Tributes have been paid to Game Of Thrones actor BJ Hogg following his death aged 65.
The actor, who was born in Lisburn, Northern Ireland, was best known for his role in the HBO drama as Addam Marbrand, and for parts in BBC’s The Fall and Big Mervyn in the BBC Northern Ireland comedy series Give My Head Peace.
The comedy team behind Give My Head Peace, the Hole in the Wall gang, said in a statement: ‘BJ is part of the Give My Head Peace family.
Much missed: Tributes have been paid to Game Of Thrones actor BJ Hogg following his death aged 65 (above as Addam Marbrand in GOT)
‘He was a fine actor, great colleague and a true friend. Our thoughts are with his wife Elish, son Nathan and daughter Abigail at this time.’
BJ’s agent Geoff Stanton told the BBC ‘there just weren’t the words’ to express his grief over the star’s death.
He said: ‘He was such a great man, a big personality and a terrific actor. His family must be devastated and my heart goes out to them,’ he said.
‘He was just one of the nicest people I know, or knew – he is going to be such a loss.’
Iconic: The actor, who was born in Lisburn, Northern Ireland, was also known for his role as Big Mervyn in the BBC Northern Ireland comedy series Give My Head Peace
An online biography of the actor said he was born in April 1955.
BJ travelled the world as an actor, writer and director and was a classically-trained musician who toured with Big Bands.
He performed at Belfast’s Lyric theatre and international venues in Russia and elsewhere.
He was also known for his performance in 1996 film Dance Lexie Dance, which was nominated in the Best Live Action Short Film category at the Oscars.
Peter Johnston, director of BBC NI, said: ‘BJ was a great comedy talent and a much-loved character in our long-running sitcom, Give My Head Peace.
Role: He also played the father of murder victim Sarah Kay in critically acclaimed TV series The Fall in 2013
‘Many people will also remember his performance in the Oscar-nominated Dance Lexie Dance.
‘Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad and difficult time.’
Give My Head Peace co-star Tim McGarry said: ‘BJ isn’t just a colleague of ours or a great actor, he’s not just a friend, he’s part of the ‘Give My Head Peace’ family and we are very much a family.
‘I was on stage with him a few weeks ago and it’s just heartbreaking.
‘He was such a lovely guy. BJ, as you probably know, was a big guy but he was a big softie as well and it is just so, so sad.’
Fan favourite: The comedy team behind Give My Head Peace, the Hole in the Wall gang, said in a statement: ‘BJ is part of the Give My Head Peace family’
Tribute: Give My Head Peace co-star Tim McGarry said the cast were ‘shocked and heartbroken’ at BJ’s death
He also tweeted: ‘Everybody associated with #GiveMyHeadPeace is shocked and heartbroken by the sudden passing of our dear friend and colleague BJ Hogg. We’ve lost a member of the family. Thanks for all the laughs BJ.’
BJ played knight Addam Marbrand in the first series of Game Of Thrones.
He also played the father of murder victim Sarah Kay in critically acclaimed TV series The Fall in 2013.
Charlie Lawson, who plays Coronation Street’s Jim McDonald shared a photo of him with BJ and paid tribute to his dear friend.
He wrote: ‘St Peter’s havin a geg tonight! Very sad.
‘We were very fond of each other, nothing to do with acting, the arts, or any of that stuff, we just …….
‘God love y’ BJ, havin a Black Bush dear heart.’
Missed: Charlie Lawson, who plays Coronation Street’s Jim McDonald shared a photo of him with BJ and paid tribute to his dear friend