The Wall has unfortunately lost a member of the Night's Watch. Actor J.J. Murphy, who was cast late last month and was set to portray Ser Denys Mallister, commander of the Shadow Tower has sadly passed away.
The Belfast Telegraph has reported that Mr. Murphy collapsed and passed away this past Friday, (August 8, 2014). He was 86 years old.
In the same article it is stated that he had already done four days of shooting and was set to return and film more scenes soon.
Although there had been announcements of new castings for season five, J.J. Murphy's involvement had not yet been officially announced.
He was known as a theater actor, having trained in the Old Group Drama School in the 1940s and 50s and had worked with Belfast's Lyric Theater. He also was an Honorary Member of the British Actors' Equity Association.
He can be seen, (along with former Game of Thrones actor Charles Dance) in the upcoming film, Dracula Untold which is set to premiere later this year.
Several people of the theater community and friends of Mr. Murphy have released statements regarding his death and given their condolences along with praise for him as an actor and a person.
YOUCEF BOUBETNIKH
Mr. Murphy's agent, Phillip Young released this statement.
"I had the pleasure and honour to be his Agent for the last 18 months and have never encountered a man with more spirit, passion and love for his craft. At this time, our thoughts are with his family".
Maffie Cronin.
"His passion for theatre, for the welfare and betterment of actors and those who worked in the performing arts was always there. It was an integral part of the man".
Paula McFetridge
"He was a great actor and a gentleman."
HBO executives, as well as his former director on the film Dracula Untold, Gary Shore, have also sent messages of sympathy.
The events on The Wall are set to play an important role this season, and now given the unfortunate passing of Mr. Murphy, it is unknown how this tragedy will affect the script/filming.
(Mild Spoilers Ahead)
With the death of Lord Commander Mormont, the Night's Watch is left without a leader. Keeping with tradition, the Night's Watch will choose a new Lord Commander and Ser Denys Mallister and Cotter Pyke are the two leading men to take command. Their hatred for one another complicates things as they split votes, and leads to another name to be "thrown into the race" for Lord Commander.
In a tweet by official HBO tweeter page, Game of Thrones showrunners released a short statement addressing Mr. Murphy and the future of his role.
We will not be recasting J.J. Murphy. He was a lovely man, and the best Denys Mallister we could have hoped for. And now his watch is ended. - D.B. Weiss and David Benioff (source)
And Now His Watch Is Ended.