Obituary: Bernard Hill, Titanic and Lord of the Rings Star, Dies at 79

Actor Bernard Hill, best known for his roles as the captain of the Titanic in the 1997 film and as King Théoden of Rohan in the Lord of the Rings trilogy, has died at the age of 79. His agent confirmed Hill's passing on Sunday morning.

Born in Manchester, England, in 1944, Hill began his acting career in the theater before making his film debut in 1970. He went on to appear in numerous films and television shows, including "Gandhi," "Brazil," and "The Full Monty."

Hill's most famous role was as Captain Edward Smith in James Cameron's blockbuster "Titanic." His portrayal of the ship's captain, who went down with the ship in the 1912 disaster, earned him widespread praise.

Hill later appeared in two parts of Peter Jackson's blockbuster "The Lord of the Rings" series as Théoden, King of Rohan. He brought a quiet dignity and strength to the role, capturing the character's journey from a reluctant leader to a valiant warrior.

Bernard Hill's passing is a great loss to the world of cinema. He was a versatile actor who brought depth and humanity to every role he played. He will be remembered for his iconic performances in "Titanic" and "The Lord of the Rings," and for his contribution to the art of storytelling.