Every ‘The Lord of the Rings’ Actor That Died
A lot of talented performers brought Middle-earth to life across different versions of the story, from Peter Jackson’s trilogy to the classic animated films. Over the years, some of these actors have passed away, leaving behind memorable work that fans still revisit. Below is a helpful rundown of those performers, the roles they played, and a few key details about their lives and careers. It includes live-action and animated adaptations connected to the tale of the One Ring.
Ian Holm
Ian Holm played Bilbo Baggins in Peter Jackson’s trilogy, appearing in key scenes in the Shire and Rivendell. He died in 2020 at the age of 88 after a long career on stage and screen. Holm earned acclaim in films like ‘Chariots of Fire’ and ‘Alien’ and was a respected Royal Shakespeare Company veteran. His warm and slightly mischievous take on Bilbo helped set the emotional tone for the hobbits’ story.
Christopher Lee
Christopher Lee portrayed Saruman the White in the trilogy, bringing a towering presence to the corrupted wizard. He died in 2015 at the age of 93. Lee’s career spanned decades, from Hammer horror to ‘Star Wars’, and he was known for his rich voice and imposing stature. His scenes in Isengard and Orthanc remain some of the saga’s most striking moments.
Bernard Hill
Bernard Hill played King Théoden of Rohan, leading his people through despair to courage. He died in 2024 at the age of 79. Hill was widely recognized for roles in ‘Titanic’ and ‘Boys from the Blackstuff’ in addition to his time in Middle-earth. His speeches before battle and quiet exchanges with Éowyn became fan favorites.
Alistair Browning
Alistair Browning appeared as Damrod, a ranger of Ithilien who serves under Faramir. He died in 2019 at the age of 65. Browning worked extensively in New Zealand film and television and also had a strong stage background. His scenes with the rangers help show Gondor’s struggle on the borders near Mordor.
Bruce Allpress
Bruce Allpress played Aldor, the veteran archer of Rohan whose accidental shot begins the Battle of Helm’s Deep. He died in 2020 at the age of 89. Allpress was a familiar face in New Zealand productions and international projects. His brief but memorable appearance ties into one of the trilogy’s most famous battles.
Noel Appleby
Noel Appleby appeared as Everard Proudfoot, the grumpy hobbit at Bilbo’s party who gives a well-timed shout. He died in 2007 at the age of 49. Appleby worked in New Zealand film and television and had several small but colorful roles. His moment in the Shire adds local flavor to the opening festivities.
Elizabeth Moody
Elizabeth Moody portrayed Lobelia Sackville-Baggins, who tries to make off with silver spoons in a fan-favorite extended scene. She died in 2010 at the age of 64. Moody was an accomplished actor with a long list of New Zealand stage and screen credits. Her appearance connects moviegoers to a familiar name from the books.
Martyn Sanderson
Martyn Sanderson played the Gatekeeper of Bree, the wary watchman who meets the hobbits at the town gate. He died in 2009 at the age of 71. Sanderson was a key figure in New Zealand’s arts scene and helped found the Downstage Theatre in Wellington. His brief role adds texture to the journey from the Shire to the wider world.
Alan Howard
Alan Howard provided the eerie Voice of the Ring heard throughout the trilogy. He died in 2015 at the age of 77. Howard was a distinguished British stage actor with major credits at the Royal Shakespeare Company and National Theatre. His vocal performance gave the Ring a chilling presence during the quest.
Norman Forsey
Norman Forsey appeared as the Gaffer, Sam Gamgee’s father, in an extended scene in the Shire. He died in 2014 in his late seventies. Forsey worked across New Zealand film and television and contributed to several local productions. His scene helps round out the picture of hobbit life before the journey begins.
John Hurt
John Hurt voiced Aragorn in Ralph Bakshi’s animated ‘The Lord of the Rings’. He died in 2017 at the age of 77. Hurt had a celebrated career with roles in ‘The Elephant Man’, ‘Alien’, and many other classics. His voice work lends a thoughtful and seasoned quality to the Ranger from the North.
Peter Woodthorpe
Peter Woodthorpe voiced Gollum in the Bakshi film and later returned to the role in a radio adaptation. He died in 2004 at the age of 72. Woodthorpe was known for stage work and character roles on television. His interpretation helped shape how listeners and viewers heard Gollum before the motion-capture era.
William Squire
William Squire voiced Gandalf in the Bakshi adaptation. He died in 1989 at the age of 72. Squire had a long stage and television career in Britain and worked frequently in voice roles. His performance carries the authority and warmth needed for the wandering wizard.
Michael Graham Cox
Michael Graham Cox voiced Boromir in the Bakshi film. He died in 1995 at the age of 52. Cox worked in British theatre and appeared in film and television projects throughout the 1970s and 1980s. His portrayal captures Boromir’s pride and inner conflict.
David Buck
David Buck provided a voice role in the Bakshi adaptation, including the dwarf Gimli. He died in 1989 at the age of 52. Buck appeared in British television dramas and did extensive voice work. His performance adds depth to the Fellowship during the animated journey.
John Huston
John Huston voiced Gandalf in Rankin/Bass’s ‘The Return of the King’ and earlier in their adaptation of ‘The Hobbit’. He died in 1987 at the age of 81. Huston was a renowned filmmaker and actor whose credits include ‘The Maltese Falcon’ and ‘The African Queen’. His resonant delivery gave the wizard a kindly but commanding tone.
Orson Bean
Orson Bean voiced Bilbo in Rankin/Bass’s ‘The Return of the King’ as well as ‘The Hobbit’. He died in 2020 at the age of 91. Bean had a long television and stage career in the United States. His performance presents Bilbo as a reflective storyteller looking back on great adventures.
Theodore Bikel
Theodore Bikel voiced Aragorn in Rankin/Bass’s ‘The Return of the King’. He died in 2015 at the age of 91. Bikel was a Tony-nominated actor and folk singer known for ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ and numerous film and TV appearances. His voice brings a dignified steadiness to the rightful King of Gondor.
Roddy McDowall
Roddy McDowall voiced Sam in Rankin/Bass’s ‘The Return of the King’. He died in 1998 at the age of 70. McDowall was a prolific actor with roles ranging from ‘Planet of the Apes’ to acclaimed television work. His take on Sam highlights loyalty and heart during the final push to Mount Doom.
Glenn Yarbrough
Glenn Yarbrough performed as the Minstrel in Rankin/Bass’s ‘The Return of the King’, providing the songs that frame the tale. He died in 2016 at the age of 86. Yarbrough was a noted folk singer who also voiced musical narration in the studio’s earlier Tolkien adaptation. His vocals gave the animated film its ballad-like storytelling style.
If we missed a performer you think should be here, share the name and role in the comments so other fans can remember them too.