The legendary actor was well known for his roles in Lord of the Rings and Titanic
BAFTA viewers have slammed the awards show after Lord of the Rings actor Bernard Hill was omitted from the In Memoriam tribute.
Jeff Goldblum, 72, performed As Time Goes By on the piano while stars including the late Dame Maggie Smith, David Lynch and Kris Kristofferson were honoured.
Manchester-born Hill, who passed away in May aged 79 after an illustrious career which saw him star in films such as Titanic and Boys from the Blackstuff, was not included.
People took to social media to slam the oversight: “Seriously no Bernard Hill in the memorial?? Absolutely disgusting omission.”
A second said: “Bafta can go get f***ed for missing off Bernard Hill in the memoriam section.”
However, BAFTA said: “Bernard Hill was remembered in our TV Awards ceremony In Memoriam last year. We will pay tribute to those from the television industry who have sadly died during the past year in our TV Awards ceremony in May.”
Hill, who played Theoden in Lord of the Rings, was described as an ‘incredible talent’ who ‘blazed a trail across the screen’ by the BBC when he passed away last year.
Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama, said: “Bernard Hill blazed a trail across the screen, and his long-lasting career filled with iconic and remarkable roles is a testament to his incredible talent.
“From Boys from the Blackstuff, to Wolf Hall, The Responder, and many more, we feel truly honoured to have worked with Bernard at the BBC. Our thoughts are with his loved ones at this sad time.”
Hill also featured in stand-out hits like Gandhi as well as playing Captain Edward Smith in the 1997 Oscar-winning film Titanic.
At the time of his passing, Barbara Dickson said: “It’s with great sadness that I note the death of Bernard Hill.
“We worked together in John Paul George Ringo and Bert, Willy Russell marvellous show 1974-1975.
“A really marvellous actor. It was a privilege to have crossed paths with him. RIP Benny.”
