Actor Bernard Hill, known for Lord of the Rings, Titanic and Wolf Hall passes away at 79

Bernard Hill, best known for bringing characters like Yosser Hughes and King Théoden to life, passed away on Sunday morning at the age of 79. Hill was born in Manchester, England in 1944, and leaves behind a filmography spanning over five decades, entertaining audiences worldwide.

Hill’s portrayal of the Duke of Norfolk was a defining moment in his acting career.

With a acting career which flourished on both television and film he achieved early recognition for his portrayal of the unemployed Yosser Hughes in the gritty 1982 BBC miniseries "Boys from the Blackstuff." The character's desperate plea for work, "Gizza job," became a recognisable catchphrase. Alan Bleasdale, writer of "Boys from the Blackstuff," described Hill’s portrayal of Yosser Hughes as "astonishing" and "mesmeric.

Yosser Hughes, played by Bernard Hill, was one of the most memorable characters in 1982's Boys From The Blackstuff

On the big screen, Hill found international acclaim. He played Captain Edward Smith in James Cameron's blockbuster "Titanic" (1997) and King Théoden in Peter Jackson's epic fantasy trilogy "The Lord of the Rings" (2002-2003). Notably, both films hold the record for the most Academy Awards won (11 each).

Bernard Hill as Captain Edward Smith in Titanic, 1997.

Hill's dedication to his craft was evident in his performances. Hill continued to act well into his later years, with a role as the Duke of Norfolk in the BBC miniseries "Wolf Hall" (2015). Another of Hill's memorable BBC TV performances came in the 2015 drama series Wolf Hall, adapted from Hilary Mantel's book of the same name. Hill’s portrayal of the Duke of Norfolk was a defining moment in his acting career.

Bernard Hill in Wolf Hall, 2015

Norfolk was one of the most powerful noblemen in Tudor England,  instrumental in the downfall of Cardinal Wolsey and Thomas Cromwell and presided over the trial of his niece, Ann Boleyn. Bernard captured the personality of Hilary Mantel’s Duke of Norfolk perfectly. His sense of entitlement, famously calling Cromwell ‘you person’, his crass manners and his fearless pursuit of his enemies struck fear in the hearts of his opponents and audiences alike.

Tributes poured in following the news of his death. Lindsay Salt, director of BBC Drama, praised Hill's "long-lasting career filled with iconic and remarkable roles." Fellow "Lord of the Rings" cast member Dominic Monaghan paid homage on Instagram, stating Hill "will always be remembered."

Bernard Hill as Théoden, King of Rohan, in The Lord of the Rings.

He is also set to appear in the second season of the police drama "The Responder" alongside Martin Freeman.