"Game of Thrones" star J.J. Murphy died on Friday (Aug. 8) at the age of 86, just a few days after he filmed his first scenes for the HBO series. Murphy was cast last month to play Ser Denys Mallister, a member of the Night's Watch and the commander of the Shadow Tower.
A source told The Belfast Telegraph that Murphy had told family and friends that he was excited to be cast in the hit series. According to reports, the actor had shot his first scenes as Ser Denys four days before his death.
"I am heartbroken to pass on the news that the wonderful J.J. Murphy passed away this morning 8th August 2014," the actor's agent said in an email to E! News. "I had the pleasure and honour to be his Agent for the last 18 months and have never encountered a man with more spirit, passion and love for his craft. At this time our thoughts are with his family."
Producers for the "Game of Thrones" told E! that the role would not be recast following Murphy's death.
"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," said executive producers D.B. Weiss and David Benioff.
The actor was also supposed to appear in "Dracula Untold." Season five of "Thrones" will see a lot of new faces. Recently it was announced that nine people had been added to the cast. They are as follows:
- Alexander Siddig as Doran Martell, the older brother to Prince Oberyn Martell and the ruling Lord of Dome.
-Toby Sebastian as Trystane Martell, the son of Prince Doran and engaged to Mycrella Baratehon.
-Nell Tiger Free as Mycrella, the oldest child of Cersei Lannister and King Baratheon. Her actual father is Jamie Lannister
-Jessica Henwick as Nymeria "Nym" Sand, the second oldest of Prince Oberyn's daughters
-Rosabell Laurento Sellers as Tyene Sand, the daughter of Prince Oberyn and Ellaria Sand
-Keisha Castle-Hughes as Obara Sand
-DeObia Opareji as Areo Hotah
-Enzo Clienti as Yezzan, an extremely wealthy slave trader
-and Jonathan Pryce as the High Sparrow
Season 5 of the "Game of Thrones" premieres in 2015.
