‘Game of Thrones’ Actors Who Died
The world of ‘Game of Thrones’ brought together an enormous cast, and over the years several of its performers have sadly passed away. This list gathers key facts about their lives and work on the series, along with notable credits that show the range of projects they were part of across film and television.
You will find each actor’s role in ‘Game of Thrones’ along with clear details such as dates, ages, and career highlights. The aim is to keep everything straightforward and useful so you can quickly place each name and performance in the larger story of the show and the industry around it.
Diana Rigg as Olenna Tyrell
Diana Rigg died on September 10, 2020 at the age of 82 in London. She appeared on ‘Game of Thrones’ as Olenna Tyrell across multiple seasons and her death followed a diagnosis of lung cancer earlier that year.
Her career included the TV series ‘The Avengers’ and the James Bond film ‘On Her Majesty’s Secret Service’, along with a long stage résumé. She was appointed Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1994.
Max von Sydow as the Three Eyed Raven
Max von Sydow died on March 8, 2020 at the age of 90 in France. He portrayed the Three Eyed Raven in season six of ‘Game of Thrones’ after decades of film and television work in Europe and the United States.
He received two Academy Award nominations and appeared in ‘The Seventh Seal’ and ‘The Exorcist’, later taking roles in large franchises that included ‘Star Wars’ as well as recurring work on television.
Peter Vaughan as Maester Aemon
Peter Vaughan died on December 6, 2016 at the age of 93. He played Maester Aemon from season one through season five of ‘Game of Thrones’.
Outside the series he was known for ‘Porridge’, ‘Time Bandits’, and ‘The Remains of the Day’, and he accumulated extensive stage and screen credits beginning in the mid twentieth century.
Roy Dotrice as Hallyne the Pyromancer
Roy Dotrice died on October 16, 2017 at the age of 94 in London. On ‘Game of Thrones’ he appeared in season two as Hallyne the Pyromancer.
He narrated the ‘A Song of Ice and Fire’ audiobooks and was recognized for performing a record number of character voices in ‘A Game of Thrones’, in addition to a lengthy theatre career.
Neil Fingleton as Mag the Mighty and other giants
Neil Fingleton died on February 25, 2017 at the age of 36. He performed as a giant in ‘Game of Thrones’, including the role of Mag the Mighty.
He was recorded as the tallest British born man and worked in creature and motion capture roles on projects such as ‘Doctor Who’ and ‘Avengers: Age of Ultron’, alongside appearances that made use of his height.
J. J. Murphy as Ser Denys Mallister
J. J. Murphy died on August 8, 2014 at the age of 86. He had begun work as Ser Denys Mallister for season five of ‘Game of Thrones’ and died shortly after filming started.
Production took place in Northern Ireland and reports at the time noted that the role would be adjusted following his death while acknowledging his long career in local theatre and screen work.
Andrew Dunbar as Theon Greyjoy’s body double and extra
Andrew Dunbar died on December 24, 2019 in Belfast. He worked on ‘Game of Thrones’ as a body double for Theon Greyjoy and also appeared as an extra in various scenes.
Accounts of his career noted additional work on screen and credited him with roles in regional productions, while also mentioning his activity as a DJ outside of acting.
John Stahl as Lord Rickard Karstark
John Stahl died on March 2, 2022 at the age of 68. He portrayed Lord Rickard Karstark during seasons two and three of ‘Game of Thrones’.
He built a long career in Scottish television and theatre that included a major part in the series ‘High Road’ and multiple stage appearances with national companies.
Ian Gelder as Kevan Lannister
Ian Gelder died on May 6, 2024 at the age of 74 following a diagnosis of bile duct cancer. He played Kevan Lannister across several seasons of ‘Game of Thrones’.
His television work included roles in ‘Doctor Who’ and ‘His Dark Materials’, and his passing was announced by his husband with tributes from collaborators and organizations connected to his career.
Margaret John as Old Nan
Margaret John died on February 2, 2011 at the age of 84. She played Old Nan in the first season of ‘Game of Thrones’ and the episode ‘Lord Snow’ included a final credit in her memory.
Her scenes were completed before broadcast and the character did not reappear in later seasons. She was also known for performances in ‘Gavin & Stacey’ and other British television programs.
Wilko Johnson as Ser Ilyn Payne
Wilko Johnson died on November 21, 2022 at the age of 75. He appeared as Ser Ilyn Payne in the early seasons of ‘Game of Thrones’.
He first rose to fame as the guitarist for Dr Feelgood and later shared public updates about a battle with cancer that included major surgery in 2014, continuing to perform and act in the years that followed.
Darren Kent as the Goatherd
Darren Kent died on August 11, 2023 at the age of 36. He appeared in the season four finale of ‘Game of Thrones’ as a grieving goatherd in the episode ‘The Children’.
His other screen credits included ‘EastEnders’ and ‘Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves’, with representatives confirming his death and outlining his recent work.
Share any other names and details we should include in the comments.
