Bernard Hill's final TV appearance in BBC's The Responder leaves viewers in ... trends now
Bernard Hill's final TV performance in BBC's The Responder left viewers in tears on Sunday, just hours after the actor's death was confirmed aged 79.
The Lord Of The Rings star passed away in the early hours of Sunday morning, according to his agent.
As well as appearing in billion pound fantasy LOTR trilogy which won 11 Oscars, he also starred in Titanic and iconic 1980's TV play The Black Stuff and it's sequel which catapulted him to stardom.
Bernard's last role saw him play Martin's Freeman's estranged father in the BBC police drama, which returned for a second season on Sunday.
Following the episode emotional viewers took to X, formerly Twitter, writing: 'Poignant seeing Bernard Hill in the Responder on BBC1 on the day he passed away': 'RIP wonderful Bernard Hill, tears welling as always with this powerful performance'.
Bernard Hill's final TV performance in BBC 's The Responder (pictured) left viewers in tears on Sunday, just hours after the actor's death was confirmed aged 79
The Lord Of The Rings star passed away in the early hours of Sunday morning, according to his agent (pictured in The Responder with co-star Martin Freeman)
'Unexpectedly I find myself watching Bernard Hill on The Responder tonight on the telly box. What superb timing! Hat's off o you sir, you were one of the best RIP': Awe, watching The Responder and knowing Bernard Hill is in it RIP'.
Tributes have been paid to the thespian, with praise for his 'incredible talent' and a career that saw him 'blaze a rail across the screen' following the news of his death.
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.'
Actress and musician Barbara Dickson, who starred with him in a musical based on the Beatles, was among those paying tribute, describing him as a 'marvellous actor'.
Alongside a photo of them together, she wrote: 'It's with great sadness that I note the death of Bernard Hill.
'We worked together in John, Paul, George, Ringo and Bert, (by) Willy Russell marvellous show 1974-1975.
'A really marvellous actor. It was a privilege to have crossed paths with him. RIP Benny x.'
