Game of Thrones actor and musician Wilko Johnson has died at the age of 75

Wilko Johnson, founder of the Dr. Feelgood group, has died at the age of 75. Johnson has dedicated his life to music, but He has also been a part of the world of television with his role as Ser Ilyn Payne in the world famous series ‘Game of Thrones’. The news of his death is just to share via Johnson’s Twitter account, where it is revealed he died on Monday: “This is the news we never wanted to break and it is with heavy hearts that we deliver it: Wilko Johnson passed away. He passed away at his home on Monday, November 21. Thank you for respecting the family’s privacy at this sad time. RIP Willko Johnson.”

On television, Johnson’s only role was as Ser Ilyn Payne in the first and second seasons of ‘Game of Thrones’. Despite being a minor role, he delivered one of the most impressive moments of the series, as his character was the executioner tasked with cutting off Ned Stark’s head in the penultimate episode of the first season. In an interview in 2011, Johnson spoke about his role: “They said they wanted someone really sinister who would look at people before killing them. “It was easy. Staring at people like that is what I always do, it’s like second nature to me… The first day I had to give this girl the wrong look. So I disturbed her. Then the American director came up to me and said, ‘Wilko, you don’t have to act scary. You scare me.'”

In 2013, Johnson was diagnosed with advanced pancreatic cancer but chose not to have chemotherapy and was given 10 months to live. On the occasion of what was then thought to be his near death, his character development in ‘Game of Thrones’ was curtailed more than originally anticipated. Eventually, Johnson underwent surgery shortly after that year and was declared cancer-free.

His musical career

Wilko Johnson was born in the United Kingdom in 1947 and rose to fame in 1971 by founding the musical group Dr. Feelgood, of which he was the lead singer, songwriter and guitarist.. The group’s music was very particular for being a very typical style of pub rock and R&B, a musical genre born as a result of blues, jazz and gospel. In 1977, he left the group and started his own band, the Wilko Johnson Band, where he played until his death.

Some of his professional colleagues have already greeted Johnson on social networks, this is the case of Jimmy Page, one of the members of the legendary rock band Led Zeppelin: “I am saddened to learn of the passing of Wilko Johnson, the guitarist and songwriter of Dr Feelgood. I saw Wilko perform in May 2013 and the atmosphere was electric. This show was originally billed as his farewell tour, but thankfully he continued to perform and thrill crowds until recently. I really admired him and everyone will miss him. Rip Wilko.”