Authorities say Belfast actor J.J. Murphy has died days after starting his new role on the HBO series Game of Thrones. Murphy was cast to portray Ser Denys Mallister, the oldest member of the Night’s Watch military order, and started filming scenes last week. HBO declined to say whether Murphy’s role will be recast or if planned scenes involving Mallister will be rewritten. Much of Game of Thrones is filmed in Northern Ireland and local actors feature prominently in the cast. No cause of death was given for the 86-year-old, who worked for decades on the Belfast stage. His Belfast funeral is scheduled for Wednesday.
