'Game of Thrones' Season 5 Premiere Date, Casting & Spoilers: JJ Murphy Dies at 86

Veteran actor, JJ Murphy, who played Ser Denys Mallister, the oldest member of the Night's Watch in the hit HBO series, "Game of Thrones," passed away at the age of 86.

The Northern Irishman died on Friday, August 8, "four days into filming his scenes" for the series, the Guardian reported.

Per The Independent, "He was set to shoot further scenes and had told friends of his excitement to be part of the cult TV show, the fifth season of which is currently being filmed in his home country."

According to the books of George R.R. Martin, where the series is based on, Murphy's character, Mallister "also upholds a 33-year long tenure as commander of the Shadow Tower at the Wall. Ser Mallister is best known as one of the next contenders for the role of Lord ," reported US Magazine via Yahoo. 

On Friday, the actor "collapsed and died," according to the Belfast Telegraph, but the cause of death was not immediately announced.

Statements on the Passing of a Veteran

"Game of Thrones" creators, D.B. Weiss and David Benioff, commented on the unfortunate news via The Independent: "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."

Another actor, Maggie Cronin, said of Mr Murphy: "His passion for theatre, for the welfare and betterment of actors and those who worked in the performing arts was always there. It was an integral part of the man."

Additionally, someone who worked with the 86-year-old was Philip Young, his agent, who only had kind words for the late actor. "I have never encountered a man with more spirit, passion and love for his craft," he revealed.

Murphy made a name for himself as a stage actor after being formally trained at the esteemed Ulster Group Theatre School, where he honed his art and skills back in 1948, reported the Daily Mail UK.

Murphy had a long career but his most notable association was with Belfast's Lyric Theatre. Other Irish natives he was worked with include Liam Neeson and Ciarán Hinds. Credits of the seasoned artist include "Cal" and biopic, "Angela's Ashes."

To see the actor in one of his most recent roles, catch "Dracula Untold," which is due out later in the year. Murphy plays a village elder, noted the EW. 

The Belfast Telegraph reported that the funeral "will be held in Belfast on Wednesday." Murphy is survived by his wife, Mary, along with their grown-up/ adult children, added the report.