Game of Thrones actor dies aged 74

TV

From Eric Todisco

Ian Gelder, known for his role as Kevan Lannister in Game of Thrones, has died. He was 74.

Gelder’s husband, fellow actor Ben Daniels, shared the heartbreaking news on Instagram on Tuesday.

Daniels, 59, revealed that Gelder had been battling bile duct cancer since December.

“It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that I leave this post to announce the passing of my beloved husband and life partner, Ian Gelder,” Daniels began his post.

The British actor, who gave up work when his husband fell ill, said the couple did not expect Gelder to die “so quickly” from the “terrible disease”.

“He was my absolute rock and we were partners for more than 30 years,” Daniels wrote. “When we weren’t together, we talked to each other every day. He was the kindest, most generous and loving person.”

“I honestly don’t know what I’m going to do without him by my side,” Daniels added of his late partner. “He was remarkable and we will miss him greatly.”

Gelder and Daniels had been together since 1983.

They met on the set of the British play Entertaining Mr. Sloane.

Gelder played Kevan Lannister in the first six seasons of Game of Thrones.

Kevan was the brother of Tywin Lannister (Charles Dance) and uncle of Cersei Lannister (Lena Headey), Jaime Lannister (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) and Tyrion Lannister (Peter Dinklage).

The character was killed along with many others, including Margaery Tyrell, Loras Tyrell and the High Sparrow, when Cersei blew up the Great Sept of Baelor with wildfire in the season six finale.

Gelder began acting in the 1970s and worked until he was diagnosed with cancer.

In addition to Game of Thrones, he has had roles in popular series such as EastEnders, Doctor Who and His Dark Materials.

Gelder will appear in upcoming seasons of Interview With the Vampire and The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power.