Celebrity
Lord of the Rings Actor Bernard Hill Dead at Age 79
Bernard Hill, who cried before leading his soldiers into war in “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King” and went down with the ship as captain in “Titanic,” died. Agent Lou Coulson said Hill, 79, died Sunday morning.
The second film of the series, 2002’s “The Two Towers,” starred Hill as Théoden, King of Rohan. He repeated the role in “Return of the King,” which won 11 Oscars, the following year.
In one of the film’s most memorable scenes, Hill’s character gives a battle cry on horseback to his overmatched forces, sending them crashing downhill toward the enemy and his own death.
“Arise, Théoden riders!” Hill yells. Shields will shatter, spears quake! Sword day, red day before sunrise! Ride now! Ride now! Ride! Ride for destruction and the end! Death! Death!
Bernard Hill played Captain Edward Smith in “Titanic,” one of the few historically accurate characters in the 1997 tragedy starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet. The film won 11 Oscars.
Hill’s character secretly retreats to the wheelhouse as the ship sinks. He takes a last breath and clutches the wheel as water crashes through the glass as the cabin moans under the waves.
Bernard Hill became famous for playing Yosser Hughes in the 1982 British miniseries “Boys From the Blackstuff,” about five unemployed men.
He received a 1983 BAFTA nomination for the part, and the show won for best drama series. His passing coincided with the second season of “The Responder,” on which he played Martin Freeman’s father.
Lindsay Salt, BBC Drama director, said Bernard Hill’s long career of memorable and outstanding roles was a tribute to his skill. “Our thoughts are with his loved ones at this sad time.”
Biography
Bernard Hill was a seasoned English actor known for his powerful film, TV, and theatrical roles. He’s most recognized for playing King Théoden in Peter Jackson’s “The Lord of the Rings” series. Hill was a virtuoso at depicting a complex character’s emotional journey as the once-mighty monarch brought low by Saruman’s betrayal.
Hill has produced a remarkable range of work over five decades beyond his Tolkien role. He was riveting in “Titanic,” playing Captain Smith, and “Defiance,” about WWII Jewish resistance fighters.
He excels as a Napoleonic-era sailor in “Master and Commander” and a tough detective in “Merlin.”
Bernard Hill made an impression on TV with “Boys from the Blackstuff” and “Outcasts.” He has a loyal following and critical accolades for his ability to give every character depth and subtlety.
Source: The associated Press
Celebrity
2024| Judge Rejects Claims That Generative AI Tanked Political Conspiracy Case Against Fugees Rapper Pras
Washington – Pras, On Friday, a court denied a request for a fresh trial in a multimillion-dollar political conspiracy lawsuit against Fugees rapper Prakazrel “Pras” Michel.
U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly determined that his defensedefense attorney’s employment of a generative AI software during closing arguments and other errors made throughout the Washington, D.C. trial did not constitute a substantial miscarriage of justice.
Judge Rejects Claims That Generative AI Tanked Political Conspiracy Case Against Fugees Rapper Pras
Michel was found guilty of ten counts after a jury heard testimony from witnesses, including actor Leonardo DiCaprio and former US Attorney General Jeff Sessions. On the most serious charges, he faces up to 20 years in prison. He is free until sentencing, which has yet to be decided.
The Grammy-winning rapper was accused of funneling money from a now-fugitive Malaysian financier through straw donors to Barack Obama’s 2012 reelection campaign, then attempting to deter a Justice Department investigation and influence an extradition case on behalf of China during the Trump administration.
The defense said Michel received lousy advice as he attempted to support himself while recreating himself in politics.
His defense attorney, David Kenner, who has previously represented rappers like Suge Knight and Snoop Dogg, pleaded guilty to leaking grand jury evidence to reporters.
Michel hired a new lawyer, who claimed Kenner had made several errors, including deploying an “experimental” generative AI software that botched closing arguments by misattributing a lyric from his client’s influential 1990s group.
Judge Rejects Claims That Generative AI Tanked Political Conspiracy Case Against Fugees Rapper Pras
Michel, however, failed to prove that Kenner’s handling of the case influenced the jury, according to Judge Kollar-Kotelly.
She accepted that some of Michel’s faults were valid, but they did not neutralise the prosecution’s extensive evidence against him or render the nearly month-long trial unfair.
Michel’s representative had no immediate comment on the ruling.
SOURCE | AP
Celebrity
Julian Ortega, Actor In Netflix’s ‘Elite’ Series, Dies Aged 41
Julian Ortega, a Spanish actor best known for his role in the popular Spanish-language Netflix drama series “Elite,” has died, according to the country’s actor and actress union. He was 41.
“Our deepest condolences to his family and friends,” the union said in a statement Monday.
The sun
Julian Ortega, Actor In Netflix’s ‘Elite’ Series, Dies Aged 41
Ortega, the son of Spanish actress Gloria Muñoz, was born in Madrid in 1983. According to the organization, he attended acting school in the Spanish capital.
He began his career in Spanish-language films, including the 2000 drama “El Otro Barrio” (“The Other Side”) and the 2008 horror fantasy “La raíz del mal.”
He appeared in various Spanish television programs before becoming well-known internationally after appearing in six episodes of Netflix’s Elite.
Ortega played a restaurant manager in the murder-mystery-infused high school thriller, which follows privileged pupils at a prestigious school.
His most recent performances were in drama programs like “The Countryside” (formerly called “El Pueblo”) and “4 estrellas.”
“You were a great man; humble, always smiling, generous, and thoughtful…” I have a great colleague. “Thank you for everything,” wrote his “Countryside” co-star Ruth Diaz in an Instagram post.
Julian Ortega, Actor In Netflix’s ‘Elite’ Series, Dies Aged 41
According to the Spanish Theatre in Madrid, Ortega has worked on theatre ventures, including the 2021 play “Ira,” which he created and co-starred in with his mother.
The reason for the death has not been officially confirmed.
SOURCE | AP
Celebrity
Selena Gomez Reacts To Taylor Swift Cameo Rumors in ‘Only Murders in the Building’ S4
Selena Gomez has recently put a fun twist on rumors swirling about a potential cameo by Taylor Swift in the fourth season of Only Murders in the Building. In an interview with E! News, Gomez responded to the speculation with her signature humor and charm.
Laughing off the rumors, Gomez quipped, “You’re hilarious. She’s a little busy, you guys.”
Her playful tone continued as she added, “Oh dear, I love that,” while still chuckling. Gomez’s light-hearted response showcased her easy-going nature and her ability to handle fan speculation with grace.
Gomez’s co-stars, Steve Martin and Martin Short, also joined in on the playful banter. Martin, in a comedic twist, said, “Listen, she calls us every day. Here – she’s calling right now. Ahh I’ll take it later.”
‘Only Murders in the Building’ S4
Martin Short added to the jest, joking, “No, I was talking to Taylor around 3:00 a.m.” Their jokes highlighted the camaraderie and fun atmosphere among the cast.
Beyond the jokes, Martin took a moment to genuinely praise both Taylor Swift and Selena Gomez for their poise.
He commented, “Taylor Swift handles everything perfectly and so does Selena. In the situations I’ve seen—politically, trolls, everything—she just seems to have a wisdom about how to do something quietly, effortlessly.”
The interaction underscores not only the strong bond between the cast members but also their mutual respect and admiration for each other.
Gomez and Swift’s friendship, along with their shared ability to navigate public life with elegance, continues to be a topic of interest and admiration among fans and colleagues alike.
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