Game of Thrones actor  Wilko Johnson, who played executioner Ser Ilyn Payne in the critically-acclaimed show died at 75. 

The late actor was famous for his long and storied music career and also acted in the initial two seasons of HBO’s Game of Thrones, in which he played a mute knight who serves the king.

The statement read, "This is the announcement we never wanted to make, and we do so with a very heavy heart: Wilko Johnson has died."

It added, "Thank you for respecting the family’s privacy at this very sad time. RIP Wilko Johnson."

Wilko Johnson was diagnosed with late-age pancreatic cancer in 2013. The actor was told he had less than a year to live. He ruled out chemotherapy but a year later was declared cancer-free after a major operation to remove a huge tumor.