The Lord of the Rings is one of the most popular film series with a huge fan following. It is considered a timeless classic with some of the most well-known characters. The trilogy was a major milestone for the actors involved, opening doors to new opportunities in their careers. Let’s look at what the cast did before and after The Lord of the Rings.
Orlando Bloom (Legolas)
Before starring as Legolas, Orlando Bloom appeared in an episode of Midsomer Murders and played Todd Blackburn in Black Hawk Down.
The Lord of the Rings helped him gain global recognition. After the trilogy, he appeared in major films like Pirates of the Caribbean, The Three Musketeers, and Kingdom of Heaven. He also starred in TV series like Easy on Netflix and Carnival Row on Amazon Prime.
Elijah Wood (Frodo Baggins)
Before playing Frodo Baggins, Elijah Wood acted in movies like Paradise, Radio Flyer, and Flipper.
After the trilogy, he worked on films such as Celeste and Jesse Forever and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. He also acted in Come to Daddy, The Last Witch Hunter, and voiced a character in Happy Feet. His TV work includes the show Wilfred.
Cate Blanchett (Galadriel)
Cate Blanchett had already built a strong career with films like The Gift and The Talented Mr. Ripley. Her role in Elizabeth earned her an Oscar nomination.
After The Lord of the Rings, she starred in Blue Jasmine and The Aviator, winning two Academy Awards. She was also in Mrs. America and Where’d You Go, Bernadette?.
Sir Ian McKellen (Gandalf)
Before playing Gandalf, Sir Ian McKellen was already a respected actor with Golden Globe, Tony, and Olivier awards.
He continued acting in Beauty and the Beast, The Da Vinci Code, and played Magneto in the X-Men series. He also appeared in Cats (2019).
John Bach (Madril)
John Bach played Madril, a Gondorian Ranger, and also served as a body double for Saruman in The Hobbit.
He later worked in New Zealand TV series and played Marcus Aurelius in Roman Empire on Netflix.
Liv Tyler (Arwen)
Before The Lord of the Rings, Liv Tyler was known for movies like Armageddon and Empire Records. She is also a former model, singer, and producer.
After the trilogy, she acted in Jamie Marks Is Dead, The Incredible Hulk, Ad Astra, and the TV series 9-1-1: Lone Star.
Alistair Browning (Damrod)
Besides playing Damrod, Alistair Browning was part of shows like Xena: Warrior Princess, Power Rangers Ninja Storm, and Young Hercules.
After the trilogy, he took on more roles, including Judge Mathovic in American Playboy: The Hugh Hefner Story (2016).
Ian Holm (Bilbo Baggins)
Sir Ian Holm Cuthbert had an impressive career before playing Bilbo Baggins, with roles in Jesus of Nazareth and The Fifth Element.
After The Lord of the Rings, he acted in The Aviator and reprised his role in The Hobbit. He passed away in June 2020 at age 88.
Ian Hughes (Irolas)
Ian Hughes, who played Irolas, is also a director and writer. He was known for his role as Loki in Hercules: The Legendary Journeys.
Since the trilogy, he has worked on TV series, including Power Rangers, and has directed Shortland Street since 2015.
Christopher Lee (Saruman)
Christopher Lee had a long career before playing Saruman. He starred in Count Dracula (1977) and Sherlock Holmes and the Deadly Necklace (1962).
After the trilogy, he appeared in Hugo, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and reprised his role in The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.
The cast of The Lord of the Rings continues to impress with their careers, taking on exciting projects even years after the trilogy ended.