'Lord Of The Rings' Star Ian Holm Dead At Age 88

Famed British actor Ian Holm has passed away. Holm had roles in well over 100 movies and TV shows but is probably best known for his portrayal of "Bilbo Baggins" in the Lord of the Rings. Other memorable parts include "Ash" in Alien, "Father Vito Cornelius" in The Fifth Element, "Professor Fitz" in The Aviator, and athletics coach Sam Mussabini in Chariots of Fire. His performance in that film earned him an Oscar nomination.

In a statement, Holm's agent 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. 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."

Holm, who was born in Essex, England in 1931, attended drama school in London and began his career on the stage before moving to television and then to movie. He won a Tony Award for his portrayal of the title character in King Lear in 1998. In 1989, he was named a Commander of the British Empire, and nine years later he was knighted for his services to drama.

Holm leaves behind his wife, artist Sophie de Stempel, and his five children.

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