Ian Gelder, the esteemed British actor renowned for his portrayal of Kevan Lannister on HBO’s Game of Thrones and the antagonist Zellin on Doctor Who, has passed away at the age of 74.
“It is with huge huge sadness and a heavy heart broken into a million pieces that I’m leaving this post to announce the passing of my darling husband and life partner Ian Gelder,” the actor Ben Daniels announced on Instagram. Daniels revealed that Gelder had been diagnosed with bile duct cancer five months ago and that “neither of us had any idea that it would all be so fast.”
“He was my absolute rock and we’d been partners for more than 30 years. If we weren’t together we spoke to each other everyday,” Daniels wrote. “He was the kindest, most generous spirited and loving human being. He was a wonderful wonderful actor, and everyone who worked with him was touched by his heart and light. I honestly don’t know what I’ll do without him by my side.”
“We are saddened to hear of lan Gelder’s death. One of the most kind and gentle people in the business, lan’s career spanned many decades,” Daniel Evans and Tamara Harvey, co-artistic directors the Royal Shakespeare Company, said in a statement on X.
“He was a regular on the RSC stage from the 70s onwards, creating many memorable performances including his Antonio in The Merchant of Venice and Clarence in Richard III. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.”
With a career spanning six decades, Gelder left an indelible mark on both stage and screen. Beyond his memorable roles in Game of Thrones and Doctor Who, he graced the screens of numerous popular shows, including Torchwood, Snatch, and His Dark Materials.
Born on June 3, 1949, Gelder made his television debut in 1972 on the police procedural New Scotland Yard. Throughout his illustrious career, he secured regular roles as a character actor, featuring prominently in beloved British dramas such as The Bill, Eastenders, Casualty, and Holby City.
Gelder’s mainstream recognition soared in the later stages of his career, particularly with his portrayal of Kevan Lannister in 12 episodes of the acclaimed fantasy epic Game of Thrones. His character met his demise in the final season, adding a poignant chapter to the series’ narrative.
In addition to his screen accomplishments, Gelder enjoyed a prolific stage career, notably with the Royal Shakespeare Company and London’s Globe Theater. His theatrical repertoire encompassed a wide array of productions, including classics like Titus Andronicus, The Taming of the Shrew, and Richard III.
At the Donmar Warehouse and the Royal Court Theatre, Gelder delivered memorable performances in acclaimed plays such as Roots, Good, and The Front Page, showcasing his versatility and talent on the stage.
Beyond his television and theater work, Gelder also made notable appearances in feature films, with standout roles in productions like Little Dorrit, King Ralph, and Surge, further cementing his legacy as a versatile and accomplished actor.
