Search Results Web results Lord of the Rings star Sir Ian Holm dies aged 88

The acting community rallied this afternoon to remember the on-screen legend, fondly described by his agent as 'charming, kind and ferociously talented'. 

Big names including Eddie Izzard, Mia Farrow and Edgar Wright hailed Sir Ian as one of the titans of the industry and paid their respects to his wife, the artist Sophie de Stempel, and his five children.  

Sir Ian passed away 'peacefully' in hospital this morning surrounded by his family and carer.

He famously played Bilbo Baggins in the hit fantasy trilogy and revived the role for the later Hobbit film series.  

But, despite crippling stage fright, he was also cast as King Lear for the 1998 theatre production, for which he bagged a coveted Tony Award. 

His agent said today: 'It is with great sadness we can confirm that the actor Sir Ian Holm CBE passed away this morning at the age of 88.

'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'. 

As well being cast as a hobbit, Sir Ian is remembered fondly across generations as Father Vito Cornelius in The Fifth Element, android double agent Ash in Alien and Harold Abrahams' running coach Sam Mussabini in Chariots Of Fire.

Widely considered one of the greatest British actors, Sir Ian was a favourite among critics, the public and his fellow stars. 

Upon the announcement of his death, social media was set alight with tributes to the departed Sir Ian. 

Eastenders actor Nitin Ganatra tweeted: 'Oh what sad sad news. One of the best actors in the world ever, one of my favourite all time actors ever, one of the finest of people ever... has passed. God this is sad. RIP.'

Shaun Of The Dead director Edgar Wright wrote: 'RIP Ian Holm, a genius actor who brought considerable presence to parts funny, heartbreaking & terrifying. 

'Thanks for Bilbo, Napoleon (twice), Sweet Hereafter, Big Night, Brazil and, of course the iconic Ash.' 

Born in 1931 in a psychiatric hospital in Goodmayes, Essex, he was married four times, including to Downton Abbey actress Penelope Wilton, who he wed in 1991 and divorced 10 years later. 

Eddie Izzard tweeted: 'The great Ian Holm is dead. Wonderful actor and it's so sad to see him go. Farewell, you did great work Sir.'