‘Game of Thrones’ Wilko Johnson Loses Battle With Cancer At 75
English musician and actor Wilko Johnson, best known for playing Ser Ilyn Payne in Game Of Thrones passed away at 75. The acclaimed pub-rock band guitarist was a part of Dr. Feelgood from 1971 to 1977. Although an official confirmation for the cause of death isn’t out yet, the actor was reportedly suffering from terminal pancreatic cancer and had received a diagnosis back in 2013.
Wilko Johnson Passed Away On Monday At His Home
The news of his death was announced on his official Facebook page on Wednesday. As per The Sun, Johnson died at his home in England on Monday. The post read, “Thank you for respecting Wilko’s family’s privacy at this very sad time, and thank you all for having been such a tremendous support throughout Wilko’s incredible life.”
[Source: YouTube]
Born in 1947, Johnson was raised in a marshy, industrial oil town, Canvey Island, located in England’s River Thames estuary. The musician studied Anglo-Saxon literature at Newcastle University and worked as a school teacher before forming Dr. Feelgood with other local friends.
Ser Ilyn Payne In GOT Was Wilko Johnson’s Debut Role
At a time when indulgent rock and flamboyant glam was popular, the band played R&B and blues while dressed in cheap suits. One time, Johnson even claimed that the way they dressed made them look like shoddy bank robbers. With his relentless guitar style, he gave the band an edge over others. Moreover, his devil-may-care attitude is what got him the role of Ser Ilyn Payne in HBO’s Game Of Thrones in 2011.
[Source: YouTube]
Becoming one of the most popular bands on London’s pub rock circuit, Johnson went on to record three studio albums with the band. He also recorded the chart-topper live album titled Stupidity released in 1976. Later on, Johnson formed The Wilko Johnson Band and also joined Ian Dury’s band The Blockheads.
Wilko Johnson Was Cancer-Free By 2014
In January 2013, the actor received a late-stage pancreatic cancer diagnosis. At the time, in an interview, he shared that he barely had nine or ten months to live. He also described the diagnosis as something that made him feel vividly alive. Following his diagnosis, he embarked on a farewell tour and recorded an album titled Going Back Home alongside Roger Daltrey in 2014.
[Source: YouTube]
However, later that year while receiving the Icon Award at the Q Awards, he revealed that his eleven-hour-long operation was successful and he was cancer-free. The guitarist initially refrained from seeking treatment thinking the cancer was terminal. However, he later discovered that it was a rather treatable form. His decision to seek a second opinion was reportedly due to a fan suggesting it to him.
[Source: YouTube]
His performance on stage was always electric. However, the actor will forever be remembered for his iconic role in Game Of Thrones. He played the man who killed Ned Stark (Sean Bean).
Rest In Peace Ser Ilyn Payne aka Wilko Johnson!
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