We at Epic Færytales are saddened to report that the legendary Sir Ian Holm has passed away at the age of 88.

In a way, I feel like I grew up with Sir Ian Holm. From the time I was a child, he was a staple in film and TV depictions of all the best legendary tales. His repertoire includes films such as Chariots of Fire, The Fifth Element, and From Hell (one of my favorite thrillers ever). My first memories of him are as a pharisee in the 1970s TV mini-series, Jesus of Nazareth. Of course, Ian famously went on to play the beloved Bilbo Baggins in the Lord of the Rings films. Even from a young age, I remember being fascinated by his ability to play a wide-eyed innocent or a cynical protagonist. He was a gifted actor, able to become any role he set his mind to. He will be greatly missed.

I’m old, Gandalf. I know I don’t look it but I’m beginning to feel it in my heart. I feel thin… sort of stretched, like butter scraped over too much bread. I need a holiday. A very long holiday. And I don’t expect I shall return. In fact I mean not to. ~Bilbo Baggins, The Fellowship of the Ring

Go rest, Bilbo. You’ve served us well.