British actor Ian Holm, known for roles in films such as 'The Lord Of The Rings' and 'Alien', has died.
He was 88-years-old.
He was perhaps best known for playing Bilbo Baggins in 'The Lord Of The Rings'.
He also played the android Ash in the 1979 film 'Alien', and was a sports coach in the Oscar-winning 'Chariots of Fire'.
His other credits included 'The Fifth Element', 'The Sweet Hereafter', 'Time Bandits', 'The Emperor's New Clothes' and 'The Madness Of King George'.
His agent says he passed away peacefully in hospital with his family on Friday, following a battle with Parkinson's disease.
Ian Holm (left) and Sophie de Stempel attending the Newport Beach Film Festival UK Honours event in London, England in Janaury 2020. Picture by: David Parry/PA Wire/PA ImagesA statement says: "His portrayal of Bilbo Baggins in 'The Hobbit' and 'The Lord of the Rings' trilogies ensured the magic of his craft could be shared by all generations.
"He was a genius of stage and screen, winning multiple awards and loved by directors, audiences and his colleagues alike. His sparkling wit always accompanied a mischievous twinkle in his eye.
"Charming, kind and ferociously talented, we will miss him hugely."
He was married four times, most recently to Sophie de Stempel, and had five children.
Tributes have been paid online, including from the British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA), for which he received six nominations.
He won Best Supporting Actor for his role in 'Chariots Of Fire' in 1981, for which he also received an Academy Award nomination.
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. pic.twitter.com/x3OduDwoJe
— BAFTA (@BAFTA) June 19, 2020
Additional reporting: IRN
