Game of Thrones star dies just four days after starting work on fifth season

JJ Murphy collapsed and died on Friday in Northern Ireland where the forthcoming fifth season of Game of Thrones is currently being filmed.

16:47 12 August 2014

86-year-old Game of Thrones star JJ Murphy passed away on Friday in Northern Ireland – four days after starting work on the fifth season of the hugely popular HBO show where he was cast as Denys Mallister – the oldest member of the Night’s Watch.

Reports say that the actor told friends he was excited about the new role before he started filming.

There is no word yet if the American production team will write off his character or if the role will be recast.

JJ recently appeared in a new film Dracula Untold, also filmed in Northern Ireland, in which he stars alongside Luke Evans, Samantha Barks, and Charles Dance.

His agent Philip Young paid tribute to the late actor following the news.

He said: 'I have never encountered a man with more spirit, passion and love for his craft.'

The actor is survived by his wife Mary.