Martin Freeman pays heartfelt tribute to co-star as he shares ‘devastation’ about final role
As BBC drama fans prepare to welcome the return of Martin Freeman in the second series of the nail biting police series The Responder, the Sherlock actor has paid a poignant tribute to his late co-star Bernard Hill following his tragic death earlier this week. Appearing on The One Show to promote the show, hosts Roman Kemp and Alex Jones quizzed the star about what it was like to work with Bernard, who plays Martin’s character Chris’ father in the show.
Without skipping a beat, Martin reflected on his relationship with the star as he spoke with emotion and sincerity about their time working together, as he explained: “It was delightful.”
He then continued: “It was really lovely, I think when he came on set he sort of — he’s from Manchester but he was Liverpool royalty having played Yosser Hughes in Boys from the Blackstuff like forty years ago. He was loved in that city, and for us and the cast and crew, he was a really gentle, kind, sort of playful man with a twinkle in his eye.”
Yet while working with Bernard had been a huge honour for Martin, he did go on to reveal one devastating fact about his role in The Responder, as he was heartbroken to realise that the skilled actor wouldn’t be alive to see his work on screen.
Martin continued: "I loved working with him, it felt like a real —, well now of course it’s his last performance and for us it’s devastating that he’s not here to see it and reap the rewards of what he did. What he did is so good.”
With his eyes glistening with emotion, the Hobbit star then put a positive spin on the situation as she finally concluded: “But I’m glad that his last thing is something he cared so much about and loved so much.We were very lucky to have him.”
Lord of The Rings and Titanic star Bernard sadly passed away on May 5 at the age of 79, prompting thousands of fans, friends and loved ones from around the globe to share their memories of the star and pay their respects to his formidable career.
Following the announcement of his passing, one fan wrote: "Very sad to hear of the death of Bernard Hill, creator of the most powerful performance of the 80s."
Another touched fan commented: "Rest in Peace Bernard Hill - the man responsible for THE most iconic scene in cinematic history. A sword-day, a red day, ere the sun rises! Ride now, ride now, ride to Gondor!”
Meanwhile a third fan added: "Godspeed, Bernard Hill. Folks will be sharing memories of his various roles today, but for me, Theoden King stands alone - a standout performance in a film series full of standout performances. May his family be comforted during this difficult time."
