Ian Holm, Who Played Bilbo Baggins In ‘Lord Of The Rings’ Dies At 88

Ian Holm, the actor best known for his portrayal of Bilbo Baggins in the smash hit ‘Lord of the Rings’ series of films, has died at the age of 88.

As The New York Post reports:

Ian Holm, the classically trained Shakespearean actor best known to film audiences for his performances in films including the “Lord of the Rings” and “Hobbit” movies, “Chariots of Fire” and “Alien,” has died. He was 88.

A rep for the actor has said Holm died in hospital on Friday morning. The actor had been battling Parkinson’s Disease for a number of years. However, as recently as January, Holm appeared in person to collect the Newport Beach Film Festival’s Icon Award in London.

Holm, who was celebrated for interpretations of most of the Shakespeare canon, including a towering “King Lear,” also excelled onstage in the original production of Harold Pinter’s “The Homecoming,” which he also brought to Broadway. He began working in films only midway through his career, debuting with an adaptation of his stage performance in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” in 1968.

In later years, however, he worked increasingly in movies and more selectively onstage, appearing in high-profile films such as “Alien,” “The Fifth Element,” “Lord of the Rings” pics “The Fellowship of the Ring” and “The Return of the King” and “Hobbit” movies “An Unexpected Journey” and “The Battle of the Five Armies.”

Remembering the life and career of the legendary Sir #IanHolm (1931-2020) ? #RIP pic.twitter.com/vcMKffpj9l

— IMDb (@IMDb) June 19, 2020

Holm is survived by his wife, three daughters and two sons.

AU Staff