(CNN) — British actor Ian Gelder, best known for his role as Kevan Lannister in “Game of Thrones,” has died at age 74, his husband and fellow actor Ben Daniels announced Tuesday.
“With enormous sadness and a huge heart broken into a million pieces, I leave this post to announce the passing of my beloved husband and life partner Ian Gelder,” Daniels wrote on Instagram.
Ian Gelder (left) photographed with “Game of Thrones” co-stars Dean-Charles Chapman and Julian Glover. (Credit: HBO/Alamy Stock Photo)
Gelder had been diagnosed with bile duct cancer in December and Daniels had stopped working to care for him, but “none of us had any idea it would happen so quickly,” she added.
“He was the kindest, most generous, spirited and loving human being,” Daniels wrote in tribute to his “rock” and companion of 30 years.
Over a decades-long career, Gelder appeared in television shows such as “Torchwood,” “His Dark Materials” and “Doctor Who,” but it was his performance in “Game of Thrones” that catapulted him to a new level of fame.
He played the younger brother and trusted advisor of the fearsome Lord Tywin Lannister on the hit show and appeared in four of its eight seasons.
Gelder was also a veteran stage actor, playing important roles such as Antonio in “The Merchant of Venice” and the Duke of Clarence in “Richard III” at the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC).
His death sparked tributes from across the industry. “Withnail & I” star Richard E Grant told Daniels on Instagram that he was “very sorry for the immeasurable loss of his beloved Ian,” while the RSC remembered “one of the kindest and gentlest people in the business.” ” and “Doctor Who,” showrunner Russell T. Davies posted about his sadness at the passing of a “charming and funny” actor.
