Every Notable ‘Titanic’ Actor Who Died

The 1997 epic ‘Titanic’ brought together a huge international cast, and over the years several memorable performers from the film have passed away. Below is a concise look at the most notable actors from the movie who are no longer with us, along with the key roles they played and a few highlights from their careers beyond the ship.

Gloria Stuart

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Stuart portrayed Old Rose, framing the story with her character’s memories of the voyage. A Hollywood veteran from the classic era, she appeared in films like ‘The Invisible Man’ and ‘Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm’. She lived to be 100 and died on September 26, 2010 in Los Angeles. Her performance introduced her to a new generation of moviegoers.

Bill Paxton

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Paxton played treasure hunter Brock Lovett, leading the modern-day expedition that discovers the ship’s secrets. He was well known for roles in ‘Aliens’, ‘Apollo 13’, and ‘Twister’. He died on February 25, 2017 at age 61 due to complications following heart surgery. His work spanned acting and directing and left a lasting mark on genre filmmaking.

Bernard Hill

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Hill portrayed Captain Edward Smith, commanding the ship during its final hours. He was also widely recognized for playing King Théoden in ‘The Lord of the Rings’ trilogy and for earlier British television work. He died on May 5, 2024 at age 79. His dignified screen presence made his performances stand out across film and TV.

David Warner

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Warner played Spicer Lovejoy, the stern bodyguard to Cal Hockley. His decades-long career included standout turns in ‘The Omen’, ‘Time Bandits’, and ‘Tron’ along with extensive stage work. He died on July 24, 2022 at age 80. He was known for bringing nuance to villains and mentors alike.

Bernard Fox

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Fox appeared as Colonel Archibald Gracie, one of the first-class passengers who recounts events of the sinking. Audiences also knew him from TV favorites like ‘Bewitched’ and ‘The Andy Griffith Show’ and from film roles including ‘The Mummy’. He died on December 14, 2016 at age 89. His distinctive voice and timing made him a familiar face for decades.

Lew Palter

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Palter portrayed Isidor Straus, seen with his wife in some of the film’s most poignant moments. Beyond screen roles, he taught acting for many years at CalArts, mentoring generations of performers. He died on May 21, 2023 at age 94. His work in education and theater complemented his appearances in film and television.

Elsa Raven

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Raven played Ida Straus, remembered for staying with her husband as the ship went down. She was also known for a brief but beloved moment in ‘Back to the Future’ and for roles in series like ‘Amen’. She died on November 2, 2020 at age 91. Her character roles added heart and authenticity to many productions.

Mark Lindsay Chapman

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Chapman portrayed Chief Officer Henry Wilde, part of the ship’s senior crew depicted during the evacuation. His career included performances in ‘The Langoliers’ and other television films and series in both the UK and the US. He died in November 2023 at age 63. He worked steadily across genres from drama to suspense.

Share your thoughts in the comments on which performances from ‘Titanic’ still resonate most with you today.