Lord Of The Rings star Bruce Allpress has died, aged 89

Bruce Allpress has died, aged 89.

The actor, most known for his role in Lord Of The Rings, passed away in New Zealand on Thursday.

A statement from his family, shared with Stuff.co.nz said he had died peacefully at home, surrounded by his five children.

His cause of death has yet to be revealed.


Tributes poured in for the late actor online, with a fan posting: ‘Sorry to hear about Bruce Allpress’s passing. Lived around the corner from him growing up; I think his children went to my primary school when I was there.

‘What a fabulous life he had. Condolences to the family. #locallegend.’

Bruce played Aldor in Lord Of The Rings: The Two Towers (Picture: Village Roadshow Entertainment)

‘Terrific actor with 60 yr career on Aotearoa’s stages & screens,’ another wrote.



‘I met him in 1976 while working on Close to Home & remember his wicked sense of humour.’

‘I always enjoyed our interactions greatly, and Bruce’s superb humour and wicked p***takes were the stuff of legend,’ actor Peter Elliott said.

‘I had the greatest pleasure working with him and picking his brains in the 80s and 90s, both in television and theatrical circles.

Bruce Allpress started out his career back in the 1960s

‘On rare occasions I would pop into his antique store for a brief insult and comedic quip or two. And I have always enjoyed his appearances on our screens.

‘Although he will be sadly missed, he will also be long remembered. An icon of the era.’

In the statement shared by his family, they said his ‘love for the performing arts was inspired by his mum, who took Bruce on outings to amateur theatre productions while growing up in Dunedin’.

Bruce first came to fame back in the 1960s, with his first role coming in The Cheeseman Singer series – before appearing in New Zealand soap Close to Home.

His big screen credits included a stint in Oscar-winning film The Piano, The Scarecrow and Frosty Man.

One of his more notable roles was as Aldor in Lord Of The Rings: The Two Towers, back in 2002.

Bruce is survived by his five children, Susan, Anna, Michael, Jane and Peter.

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