Actor Bernard Hill dies aged 79: did he win any Oscars?

The world of film and acting is in mourning. Renowned British actor Bernard Hill has passed away Sunday morning at the age of 79, as confirmed by his own agent, Lou Coulson, to the BBC News.

Bernard Hill: the captain in “Titanic”

Hill was a well-known figure in the film industry, notably portraying Captain Edward Smith in the iconic film “Titanic,” and also bringing to life King Théoden, a prominent character in the celebrated cinematic saga “The Lord of the Rings.” He made his stage debut in Willy Russell’s “John, Paul, George, Ringo... and Bert” in 1974. He continued his acting career on both sides of the Atlantic, starring in British and American productions on film, television, and stage.

He gained acclaim with the role of Yosser Hughes, a working-class man in crisis, in Alan Bleasdale’s BBC series “The Black Stuff” (1979) and its sequel, “Boys from the Blackstuff” (1982).

Bernard Hill and the Oscars

During his over 40 years of experience in television, theatre, and film, he appeared in numerous productions and won a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast for “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King” alongside his fellow actors.

Although he didn’t win an Oscar himself, it’s worth remembering that he has the distinction of being the only actor to play two characters in two separate films with 11 Academy Award wins each.

Bernard Hill’s last work before his passing was in the second season of the BBC drama series “The Responder,” starring actor Martin Freeman, which premieres on Sunday 5 May. With over 40 years in both small and big screens, Hill had notable roles in many successful titles and will be remembered fondly.