British actor Peter Vaughan, best known for his role in Game of Thrones, has died at the age of 93.
Vaughan was best known for his role as Maester Aemon in the HBO smash hit, and also appeared in British sitcom Porridge.
A statement from his agent, Sally Long-Innes, said:
This is to confirm that very sadly Peter Vaughan passed away at approximately 10.30 this morning.
He died peacefully with his family around him.
Over his 75-year career, Vaughan starred alongside Frank Sinatra, Meryl Streep and Jeremy Irons. He rose to fame, though, on Porridge.
Despite being in only three episodes alongside Ronnie Barker and Richard Beckinsale, Vaughan made his mark as villain Harry ‘Grouty’ Grout.
He was appearing in a play when he was asked to take on the role.
The actor said more than 40 years later:
I still get people saying ‘Let you out, have they, Grouty?’
I was in just three episodes and, of course, the feature film, so I have to thank the writers Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais for the fact I’m one of the characters people always remember when they talk about Porridge because Grouty is so prominent – even though I’m not there.
Vaughan also starred alongside Anthony Hopkins as his father in The Remains of the Day, a film that was nominated for eight academy awards.
More recently, Vaughan won a host of new fans through his role in Game of Thrones, playing Aemon Targaryen – the elderly, blind maester of the Night’s Watch.
You’ll be missed, Peter Vaughan.
