SIR Ian Holm, who starred in Lord Of The Rings, Alien and Chariots of Fire, has died at the age of 88. The Oscar-nominated actor died peacefully in hospital from an illness related to Parkinson’s disease, his agent confirmed today. A statement from his agent, Alex Irwin, said: “It is with great sadness we can […]
SIR Ian Holm, who starred in Lord Of The Rings, Alien and Chariots of Fire, has died at the age of 88.
The Oscar-nominated actor died peacefully in hospital from an illness related to Parkinson’s disease, his agent confirmed today.
A statement from his agent, Alex Irwin, said: “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.”
Sir Ian was an established star of the Royal Shakespeare Company and Harold Pinter’s “favourite actor”.
He was also recognised around the world for his roles Chariots of Fire, The Fifth Element, The Sweet Hereafter, Time Bandits, The Emperor’s New Clothes and The Madness of King George.
Tributes poured in for Sir Ian today, with names including Eddie Izzard, Mia Farrow and Edgar Wright honouring his memory.
Eddie Izzard wrote on Twitter: “The great Ian Holm is dead. Wonderful actor and it’s so sad to see him go.
“Farewell, you did great work Sir.”
Actress Mia Farrow wrote: “Awful news that Ian Holm has died. He was among the giants of the theatre.
“We met while working at the RSC where, mid-performance of Iceman Cometh, terror seized him and he left the stage – for 14 years.
“He worked in films and TV – unfailingly brilliant.”
Comedian Robert Webb added: “I was sorry to hear this – what a splendid actor.
“He even managed to make FR Leavis sympathetic in a BBC 2 Screen Two with, I think, Rufus Sewell as an annoying student.
“He could be very funny too.”
Jeremy Vine hailed the star’s performance in Alien, writing: “One of THE most shocking moments I ever saw in a cinema. Ian Holm in Alien; the actor has died aged 88.”
And 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.”
The star’s death comes just weeks after he apologised to fans for not being able to join a virtual reunion for the Lord Of The Rings cast.
The actor, who famously played Bilbo Baggins, said: “I am sorry to not see you in person, I miss you all and hope your adventures have taken you to many places, I am in lockdown in my hobbit home, or Holm.”
Speaking of his role in Lord Of The Rings, Mr Irwin said: “His portrayal of Bilbo Baggins in The Hobbit & The Lord of the Rings trilogies ensured the magic of his craft could be shared by all generations.
“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.”
Over his lifetime and across more than 100 roles in films, television and on stage, Sir Ian was awarded a Laurence Olivier award, a Tony and a Bafta.
He was married four times, most recently to Sophie de Stempel, a protegee and life model of Lucian Freud, and had five children.
Inspired by seeing Les Miserables as a boy, he secured a place at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in 1949 before joining the Royal Shakespeare Company.
His stage career was cut short after he developed stage fright during a production of The Iceman Cometh in 1976.
He only returned to the stage on a handful of occasions, including his acclaimed portrayal of King Lear at the National Theatre in 1998.
In June that year, he was knighted for services to entertainment.
It was Sir Ian’s turn as Bilbo Baggins in The Lord Of The Rings between 2001 and 2003 – and then The Hobbit – that transformed him into household name.
In a 2004 interview with the Independent, he said he was “completely amazed by the reaction” to the films.
He added: “I get a lot of fan mail addressed to Bilbo and sometimes Sir Bilbo – it’s hardly ever addressed to Ian Holm, in fact.
“My business manager drafts the replies, and then I pop into the office and sign them ‘Bilbo’ but, of course, it hasn’t changed my life. Nothing could possibly change my life.”
In 2002, the actor revealed he was being treated for prostate cancer and had begun treatment, including with hormones, in the UK and the US.
His began to work less after his 70th birthday.
He voiced the chef in Pixar’s Ratatouille, played Ben-Gurion in O Jerusalem and reprised Bilbo Baggins in The Hobbit.
In one of his final public appearances, Sir Ian attended an event in January organised by the Newport Beach Film Festival at London’s Langham Hotel in a wheelchair.
He was honoured with an icon award, celebrating his six-decade contribution to the arts, and his family delivered a speech in his stead.
