'Lord of the Rings' star Sir Ian Holm dies at 88

The British actor played many iconic roles including Bilbo Baggins.
 By 
Sam Haysom
 on 
'Lord of the Rings' star Sir Ian Holm dies at 88
Sir Ian Holm, star of 'The Lord of the Rings' and 'Alien', has passed away. Credit: WireImage

Sir Ian Holm, best known for his role as Bilbo Baggins in the Lord of the Rings trilogy, has died at the age of 88.

The British actor's agent confirmed the news to the Guardian in a statement, saying that his illness was related to Parkinson's.

“He died peacefully in hospital, with his family and carer,” the statement read. “Charming, kind and ferociously talented, we will miss him hugely.”


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Although Holm was probably best known for his role in LOTR, he had a long and wide-ranging career, including key roles in Alien, The Fifth Element, and Ratatouille.

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Holm as Bilbo Baggins in 'The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'. Credit: Moviestore Collection/Shutterstock

He also picked up a 1967 Tony Award for his part in Lenny, a 1998 Laurence Olivier Award for his performance in King Lear, and a 1981 BAFTA for a supporting part in Chariots of Fire.

Holm is survived by his wife Sophie de Stempel, who has been sharing sketches and photographs of her late husband on Instagram.

Topics Celebrities

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Sam Haysom

Sam Haysom is the Deputy UK Editor for Mashable. He covers entertainment and online culture, and writes horror fiction in his spare time.

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