Ian Holm known for playing Bilbo Baggins dies at 88

Veteran actor Ian Holm, known for his performance in films such as the Lord of the Rings, Hobbit movies, Chariots of Fire and Alien, has passed away. The classically trained Shakespearean actor was 88.

His agent confirmed the news with the Guardian where they said, "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."

The actor was celebrated for his role in interpretations of most of the Shakespeare plays, including playing King Lear. Holm made his feature film debut with an adaptation of his stage performance in A Midsummer Night’s Dream in 1968. He received the 1967 Tony Award for Best Featured Actor for his performance as Lenny in The Homecoming and the 1998 Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actor for his performance in the title role of King Lear. He won the 1981 BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for his role as athletics trainer Sam Mussabini in Chariots of Fire, for which he was also nominated for an Academy Award. 

Holm's final days were documented in a series of pastel portraits by his wife, Sophie de Stempel.