Belfast actor JJ Murphy dies aged 86

Tributes have been paid to Belfast actor JJ Murphy, who died days after starting a new role on the HBO series Game of Thrones.

Murphy (86) was cast to portray Ser Denys Mallister, the oldest member of the Night’s Watch military order and began filming scenes last week. He died on Friday at his home.

He had told friends how delighted he was to be part of the cult TV show.

His film credits include Cal (1984), Angela's Ashes (1999) and Mickybo and Me (2004). He had a character role in the forthcoming film, Dracula Untold. His stage work was wide- ranging, including Sam Cree's Don't Tell the Wife (1967) at the Belfast Arts Theatre, Martin Lynch's Lyric Theatre production of Dockers (1981) and Tinderbox Theatre Company's production of Convictions (2000), a site-specific work at Crumlin Road, Courthouse, Belfast.

Helped young actors

He trained with the Ulster Group Theatre and worked for many years at the Lyric Theatre in Belfast, where he helped mentor a younger generation of local actors .

The Northern Ireland Arts Council praised his "concern for his fellow actors".

“A long-standing member of Equity, he was a spirited and redoubtable advocate for improving the pay, conditions and career opportunities of actors in Northern Ireland.”

Actor and fellow Equity member Maggie Cronin said: “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.”

Murphy is survived by his wife Mary and their three children.