crossed nan screen, and his long-lasting profession filled pinch iconic and singular roles is simply a testament to his unthinkable talent," BBC Drama Director Lindsay Salt said. "From 'Boys from nan Blackstuff', to 'Wolf Hall,' 'The Responder', and galore more, we consciousness genuinely honoured to person worked pinch Bernard astatine nan BBC. Our thoughts are pinch his loved ones astatine this sad time."

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