Ian Holm, 'Lord of the Rings' and 'Alien' star, dies at 88
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Ian Holm attends the Royal Film Performance of "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" at Odeon Leicester Square on December 12, 2012 in London, England. /VCG

Ian Holm attends the Royal Film Performance of "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" at Odeon Leicester Square on December 12, 2012 in London, England. /VCG

Renowned British actor Ian Holm, best known for his roles in "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy and "Alien," has died aged 88.

The actor, who received an Oscar nomination for his performance in the 1981 film "Chariots of Fire," died from a Parkinson's related illness, the Guardian newspaper said on Friday.

"He died peacefully in hospital, with his family and carer. Charming, kind and ferociously talented, we will miss him hugely," said his agent.

Holm began his career on stage working as part of the Royal Shakespeare Company and gained international exposure when he was cast as android Ash in the 1979 "Alien" film. His role as an athletics coach in "Chariots of Fire" won him a British Academy film award (Bafta) and an Oscar nod for Best Supporting Actor.

He also played Bilbo Baggins in two of The Lord of the Rings films, a role he reprised in the recent "The Hobbit" film series.

(With inputs from Reuters)