'It's like losing a friend' fans and and film stars pay tribute to Lord of the Rings actor Bernard Hill
05.05.2024 - 19:57
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Tributes have flooded in from fans and colleagues across film and television for Manchester-born actor Bernard Hill, who has died aged 79. He was best known for his roles in Oscar-winning films Titanic and Lord of the Rings, with fans describing his loss as like ‘losing a friend’.
Hill’s breakout role was starring as Liverpudlian Yosser Hughes in the TV drama Boys from the Blackstuff in 1979. He later impressed critics with his performance as Joe Bradshaw in Shirley Valentine in 1989.
His agent Lou Coulson told BBC News that Hill had died in the early hours of Sunday morning. Hill had been due to attend the Liverpool Comic Con this weekend but he cancelled at the last minute.
READ MORE: Manchester-born Titanic and Lord of the Rings actor Bernard Hill dies aged 79
Comic Con Liverpool issued a statement on X, saying: “We’re heartbroken to hear the news of Bernard Hill’s passing. A great loss. Thinking of his family at this very sad time, and wishing them a lot of strength.”
The actor was expected to make a return to our TV screens on Sunday evening in series two of The Responder, which also stars Martin Freeman. Lindsay Salt, director of BBC Drama, said: "Bernard Hill blazed a trail across the screen, and his long-lasting career filled with iconic and remarkable roles is a testament to his incredible talent.
“From Boys from the Blackstuff, to Wolf Hall, The Responder, and many more, we feel truly honoured to have worked with Bernard at the BBC. Our thoughts are with his loved ones at this sad time."
Peep Show actor and Phoenix Nights writer Neil Fitzmaurice shared a tribute to Hill on X. He wrote: "Sad news of the passing of Bernard Hill. We got him for Going Off Big Time. He’d just finished Titanic and was now getting