BAFTAs viewers left outraged as Lord of the Rings actor Bernard Hill is omitted from In Memoriam tribute
BAFTA viewers were left outraged after Lord of the Rings actor Bernard Hill was omitted from the In Memoriam tribute.
Jeff Goldblum, 72, performed As Time Goes By on the piano while stars including the late Dame Maggie Smith, David Lynch and Kris Kristofferson were honoured.
However, Manchester-born Bernard, who died in May aged 79 after roles in Titanic and Boys from the Blackstuff, as well as playing Théoden in Lord of the Rings, was not included.
One furious viewer wrote on X: “Seriously no Bernard Hill in the memorial?? Absolutely disgusting omission.”
Another said: “Bafta can go get f***ed for missing off Bernard Hill in the memoriam section.”
Tributes poured in for a Titanic and Lord of the Rings star Bernard who sadly died aged 79 last year.
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Bernard Hill also featured in stand-out hits like Boys from the Black Stuff and Gandhi.
His agent Lou Coulson confirmed his tragic death to the BBC in May last year, and tributes poured in for the star.
Hill played Captain Edward Smith in the 1997 Oscar-winning film Titanic.
He also went on to star as King Théoden in the Lord of the Rings trilogy.
Barbara Dickson wrote on X at the time: "It’s with great sadness that I note the death of Bernard Hill.
"We worked together in John Paul George Ringo and Bert, Willy Russell marvellous show 1974-1975.
"A really marvellous actor. It was a privilege to have crossed paths with him. RIP Benny."
The BBC described him as an "incredible talent" who "blazed a trail across the screen" during his career.
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."
