Ian Gelder, beloved 'Game of Thrones' star, dies at 74

Ian Gelder has died. The actor became known to viewers as Kevan Lannister in the "Game of Thrones." The man was 74 years old.

The death of Ian Gelder was announced on Instagram by his husband and actor, Ben Daniels. Gelder passed away at the age of 74 on Monday, May 6, five months after being diagnosed with bile duct cancer.

"I’d stopped all work to be his carer but neither of us had any idea that it would all be so fast. He was my absolute rock and we’d been partners for more than 30 years. If we weren’t together we spoke to each other everyday. He was the kindest, most generous spirited and loving human being. He was a wonderful wonderful actor and everyone who worked with him was touched by his heart and light," Daniels wrote.

"I honestly don’t know what I’ll do without him by my side. He coped with his dreadful illness with such bravery, with no self pity. Ever. He was remarkable and will be so missed. This pic was taken at Christmas time after I’d got him out of hospital and even though he’d gone through the worst three weeks there you can still see his joy and love shining through. Rest well my sweet Chianni," Daniels added in his post.

Born in 1949, Gelder started his acting career in the 1970s. He primarily gained roles in television movies and series and made rare appearances in cinema. Among his few movie credits was “King Ralph” alongside John Goodman. Like many UK actors, he strongly connected to the theatre, performing in plays by Shakespeare and others.

Gelder became widely recognized when he joined "Game of Thrones" in 2011, portraying Kevan Lannister. He was featured in 12 episodes, making his last appearance in season 6. In 2019, he appeared in "His Dark Materials," based on the bestselling trilogy by Philip Pullman—the following year, "Doctor Who" fans saw him in the show's twelfth season.

Let's not forget that on May 5, another esteemed British actor, Bernard Hill, passed away at 79. His agent, Lou Coulson, announced his death. Hill was known for his roles in "Titanic" and "The Lord of the Rings." In "Titanic," he portrayed Captain Edward James Smith, whose decision to surprise passengers by arriving early led to the historic tragedy. In "The Lord of the Rings," he played King Théoden of Rohan.

The cause of Hill's death is not known. Nevertheless, this recent loss adds to the string of deaths among English actors.