R.I.P. Ian Holm 1931 - 2020

Legendary actor Ian Holm passed away today surrounded by his family at the age of 88. For most people, they recognize him as Bilbo Baggins from The Lord of the Rings trilogy. His career is much more then that beginning in the 1950s appearing in plays for British TV until moving to films with Ridley Scott's Alien. He was also in Time Bandits, Brazil, The Fifth Element and nominated for Best Supporting Actor Oscar for Chariots of Fire among many many other roles (life in pictures).

From Ridley Scott: “I had such a good time and fruitful one with Ian, and my only regret was not to have worked with him once again. Ian talked to me during production quite a lot, which I found to be very helpful. A great talent and a great man — we’ll miss him.”

Peter Jackson wrote a long message saying goodbye to Ian Holm, talking about working with him for the Middle-Earth films, its worth taking the time to read. He spoke about the first day of filming where Holm, and later how the actor took on the task of keeping the attention of young children for hours so a scene could be filmed. Later he spoke how Ian Holm, to help Jackson, agreed to reprise Bilbo despite suffering from Parkinson and knowing it would be the last time he would ever act professionally. To sum, he said "Watching Ian Holm perform taught me so much – as Ian was being his usual quiet self, that just somehow happened. It was a privilege to work with him, and a blessing to know him."

Condolences to his wife, children and grandchildren.