English actor Bernard Hill became the first actor to star in multiple films grossing over $1 billion, including the ‘Titanic’ and ‘The Lord of the Rings trilogy|Gemma Longman|CC BY 2.0

British actor Bernard Hill, celebrated for his roles as Captain Edward Smith in Titanic and King Theoden in The Lord of the Rings trilogy has passed away at 79, his family confirmed on Sunday.

Hill became the first actor to star in multiple films grossing over $1 billion and remains the only actor featured in two films that each won 11 Academy Awards.

Known for his versatility, Hill gained fame in the UK with Boys from the Blackstuff, a 1982 drama reflecting unemployment in the Thatcher era.