"Bernard Hill, the actor known for playing King Theoden in the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy and Captain Edward Smith in "Titanic," has died. He was 79.

Hill died early on Sunday morning, his agent Lou Colson confirmed to Variety. He was with his fiance Alison and his son Gabriel. No cause of death was given.

...In 1997, Hill played Captain Smith in James Cameron's "Titanic," which won 11 Oscars. He then joined Peter Jackson's "Lord of the Rings" franchise as King Theoden, appearing in 2002's "The Two Towers" and 2003's "The Return of the King," which also nabbed 11 Oscars. Hill appeared in two of the three films with the most Academy Awards of all time to date ("Ben-Hur" also achieved the record).

Bernard Hill Dead: 'Lord of the Rings' and 'Titanic' Actor Was 79

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I'd actually forgotten he was Capt Smith in Titanic. Since I watch the LoTR trilogy at least once a year, he's forever King Theoden in my mind.

This is how I remember him.

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USAF 1981 - 2001

Brilliant actor. His facial expressions were so reflective of his emotions that he could've bypassed his lines.

We have all 5 Tolkien movies downloaded and revisit them often.

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Music/Sports/Beer fan

I enjoy great character actors. I think they can really elevate a movie. He was one.

He was good and always will be Theoden to me as well. RIP. The orcs remind me of my in-laws coming over for the holidays.