Lord of The Rings star Sir Ian Holm has died aged 88 following a battle with Parkinson’s disease.
The award-winning actor famously played Bilbo Baggins in the hit trilogy and revived the role for the later Hobbit film series.
A representative for Holm confirmed he passed away in hospital.
He agent told The Guardian: “It is with great sadness that the actor Sir Ian Holm CBE passed away this morning at the age of 88,” his agent said in a statement.
“He died peacefully in hospital, with his family and carer. Charming, kind and ferociously talented, we will miss him hugely.”
Lord of The Rings star Sir Ian Holm has died aged 88 following a battle with Parkinson’s disease (Image: Getty Images Europe)
Tributes in honour of the television star have flooded social media sites following the sad news.
A message posted on the official BAFTA Twitter page read: “We are very sorry to hear of the death of Ian Holm.
“Nominated for 6 BAFTAs in his wide-ranging and successful career across TV and film, he is pictured here winning the Supporting Actor award for his role in Chariots Of Fire in 1981.”
Meanwhile Baby Driver director Edgar Wright tweeted: “RIP Ian Holm, a genius actor who brought considerable presence to parts funny, heartbreaking and terrifying.
Tributes in honour of the award-winning have flooded social media (Image: PA)
“Thanks for Bilbo, Napoleon (twice), Sweet Hereafter, Big Night, Brazil and, of course the iconic Ash. “I can’t lie to you about your chances, but… you have my sympathies.”
Lord of the Rings fans have also been leaving their tributes online.
One wrote: “Rest in peace Sir Ian Holm, Bildo in our hearts forever.”
Another added: “Superb actor. Brilliant in Chariots of Fire. R I.P Ian Holm.”
A third said: “RIP to Sir Ian Holm. I’ll always know him as Bilbo, and of course- Ash, from Alien (who terrified me as a kid more than the xenomorph). Very sad to hear of his passing. Incredible actor, fantastic talent and he’ll be missed by many.”
Sir Ian played Bilbo Baggins in the hit trilogy and revived the role for the later Hobbit film series (Image: Moviestore)
Born Ian Holm Cuthbert on 12 September 1931 in Goodmayes, in Essex, the actor first cut his teeth at the Royal Shakespeare Company before making an impact on television and film.
His most notable roles included playing Sam Mussabini in the 1981 film Chariots of Fire – a portrayal which bagged him a Bafta and an Oscar nod.
In the same year, he played Frodo Baggins in BBC radio adaptation of J. R. R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings.
The star’s profile was raised when he landed two big film roles, priest Vito Cornelius in The Fifth Element and lawyer Mitchell Stephens in The Sweet Hereafter.
He most recently played the older Bilbo Baggins in The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey and The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies.
Earlier this month, Sir Ian admitted he was upset that he was unable to appear in a virtual reunion for the Lord of the Rings films, saying: “I am sorry to not see you in person.
“I miss you all and hope your adventures have taken you to many places, I am in lockdown in my hobbit home, or holm.”
Sir Ian is survived by his artist wife Sophie de Stempel.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
