Sir Ian Holm dead: Lord of the Rings and Chariot of Fire actor dies aged 88

The award-winning actor played Bilbo Baggins in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movies
Kimberley Bond19 June 2020
The Weekender

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Actor Sir Ian Holm, best known for roles in Chariots Of Fire and The Lord Of The Rings, has died at the age of 88, his agent has said.

A statement on behalf of his family read: "He died peacefully in hospital, with his family and carer. His illness was Parkinson’s related.

"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."

Ian Holm - In pictures

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He is survived by his wife of 17 years, Sophie de Stempel, and his five children.

In more recent years, Holm was best recognised for playing Bilbo Baggins in Peter Jackson's epic The Lord of the Rings trilogy from 2001 to 2003 - a role in which he revived in later film series The Hobbit.

Just earlier this month, Holm sent his apologies for being unable to attend the cast's virtual reunion.

"I am sorry to not see you in person," he said. "I miss you all and hope your adventures have taken you to many places, I am in lockdown in my hobbit home, or holm.

Others may have recognised Holm for playing athletics trainer Sam Mussabini in 1981 film Chariots of Fire, in which he was was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.

The Lord of the Rings - In pictures

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However, Holm was extremely versatile in his acting career, having played Ash in Alien, Father Vito Cornelius in The Fifth Element and Chef Skinner in Disney Pixar's Ratatouille.

As well as his illustrious film career, Holm was a renounced stage actor, having won the 1998 Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actor for his performance in the title role of King Lear.

He was knighted in 1998 for his services to drama.

Tributes have already started to pour in for the star, with the British Film Institute being among the first to pay their respects.

Shaun of the Dead and Baby Driver director Edgar Wright wrote: "RIP Ian Holm, a genius actor who brought considerable presence to parts funny, heartbreaking and terrifying.

"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.'"

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