Game of Thrones star Ian Gelder dies aged 74 after cancer battle
Ian Gelder, best known for his role as Kevan Lannister in Game of Thrones, has died aged 74.
His husband, fellow actor Ben Daniels, announced the news in a heartfelt tribute to the late star on Tuesday, and described his “huge sadness” at the passing of his “darling husband and life partner”.
Gelder, who also starred as Mr Dekker in the BBC’s critically-acclaimed series Torchwood: Children of Earth alongside roles in Doctor Who and His Dark Materials, had been diagnosed with bile duct cancer in December, Daniels revealed in a statement on social media.
He said: “It is with huge huge sadness and a heavy heart broken into a million pieces that I’m leaving this post to announce the passing of my darling husband and life partner Ian Gelder.
“Ian was diagnosed with bile duct cancer in December and yesterday he passed at 1.07pm.”
“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.
MORE CELEBRITY NEWS:
Gogglebox and Celebrity Big Brother star George Gilbey dies in ‘work accident’ at 40 as tributes pour in
Bernard Hill dies aged 79 as tributes pour in for Titanic and Lord of the Rings actor
David Soul dies aged 80 as tributes flood in for Starsky and Hutch legend
“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.”
Daniels posted a heartfelt photo alongside the announcement, which he said had been taken 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”.
Reacting to the news, Britain’s Got Talent host Amanda Holden said she was sending “so much love” to “darling” Daniels.
While 90210 and Star Wars: The Clone Wars star Matt Lanter said: “My gosh Ben. There are really no words. All of my love to you today. Praying for your peace and comfort. Love you buddy.”
A statement from the Royal Shakespeare Company read: “We are saddened to hear of Ian Gelder’s death. One of the most kind and gentle people in the business, Ian’s career spanned many decades.”