Bernard Hill Biography: Net Worth, Age, Wife, Children, Height, Parents, Movies, TV Shows

Bernard Hill was a revered English actor, celebrated for his powerful performances in major films such as The Lord of the Rings trilogy (2001–2003) as King Theoden and Titanic (1997) as Captain Edward Smith.

With a career spanning over four decades, his work in film, television, and theater showcased his remarkable range, from historical epics to gritty dramas.

Profile

• Full Name: Bernard Hill
• Stage Name: Bernard Hill
• Born: December 17, 1944
• Died: May 5, 2024 (aged 79)
• Birthplace: Manchester, England, United Kingdom
• Nationality: British
• Occupation: Actor
• Height: 5 feet 10 inches (1.78 m)
• Parents: Mr. Hill, Mrs. Hill
• Siblings: None (only child)
• Spouse: Marianna Hill
• Children: Gabriel Hill
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: USD 10 million

Early Life and Education

Bernard Hill, a distinguished actor, was born on December 17, 1944, in Manchester, England, to working-class parents, Mr. and Mrs. Hill, who were Catholic and raised him in the same faith.

Growing up as an only child in the Blackley area of Manchester, he developed an early interest in storytelling and the performing arts.

Hill attended Xaverian College, a Catholic grammar school, where he participated in school plays, sparking his passion for acting.

He later studied drama at Manchester Polytechnic School of Drama (now Manchester School of Theatre), graduating in 1970.

His training and Northern roots instilled a grounded, authentic approach to his craft, which became a hallmark of his performances.

Career

Bernard Hill, a distinguished actor, began his career in British television, gaining recognition for his role as Yosser Hughes in Boys from the Blackstuff (1982).

This BAFTA-winning drama showcased his ability to portray raw, working-class characters. His early work included roles in The Black Stuff (1978), I, Claudius (1976) as Gratus, and Crown Court (1978).

He made his film debut in The Ghost and the Darkness (1982) and appeared in Gandhi (1982) as Sergeant Putnam.

Hill’s international breakthrough came with his roles in two cinematic milestones: as King Theoden of Rohan in The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002) and The Return of the King (2003), where his portrayal of the warrior king’s transformation was widely praised, and as Captain Edward Smith in Titanic (1997), capturing the tragic stoicism of the historical figure.

Other notable films include The Scorpion King (2002), Valkyrie (2008), and ParaNorman (2012, voice). On television, he starred in The Grid (2004), Wolf Hall (2015) as the Duke of Norfolk, and Unforgotten (2018).

His stage work included performances with the Royal Shakespeare Company, notably in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Hill’s final role was in the BBC drama The Responder (2024), released shortly before his passing.

Awards and Nominations

• 1998: Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture (Titanic)
• 2004: Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture (The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King)
• 2003: Nominated for Critics’ Choice Award for Best Acting Ensemble (The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers)
• 1983: Nominated for BAFTA TV Award for Best Actor (Boys from the Blackstuff)

Social Media

He does not have Social media accounts.

Personal Life

Bernard Hill, a distinguished actor, was married to Marianna Hill, an American actress known for her role in The Godfather Part II, for over four decades until his death on May 5, 2024.

The couple had one son, Gabriel Hill, and lived a private life in Suffolk, England. Hill was known for his down-to-earth personality, often shunning the Hollywood spotlight to focus on family and his craft.

An avid reader and history enthusiast, he enjoyed researching the historical figures he portrayed, such as Captain Smith. Hill was also passionate about supporting local theater in Manchester and mentoring young actors.

His Catholic upbringing influenced his values, and he was remembered by colleagues for his warmth, humor, and professionalism. He passed away peacefully at the age of 79, leaving behind a legacy cherished by fans and peers.

Filmography

• Gandhi (1982) – Sergeant Putnam
• The Bounty (1984) – William Cole
• Mountains of the Moon (1990) – Dr. David Livingstone
• Titanic (1997) – Captain Edward Smith
• True Crime (1999) – Warden Luther Plunkitt
• A Midsummer Night’s Dream (1999) – Egeus
• The Scorpion King (2002) – Philos
• The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002) – Theoden
• The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003) – Theoden
• Wimbledon (2004) – Edward Colt
• Valkyrie (2008) – General Otto Ernst Remer
• ParaNorman (2012) – Judge Hopkins (voice)
• I, Claudius (1976) – Gratus
• Crown Court (1978) – PC Cluff
• The Black Stuff (1978) – Yosser Hughes
• Boys from the Blackstuff (1982) – Yosser Hughes
• The Grid (2004) – Agent Derek Jennings
• Sunshine (2008) – George Crosby
• Wolf Hall (2015) – Duke of Norfolk
• Unforgotten (2018) – Father Robert Greaves
• The Responder (2024) – Tom

Net Worth

Bernard Hill, a distinguished actor, had an estimated net worth of USD 10 million at the time of his death in 2024.

His wealth was amassed through his extensive career in film, television, and theater, with significant earnings from blockbuster films like The Lord of the Rings trilogy and Titanic.

Residuals from syndicated TV shows, such as Boys from the Blackstuff, and stage performances with prestigious companies also contributed to his income.