Ian Holm Passes Away at 88 from Parkinson’s

2020 doesn’t seem to be getting any easier. Ian Holm, well known in geek culture for his roles in The Lord of the Rings and Alien, has passed away at age 88. He passed early Friday morning due to Parkinson’s Disease. While speaking to The Guardian, his agent had this to say:

It is with great sadness 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. Charming, kind and ferociously talented, we will miss him hugely.”

Ian Holm is survived by his fourth wife, Sophie de Stempel, who chronicled his final days via pastel portraits. He also leaves behind five children from previous marriages.

Before breaking into film, Holm got his start on the stage. He became a member of Britain’s Royal Shakespeare Company at its inception in 1960. His work led to an Evening Standard best actor award for Henry V in 1965. He also won a Tony for the Broadway show, The Homecoming.

Ian Holm played Bilbo Baggins in Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Though one of his other well-known roles is the untrustworthy android Ash in Alien. He also portrayed Sam Mussabini in 1981’s Chariots of Fire, a role that earned him a BAFTA win and Oscar nomination. Other notable works include Garden State, Ratatouille, The Day After Tomorrow, and The Fifth Element.

Earlier this month, actor Josh Gad hosted a Zoom reunion call for the cast of The Lord of the Rings to raise money for the No Kid Hungry foundation. Holm was unable to attend, likely due to his Parkinson’s, stating:

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.”