‘Game of Thrones’ Actor J.J. Murphy Passes Away During Season 5 Production

Production on the fifth season of HBO series Game of Thrones has just begun, but tragedy has struck behind the scenes. Actor J.J. Murphy, who was portraying Ser Denys Mallister, the eldest member of the Night’s Watch, collapsed on set and passed away. He was 86.

It is currently unknown what actions the studio will take in regards to his character. He was four days into filming his scenes, so anyone can run wild speculating what executive decisions will be made.

J.J. Murphy was largely unknown in the United States, but his death has occurred after “a long and full career,” says his agent Philip Young. Murphy, even at 86, was still active and held membership with Equity, the British actors’ union. Since the 1940’s, Murphy was regularly seen in the Northern Irish theater scene, but when he was called in to the HBO show, Young claims Murphy was “absolutely delighted.”

Source: The Guardian