EastEnders actor Bernard Hill has died aged 88, just eight days after the passing of his wife, Alison. The news was confirmed by his agents, Curtis Brown, on Sunday, May 5, 2024.
Hill was best known for his recent role as Jerry Mallett in the long-running BBC soap, appearing in 73 episodes between 2022 and 2024. However, his career spanned decades and included iconic performances in films such as Titanic and The Lord of the Rings trilogy. His death marks a loss for both the acting community and fans of the beloved British drama.
The actor joined EastEnders in 2022 as Jerry Mallett, the estranged father of Elizabeth Branning, and quickly became a fixture in albert square. His character’s arrival sparked dramatic storylines involving his daughter and granddaughter,Lily.Hill’s portrayal of the complex and often troubled Jerry resonated with viewers.
Beyond EastEnders, Hill achieved international recognition for his roles as Captain Edward Smith in James Cameron’s Titanic (1997) and as King Théoden in Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings films (2002-2003). He also had a distinguished career on stage, performing with the Royal Shakespeare Company.
hill’s passing follows the death of his wife, Alison, on April 27, 2024. No further details regarding the circumstances of his death have been released at this time. A statement from Curtis Brown read: “Very sad to announce that our client Bernard Hill passed away on May 5th. He leaves behind his daughter, Jennifer.”
