Who was Game of Thrones star Wilko Johnson?

GAME Of Thrones fans are mourning the loss of one of their own.

Actor and punk rock musician Wilko Johnson has sadly passed away aged 75.

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Who was Wilko Johnson?

Born in Canvey Island, Essex, on July 12, 1947 Wilko Johnson was a punk rock icon and Game of Thrones star.

The talented musician, who was formerly an English teacher, shot to fame in the 1970s with the band Dr Feelgood.

Wilko was known for his distinctive guitar playing style and played a part in the influence of the English punk movement.

He also ventured into acting as made his on-screen debut as Ser Ilyn Payne in Game of Thrones.

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Wilko was previously diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer, but in 2014, he praised doctors for "curing" him after an 11 hour operation to remove a tumour.

On November 23, 2022, it was announced that he had died on his band's  page.

A statement read: "This is the announcement we never wanted to make, & we do so with a very heavy heart: Wilko Johnson has died.

"He passed away at home on Monday 21st November. Thank you for respecting the family's privacy at this very sad time. RIP Wilko Johnson."

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When was Wilko Johnson in Game of Thrones?

Wilko made his acting debut when he was cast in Game of Thrones in 2011.

He played mute executioner Ser Ilyn Payne, in both the first and second season.

After being cast in the role, Wilko told the : 'They [producers] said they wanted somebody really sinister who went around looking daggers at people before killing them.

"That made it easy. Looking daggers at people is what I do all the time, it's like second nature to me'.

He appeared in four episodes:

• The Kingsroad (season 1)
• Baelor (season 1)
• Fire and Blood (season 1)
• Blackwater (season 2)

Was Wilko Johnson married and have children?

Wilko married his childhood sweetheart Irene Knight when they were teenagers.

During their marriage, the couple had two sons, Matthew and Simon.

Sadly, Wilko was widowed in 2004 which is wife Irene died from cancer.