Actor J.J. Murphy died four days into filming his scenes for the fifth season of “Game of Thrones” on Friday. The 86-year-old was cast last month to play the role of Ser Denys Mallister, the oldest member of the Night’s Watch. Sadly, the veteran North Irish actor collapsed and died after filming only a few scenes for the role.
Murphy was reportedly “absolutely delighted” to be cast “in one of the biggest productions in the world at this stage in his career,” said his agent Phillip Young.
There was speculation as to whether the show would recast the role or rewrite the show’s script after learning of Murphy’s passing. “Game of Thrones” producers D.B. Weiss and David Benioff confirmed the latter in a statement saying, “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.”
Best known as a theater actor since 1948, J.J.’s notable film works include Frank McCourt’s Angela’s Ashes, Mickybo and Me and Cal. Gary Shore’s upcoming Dracula Untold will feature Murphy as a village elder when it’s released in theaters in October of this year.
J.J. Murphy’s cause of death has yet to be released.
