Bernard Hill, known for his roles in 'Titanic' and 'The Lord of the Rings,' passes away at the age of 79.

 On Sunday, English actor Bernard Hill, renowned for his roles in Titanic and The Lord of the Rings, passed away at the age of 79.

Hill's agent, Lou Coulson, confirmed his passing to NPR, stating that Hill was in the company of his fiancée and son at the time.

Spanning over 50 years, Hill's acting career encompassed both screen and stage. His latest portrayal aired Sunday, portraying the main character's father in the BBC series The Responder.

Lindsay Salt, the director of BBC drama, hailed Hill as a unique talent, citing his enduring career filled with iconic roles.

One of Hill's most memorable performances was his portrayal of Captain Edward John Smith in the 1997 Oscar-winning film Titanic, where he depicted a haunting mix of shock and guilt as water inundated the ship's wheelhouse.

In The Lord of the Rings trilogy, Hill showcased his versatility as King Théoden of Rohan, ranging from moments of frailty to commanding leadership, epitomized by his rallying cry, "Arise! Arise! Riders of Théoden!"

Hailing from Manchester, England, Hill also earned acclaim for his role as Yosser Hughes in Boys from the Blackstuff, a British series depicting men navigating Liverpool amidst high unemployment and economic hardship.

Throughout his career, Hill garnered numerous nominations and awards, including recognition from the Screen Actors Guild for his performance in The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King.