Actor Bernard Hill, of ‘Titanic’ and ‘Lord of the Rings,’ has died at 79

Bernard Hill in 1997's 'Titanic.'

Actor Bernard Hill, known for his roles in "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King" and "Titanic," has died at the age of 79, according to his agent Lou Coulson.

Mr. Hill as Capt. Edward J. Smith at the helm of the Titanic as it is taking on water.

Hill joined "The Lord of the Rings" franchise in 2002 as Théoden, King of Rohan, and reprised the role in the award-winning "Return of the King." One of his memorable scenes includes rallying his troops with a powerful battle cry.

Bernard Hill in The Return Of The King, 2003.

In "Titanic," Hill portrayed Captain Edward Smith, adding depth to the 1997 tragedy alongside Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet. His character's quiet resolve in the face of the ship's sinking is notable.

Bernard Hill in “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King” in 2003. He played Théoden, the king of Rohan.

Hill initially gained fame as Yosser Hughes in "Boys From the Blackstuff" and earned recognition from the British Academy of Film and Television Arts. His passing coincided with the airing of the BBC drama "The Responder," where he played a pivotal role.

Bernard Hill

Lindsay Salt, director of BBC Drama, praised Hill's lasting impact and talent, offering condolences to his loved ones.