Ian Gelder, who played Kevan Lannister on “Game of Thrones, ”dies at 74
The British actor was also known for his extensive work on the stage.
Ian Gelder, who was best known for HBO series Game of Thrones, has died at 74.
His husband, actor Ben Daniels, broke the news on social media alongside a photo of the couple, “with huge huge sadness and a heavy heart broken into a million pieces.”
Daniels said Gelder was diagnosed with bile duct cancer in December and that they thought he had more time to live before he died on Monday.
“He was my absolute rock and we’d been partners for more than 30 years,” Daniels wrote. “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, who’s also an actor, explained that he had cared for Gelder, writing, “He was a wonderful wonderful actor and everyone who worked with him was touched by his heart and light. 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.”
Gelder appeared many times throughout Game of Thrones’ six-season run, portraying Kevan Lannister, the brother of Charles Dance’s Tywin Lannister, and the uncle of Cersei (Lena Headey), Jaime (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau), and Tyrion (Peter Dinklage). He was last seen in the epic series finale among those killed — also including Margaery Tyrell, Loras Tyrell, Mace Tyrell, and the High Sparrow — in the explosion of the Sept orchestrated by the vengeful Cersei, after Kevan previously refused to recognize his niece’s authority and her attempt to appoint him as Master of War.
HBO “Game of Thrones” actor Ian Gelder has died.
In addition to GOT, Gelder appeared on TV in five episodes of BBC sci-fi series Torchwood.
His credits go back to 1972 and include guest appearances on popular shows such as Poirot, Absolutely Fabulous, EastEnders, and Mr. Selfridge. He worked with John Goodman on both 1991 comedy King Ralph and 2009’s Pope Joan, about a woman who disguises herself as a man to work at the Vatican.
Dave Benett/Getty Actor Ian Gelder pictured in 2022.
Gelder was known for his work on the stage, too.
The Royal Shakespeare Company, based in Stratford-upon-Avon, paid tribute to him on social media describing him as “one of the most kind and gentle people in the business.” They noted that he’s been “a regular on the RSC stage” since the ’70s. Among other characters, he played Antonio in The Merchant of Venice and Clarence in Richard III.
In one of many other messages about him, Gelder’s management said that “the world will be a lesser place without him in it.”
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