British actor Ian Holm passes away at 88

The news was confirmed by Holm’s agent, Alex Irwin, saying that the actor “died peacefully in hospital, with his family and carer.” (File photo by CossieMoJo at English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0)

The international entertainment industry is mourning the death of veteran British actor Ian Holm who passed away on Friday, June 19.

The news was confirmed by Holm’s agent, Alex Irwin, saying that the actor “died peacefully in hospital, with his family and carer.”

“His illness was Parkinson’s related,” the agent added.

The younger generation may recognize Holm as the actor who portrayed the role of Bilbo Baggins in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films. But apart from this, his other well-known roles in movies include Ash, a science officer in the 1979 movie Alien; Vito Cornelius, a priest in The Fifth Element in 1997; and Chef Skinner in the 2007 movie Ratatouille.

It is not only in films where Holm pulled outstanding performances as he also did in both television and theater. Holm won a Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in 1967 for his role as Lenny in the play The Homecoming, as well as in 1998 for Best Actor for his performance in the title role of King Lear. His portrayal of athletics trainer Sam Mussabini in the 1981 historical drama film Chariots of Fire also earned him a British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role.

“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,” Irwin said.

Tributes for Holm came pouring in from fellow actors and fans from all over the world.

Actors Elijah Wood and Dominic Monaghan, who played Frodo and Merry respectively in The Lord of the Rings film series, remembered Holm in their social media posts.

In a tweet along with Holm’s photo as Bilbo, Wood wrote, “So sad to hear that the singular, brilliant and vibrant, Sir Ian Holm has passed. Farewell, uncle.”

Monaghan, meanwhile, wrote in his Instagram post, “Off to the Grey Havens goes dear Ian Holm.”

“Pete Jackson said he was the best actor he had ever worked with. I studied him whenever I could. On set and off it, he was a magical man. So sweet. So full of twinkle. So GOOD at it all. Namarie (Farewell) Uncle Bilbo xoxo,” he added.

Writer and director Edgar Wright and the BAFTA also took to Twitter to pay their respects. Wright described Holm as “a genius actor who brought a considerable presence to parts funny, heartbreaking & terrifying” and thanked him for his excellent performances.

The BAFTA, for its part, said they were “very sorry to hear” about Holm’s passing.

Holm is survived by his five children from previous relationships.