One of the most iconic actors in “The Lord of the Rings” films and the first Hobbit that we really connected to has passed away. Sir Ian Holm was 88, and has died after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. His agent broke the news this morning.
“It is with great sadness that the actor Sir Ian Holm CBE passed away this morning at the age of 88. He died peacefully in hospital, with his family and carer”
“Charming, kind and ferociously talented, we will miss him hugely.”
He will always be remembered as our friend Bilbo, but Holm actually got his start in theatre acting. Born in 1931 he got into acting young and attended the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts, graduating in 1950 at the Royal Shakespeare Company.
Combating severe stage fright he made his way into the acting world. He won a Tony Award in 1967 for Best Featured actor for his performance as Lenny in The Homecoming. He appeared in The Wars of Roses, Oh! What a Lovely War and Mary, Queen of Scots, on television and film. And his first major role was in 1979 when a lot of us were introduced to him as Ash the android in “Alien.”
In 1981 he got an Academy Award Nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his role of the coach in “Chariots of Fire.” Other great movies he has been in include “Brazil,” “Hamlet,” “The Fifth Element,” “Ratatouille,” and who could forget Bilbo Baggins in “Lord of the Rings.“
For us nerds here at Nerdbot we’re going to have a moment of silence for the man who was in so many of our beloved movies. “The Fellowship of the Ring” introduced the actor to many of us. And if it wasn’t that it was “Aliens.” He’s left an impression on us with all of his work and will be remembered fondly in the future.
Rest in Peace Sir Ian Holm. You will be missed.
