In a sad loss for the entertainment industry, renowned actor Bernard Hill, famous for his roles in Titanic and the Lord of the Rings franchise, has passed away at the age of 79. Hill's agent, Lou Coulson, confirmed the news to the BBC on Sunday morning, although no specific cause of death was provided.

Throughout his remarkable career, Hill made a lasting impact in both television and film. He made appearances in notable works such as the television series I, Claudius in 1976 and the acclaimed film Gandhi in 1982. Hill's filmography also includes notable roles in Clint Eastwood's True Crime in 1999, A Midsummer Night's Dream in the same year, The Scorpion King in 2002, and Tom Cruise's Valkyrie in 2008.

However, it was Hill's performances in two highly acclaimed films that solidified his status as a beloved actor. In 1997, he captivated audiences with his portrayal of the soft-spoken Captain Edward Smith in James Cameron's Titanic, which went on to win an impressive 11 Oscars. Hill's talent would once again shine on the big screen when he joined Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings franchise in 2002 as the esteemed character King Théoden in the second film, The Two Towers. He reprised the role in the franchise's final installment, The Return of the King, which also clinched 11 Oscars. By being part of these award-winning films, Hill became connected to two of the three movies that hold the record for the most Academy Awards, alongside Ben-Hur.

Born on December 17, 1944, in Manchester, Hill's unexpected passing has left many fans and colleagues devastated. Just recently, the actor was scheduled to attend a comic-book event in Liverpool on Saturday, but had to cancel at the last minute. The convention organizers expressed their heartbreak in a statement and sent their thoughts and condolences to Hill's family during this difficult time.

Bernard Hill's talent, versatility, and memorable performances have undoubtedly left an indelible mark in the world of entertainment. As fans and industry professionals mourn, his legacy will continue to resonate in the hearts of those who have admired his work throughout the years.