“Game of Thrones” star Neil Fingleton died Saturday, according it a statement posted on the Tall Persons Club Facebook page. He was 36.
“Sadly it has come to our attention that Neil Fingleton Britain’s Tallest man passed away on Saturday,” the statement reads.
“Neil became Britain’s Tallest man in 2007 passing the height of Chris Greener. Neil started off in basketball in the USA before becoming an actor and starring in the ‘X-Men First Class; and also recently in the ‘Game of Thrones.’ Our thoughts and condolences go out to his family.”
Sadly it has come to our attention that Neil Fingleton Britain's Tallest man passed away on Saturday. Neil became… https://t.co/98c92QDopd
— Tall Persons Club (@tallpersonsclub) February 26, 2017
To TV viewers, the 7 -foot-7 Fingleton was known as Mag the Mighty on “Game of Thrones” or The Fisher King on “Doctor Who.” His other acting credits include “Jupiter Ascending” and “Avengers: Age Of Ultron.”
Originally from Durham, England, Fingleton played basketball at the University of North Carolina and later for College of the Holy Cross.
His pro-ball career began when he was drafted into the NBA and later into a British league. A career-ending injury ended that dream in 2007, the same year that he was entered into the Guinness Book of World Records as the tallest man in the European Union.
Fellow “GoT” actor tweeted his condolences:
Very sad to hear of the tragic passing of Neil Fingleton.
He followed his dreams.
Rest in peace.— Ian Whyte (@Ian_Whyte) February 26, 2017
Fingleton’s reps did not immediately respond for comment.