Renowned actor Bernard Hill, best known for his roles as King Théoden in the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy and Captain Edward Smith in "Titanic," has tragically passed away at the age of 79. The news of Hill's death was confirmed by his agent Lou Colson, who provided limited details regarding the cause of his passing.

Hill's acting career spanned over five decades, leaving an indelible mark on the world of cinema. In 1997, he portrayed the iconic Captain Smith in James Cameron's "Titanic," a film that went on to win a remarkable 11 Academy Awards. Following his success in "Titanic," Hill joined Peter Jackson's acclaimed "Lord of the Rings" franchise, captivating audiences as the brave and noble King Théoden. The second and third installments of the series, "The Two Towers" (2002) and "The Return of the King" (2003), both earned 11 Academy Awards each, making them two of the three films with the most Oscars to date.

Born on December 17, 1944, in Blackley, Manchester, Hill's talent and dedication to his craft propelled him to work on several other notable films throughout his illustrious career. These include "Mr. Toad's Wild Ride" (1996), "A Midsummer Night's Dream" (1999), "True Crime" (1999), "The Scorpion King" (2002), "Valkyrie" (2008), and "ParaNorman" (2012).

Beyond his contributions to the silver screen, Bernard Hill leaves behind his loving wife Marianna Hill and his son Gabriel. The actor's immense talent and unforgettable performances will be remembered by legions of fans and fellow actors alike, as he leaves a lasting legacy in the world of cinema.

The news of Hill's passing has left the entertainment industry and fans around the globe in mourning, paying tribute to a truly remarkable actor whose remarkable performances touched the hearts of millions.