Every ‘The Lord of the Rings’ Actor That Died

Many gifted actors have portrayed characters from the world of Middle-earth in various adaptations, including Peter Jackson’s film trilogy and older animated movies. Sadly, some of these talented performers have passed away, but their iconic work continues to be enjoyed by fans. This is a tribute to those actors, detailing their roles and sharing some information about their lives and careers, covering both live-action and animated versions of the story about the One Ring.

Ian Holm

Ian Holm, best known for playing Bilbo Baggins in Peter Jackson’s ‘The Lord of the Rings‘ trilogy, passed away in 2020 at age 88. He had a long and successful career in theater and film, with memorable roles in movies like ‘Chariots of Fire’ and ‘Alien.’ As a long-time member of the Royal Shakespeare Company, Holm was a highly respected actor. He brought a charming and playful quality to the role of Bilbo, which greatly influenced how audiences connected with the story of the hobbits.

Christopher Lee

Christopher Lee, famous for playing the wizard Saruman the White in the film trilogy, was a truly imposing figure on screen. He had a long and successful career, appearing in everything from classic horror films to ‘Star Wars’, and was instantly recognizable for his deep voice and height. His scenes filmed in Isengard and Orthanc are still considered highlights of the entire saga. Lee passed away in 2015 at the age of 93.

Bernard Hill

Bernard Hill, the actor who brought King Théoden of Rohan to life, passed away in 2024 at the age of 79. He was beloved for his performances in films like ‘Titanic’ and the series ‘Boys from the Blackstuff’, as well as for his portrayal of the Rohan king. Fans especially remember his inspiring battle speeches and touching scenes with Éowyn, which showed Théoden’s journey from hopelessness to bravery.

Alistair Browning

Alistair Browning, known for playing Damrod, a ranger in Faramir’s service, passed away in 2019 at the age of 65. A veteran of New Zealand’s film and television industry, he also had a background in stage acting. His portrayal of the rangers helped illustrate the challenges faced by Gondor as they defended their borders near Mordor.

Bruce Allpress

Bruce Allpress, who played the Rohan archer Aldor in The Lord of the Rings – the character whose arrow kicks off the Battle of Helm’s Deep – passed away in 2020 at age 89. A seasoned actor known for his work in both New Zealand and international films, Allpress’s short but impactful scene remains a key moment in the famous battle.

Noel Appleby

I always remember a small but funny moment in The Fellowship of the Ring – that grumpy hobbit at Bilbo’s party who yells out? That was Noel Appleby! Sadly, he passed away in 2007 at just 49. He was a New Zealand film and TV guy, and while he had a lot of smaller roles, his little bit as Everard Proudfoot really adds to the fun, lively atmosphere of the Shire’s party scene. It’s a perfect piece of local color.

Elizabeth Moody

I always loved the extended edition scenes with Lobelia Sackville-Baggins, and Elizabeth Moody really brought that slightly exasperating character to life – especially that bit with the silver spoons! It was so sad to learn she passed away in 2010 at just 64. She was a well-respected actor in New Zealand, with a really impressive career on stage and screen, and seeing her pop up in ‘The Lord of the Rings’ always felt like a nice nod to the books for those of us who loved them.

Martyn Sanderson

Martyn Sanderson, who played the Gatekeeper of Bree in the film, passed away in 2009 at age 71. He was a significant contributor to the arts in New Zealand, co-founding the Downstage Theatre in Wellington. Though a small part, his performance as the watchman who greets the hobbits at the town gate adds depth to their initial journey out of the Shire.

Alan Howard

Alan Howard, a renowned British stage actor who performed with the Royal Shakespeare Company and National Theatre, was the voice behind the haunting Ring in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. He passed away in 2015 at the age of 77. His chilling vocal performance significantly contributed to the Ring’s ominous presence throughout the story.

Norman Forsey

Norman Forsey played Sam Gamgee’s father, the Gaffer, in a memorable scene set in the Shire. He passed away in 2014 at the age of seventy-something. Forsey was a New Zealand film and TV veteran who worked on many local projects. His appearance adds depth to our understanding of hobbit life before the adventure starts.

John Hurt

John Hurt, known for his roles in films like ‘The Elephant Man’ and ‘Alien’, also voiced the character Aragorn in Ralph Bakshi’s animated version of ‘The Lord of the Rings’. He passed away in 2017 at the age of 77. His voice brought a sense of wisdom and experience to the character of the Ranger.

Peter Woodthorpe

Peter Woodthorpe was the original voice of Gollum in Ralph Bakshi’s animated film and later reprised the role in a radio production. A veteran stage and television character actor, Woodthorpe passed away in 2004 at the age of 72. His performance significantly influenced how audiences imagined Gollum before the technology for motion capture became widely available.

William Squire

William Squire was the voice of Gandalf in the animated version directed by Ralph Bakshi. A veteran British actor with a wide range of stage and television credits, and often cast in voice roles, Squire brought both power and kindness to the character of the wandering wizard. He passed away in 1989 at the age of 72.

Michael Graham Cox

Michael Graham Cox, who famously voiced Boromir in the animated film by Ralph Bakshi, passed away in 1995 at the age of 52. A veteran of British theatre, he also acted in various film and television roles throughout the 1970s and 80s. His performance as Boromir effectively conveyed the character’s strong pride and internal struggles.

David Buck

David Buck voiced the character of Gimli in Ralph Bakshi’s animated adaptation and was also a familiar face in British television dramas, with a long career in voice acting. He passed away in 1989 at the age of 52, but his work continues to enrich the animated journey of the Fellowship.

John Huston

As a total animation and classic film nerd, I always loved the Rankin/Bass versions of ‘The Hobbit’ and ‘The Return of the King,’ and it wasn’t until later I realized the voice of Gandalf was none other than John Huston! It blew my mind. He was a huge name, of course – a famous director and actor known for films like ‘The Maltese Falcon’ and ‘The African Queen.’ But his voice work as Gandalf was perfect; it was warm and friendly, but you totally knew he was a powerful wizard. Sadly, Huston passed away in 1987 at the age of 81, but his work continues to live on, and I always think of him when I watch those animated classics.

Orson Bean

Orson Bean, who voiced Bilbo Baggins in the Rankin/Bass animated versions of ‘The Hobbit’ and ‘The Return of the King,’ passed away in 2020 at the age of 91. A veteran of American television and stage, Bean portrayed Bilbo as a thoughtful character reminiscing about his incredible journeys.

Theodore Bikel

Theodore Bikel, a Tony-nominated actor and folk singer famous for roles like ‘Fiddler on the Roof’, provided the voice for Aragorn in the Rankin/Bass animated version of ‘The Return of the King’. He passed away in 2015 at the age of 91. His voice gave the character a sense of regal stability and strength.

Roddy McDowall

Roddy McDowall, known for his roles in films like ‘Planet of the Apes’ and numerous television appearances, provided the voice for Sam in the Rankin/Bass animated version of ‘The Return of the King’. He passed away in 1998 at the age of 70. McDowall’s portrayal of Sam emphasizes the character’s faithfulness and compassion as the journey to Mount Doom nears its end.

Glenn Yarbrough

Glenn Yarbrough, a well-known folk singer who died in 2016 at age 86, was the voice of the Minstrel in Rankin/Bass’s animated film, ‘The Return of the King.’ He also provided the songs and musical narration for their earlier adaptation of Tolkien’s work, giving both films a distinctive, ballad-like feel.

If you think we left someone out, please share their name and what they did in the comments so other fans can be reminded of their contribution.

2025-11-08 09:46