Lord of the Rings Fans Mourn King Théoden Actor Bernard Hill, Dead at 79

Bernard Hill, who found fame as King Théoden in Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings trilogy and as Captain Smith in Titanic, has died. He was 79.

Hill died early Sunday morning, his agent told the BBC. His representative did not share the cause of death.

A long-time Hollywood veteran, Hill’s most recent role was in BAFTA-winning drama The Reponder alongside Martin Freeman. Over the years he’s appeared in a variety of movies including Gandhi and The Scorpion King, as well as Fable III.

Bernard Hill, best known for his work as Théoden in The Lord of the Rings trilogy and Captain Smith in Titanic, has died at age 79. pic.twitter.com/xtLehexg2Z

— IGN (@IGN) May 5, 2024

But he remains best-known for his memorable turn as King Théoden in Two Towers and Return of the King. The role forever associated him with Lord of the Rings, though he admitted that he was “not interested” in Rings of Power, calling it a “money-making venture.”

Fans paid to tribute to Hill on social media, highlighting among things his epic speech in the Return of the King ahead of the Battle of the Pelennor Fields.

“Rest in Peace Bernard Hill — the man responsible for THE most iconic scene in cinematic history,” one fan wrote. “A sword-day, a red day, ere the sun rises! Ride now, ride now, ride to Gondor!”

Rest in Peace Bernard Hill – the man responsible for 𝗧𝗛𝗘 most iconic scene in cinematic history.

A sword-day, a red day, ere the sun rises! Ride now, ride now, ride to Gondor! pic.twitter.com/eTWnAlJ6Sb

— Nick Bell (@nickbellofbpl) May 5, 2024

Other fans noted his work on Boys From the Blackstuff, where he played Yosser Hughes in a “powerful unhinged performance” that “stopped an entire nation in its tracks.” Writer Alan Bleasdale told the BBC that Hill’s death was a “great loss and also a great surprise.”

“I was desperate to work with him. Everything he did — his whole procedure for working, the manner in which he worked and his performance was everything that you could ever wish for. You always felt that Bernard would live forever. He had a great strength, physically and of personality.”

After everything those, the power image of Théoden, rule of Rohan, looms large with fans and creators alike.

“I go to my fathers. And even in their mighty company I shall not now be ashamed,” wrote novelist Graham McNeill. “RIP Bernard Hill, you utter legend.”

Kat Bailey is IGN’s News Director as well as co-host of Nintendo Voice Chat. Have a tip? Send her a DM at @the_katbot.