‘Game of Thrones’: Season 5 actor JJ Murphy dead at 86

Sad news is breaking today from the set of “Game of Thrones“: Veteran actor from Northern Ireland JJ Murphy has passed away at the age of 86. Murphy had not been formally confirmed to be on the show until today, but he was playing the part of Ser Denys Mallister, one of the oldest members of the Night’s Watch.

Per a report from the Guardian, Murphy had filmed four days’ worth of material for the role on the series at the time of his death, and was very thrilled about being a part of a show that has really allowed his home country to have time in the spotlight.

Obviously, the first thought we have is for Murphy’s friends and family through what has to be a difficult time for them. We know that HBO and those affiliated with the show are doing their best to make their condolences clear.

As for what happens with this character moving forward, much of that depends on what the producers decide to do. They could theoretically recast the role or even go back and reshoot all the scenes with a new actor, but that feels sad. We’d rather see them use the footage of Murphy they have, and then translate any future material to someone else. They have already proven themselves to be malleable when it comes to the source material from the George R.R. Martin novels.

Season 5 of the series will continue filming in Northern Ireland, Spain, Croatia, and other countries until at least October or November, with the premiere date most-likely coming at some point in early April 2015.

Once again, our thoughts go out to Murphy and his family. His most notable work to date has come within the world of the theater, but he also had another role in the upcoming “Dracula Untold.”

Photo: HBO