Bernard Hill’s big break came in 1982 when he starred in the BBC2 program, “The Black Stuff,” as Yosser Hughes, a working-class man riddled with obstacles including the loss of his job. His character’s catchprase, “Gizza’ job!” (“Give us a job”) was frequently used by dissidents of conservative Margaret Thatcher due to the unemployment rate being high.
The actor had initially been scheduled to appear at Comic Con Liverpool in the United Kingdom this weekend, but had canceled his appearance at the last minute.
“We’re heartbroken to hear the news of Bernard Hill’s passing,” read a statement from Comic Con Liverpool on X. “A great loss. Thinking of his family at this very sad time, and wishing them a lot of strength.”
Anne Bancroft, born Anna Maria Louisa Italiano on September 17, 1931. Respected for her acting prowess and versatility, Bancroft received an Academy Award, three BAFTA Awards, two Golden Globe Awards, two Tony Awards, two Primetime Emmy Awards, and a Cannes Film Festival Award. She is one of only 24 thespians to achieve the Triple Crown of Acting.
Bancroft made her film debut in the noir thriller Don't Bother to Knock (1952). Following a string of repetitive and glamorous supporting roles, her film career took a toll with executives reluctant to cast her in prestige roles. In 1958 Bancroft made her Broadway debut with the play Two for the Seesaw, winning the Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Play. The following year she portrayed Anne Sullivan in the original Broadway production of The Miracle Worker, winning the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play. Following her continued success on stage, Bancroft's film career was revived when she was cast in the acclaimed film adaptation of The Miracle Worker (1962) for which she won the Academy Award for Best Actress. Her film career further progressed with Oscar-nominated performances in The Pumpkin Eater (1964), The Graduate (1967), The Turning Point (1977), and Agnes of God (1985).
Bancroft died June 6, 2005, she was married to director, actor, and writer Mel Brooks, with whom she had a son named Max.
