Ian Holm

Date of Birth: September 12, 1931

Zodiac Sign: Virgo

Date of Death: June 19, 2020

Biography

Sir Ian Holm Cuthbert, commonly known as Ian Holm, was an acclaimed English actor born on September 12, 1931, in Goodmayes, Essex, England. Holm’s career spanned over six decades, during which he became known for his versatility and ability to portray a wide range of characters. He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) and joined the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC), becoming one of their leading actors. Holm’s breakthrough came with his role as Lenny in the 1967 film “The Homecoming,” which earned him critical acclaim and a Tony Award. He continued to build a successful career with standout performances in films such as “Chariots of Fire” (1981), for which he received an Academy Award nomination, and “The Madness of King George” (1994). However, he is perhaps best known to modern audiences for his roles as Bilbo Baggins in “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit” trilogies, and as Ash in the sci-fi horror classic “Alien” (1979). Holm’s work extended to television and stage, where he continued to demonstrate his range and depth as an actor. He was knighted in 1998 for his services to drama. Ian Holm passed away on June 19, 2020, in London, England, at the age of 88.

5 Interesting Facts about Ian Holm

1. Ian Holm won a Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Play for his role in Harold Pinter’s “The Homecoming” in 1967.

2. He played the role of Napoleon Bonaparte twice, first in “Time Bandits” (1981) and later in “The Emperor’s New Clothes” (2001).

3. Holm was knighted in 1998 for his contributions to drama.

4. He initially turned down the role of Bilbo Baggins in “The Lord of the Rings,” but later accepted after reading the script.

5. Ian Holm was a survivor of prostate cancer, which he was diagnosed with in 2001.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Ian Holm

1. “I’m never the same twice. It’s not like I put on a disguise. I take off a disguise.”

2. “I think it’s because I’m slightly schizophrenic. Never satisfied, always searching. Always hoping for better.”

3. “I enjoy acting, and I will do it as long as I can.”

4. “I’m a perfectionist by nature, and I’ve always been a little bit of a workaholic.”

5. “There’s no such thing as a favorite role. I like them all. I don’t particularly like one over the other.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

The highest net worth Ian Holm achieved was estimated to be around $10 million.

Children

Ian Holm had five children. His first marriage to Lynn Mary Shaw produced two daughters: Jessica and Sarah-Jane Holm. He had a son, Harry Holm, and a daughter, Melissa Holm, with his second wife, Sophie Baker. Holm also had a daughter, Barnaby Holm, with his third wife, Penelope Wilton.