Game of Thrones actor JJ Murphy died a few days into filming the highly acclaimed Game of Thrones season 5. According to Belfast Telegraph, the actor collapsed and subsequently died four days into filming HBO's popular TV show. The Northern Ireland native portrayed the role of eldest Night Watch member, Ser Denys Mallister. He was 86.
According to series producers Dan Weiss and David Benioff, "We will not be recasting J.J. Murphy. He was a lovely man, and the best Denys Mallister we could have hoped for. And now his watch is ended."
Several notable figures have expressed their remorse over the death of the actor. Journalist Eamonn Mallie, when asked to describe JJ Murphy says he is, "The man with the mellifluous voice." Meanwhile, actress Maggie Cronin shares with the Belfast Telegraph, "His passion for theatre, for the welfare and the betterment of actors and those who worked in the performing arts was always there. It was an integral part of the man."
JJ Murphy also starred in the big budget film Dracula Untold set to be released this October. His funeral will take place on Wednesday.
