Loss of a Legend

I'm so sad to learn that Ian Holm has passed. I loved his movie performances, and especially his portrayal of Bilbo Baggins, but I still think of him as primarily a stage actor.

Sir Ian Holm in 2005 (Photo by Cambridge Jones / Getty Images)

I had the opportunity to meet him once in 1994. I had gone to see a one-act Harold Pinter play at the National Theatre in London in the smallest venue, the Cottesloe. There were maybe 250 people in the audience and the playwright was there. Holm was mostly known back then for his stage acting and a handful of movie and TV roles.

Holm appeared on stage with Mr. Pinter afterward to answer questions and later mingled with the audience. He stayed a long time and was very gracious. I shook his hand, but was too embarrassed to ask him for his autograph.

In short, Sir Ian Holm was a brilliant artist who played a unique role, if you will, in elevating my own love for theater. Rest in peace, Mr. Holm. May "flights of angels sing thee to thy rest." ♡