Ian Holm, 'Lord Of The Rings' Star Who Played Bilbo Baggins, Dies At 88

Ian Holm, the British actor best known to audiences of fantasy fiction films like the "Lord of the Rings and "The Hobbit" has died at the age of 88.

According to a report, Alex Irwin who is Holm's agent said in a statement that the classically trained Shakesperian star had died peacefully on Friday morning after years of battling Parkinson's Disease.

Holm was born "Ian Holm Cuthbert" in Goodmayes, Essex to parents Doctor James Harvey Cuthbert, a psychiatrist, and Jean Wilson Holm, a nurse. He had spent most of his years in London as he went to the prestigious school: the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art.

Online tributes that are currently being written by his fans describe Holm as a "charming, kind and ferociously talented" actor who would surely be missed after his breathtaking deliverance of several roles in famous movie hits such as: King Lear, Alien, The Fifth Element, Lord of the Rings sequel and Ratatouille.

Noteworthily, Holm has also significantly contributed through his narration work in films like "Stalin," "Hiroshima: The Decision to Drop the Bomb," "Skin Deep," "The Seas of Zanzibar" and the 1981 movie "Chariots of Fire" which nominated him for an Oscars Award.

Similarly, it can be recalled that Holm received an award from the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) in 1968 for his appearances in films like "The Borrowers."

Apart from his persona in the film industry, Holm had been named Commander of the British Empire (CBE) in 1989, and became a knighted actor in 1998.

Many of Holm's friends and acquaintances in the film industry expressed their sadness upon hearing of his passing. This includes writer and director Edgar Wright who took to Twitter and shared his appreciation for Holm's epic contribution and devoted presence in many films. Wright adds that Holm's legacy will remain as a beautiful ray of hope for future generations of aspiring film-makers and actors.

Holm is survived by his fourth wife, the artist Sophia de Stempel whom he married in 2003, as well as his third wife, the actor Penelope Wilton. His five children have all taken the same genuine liking to film-making and acting as their father.