UK

Game Of Thrones co-stars play tribute to actor Peter Vaughan (93)

Actor Peter Vaughan was best known for his roles in Porridge and Game Of Thrones. Picture by Press Association
Actor Peter Vaughan was best known for his roles in Porridge and Game Of Thrones. Picture by Press Association Actor Peter Vaughan was best known for his roles in Porridge and Game Of Thrones. Picture by Press Association

GAME Of Thrones star John Bradley has paid tribute to his on-screen mentor Peter Vaughan following his death aged 93.

Bradley, who plays the timid and thoughtful Samwell Tarly in the hit HBO series, said Vaughan could "terrify and enchant in equal measure".

Vaughan appeared in four series of Game Of Thrones as Maester Aemon, the blind, scholarly mentor and guide to Tarly and Jon Snow (Kit Harington) after the young men join the Night's Watch.

Bradley told the Press Association he was "very sad to hear of the passing of Peter Vaughan", adding he had learnt a lot from his former co-star.

"His enthusiasm, passion and kindness were matched only by the power and precision of his performances.

"He could terrify and enchant in equal measure.

"He taught me so much but only ever by example and it was an honour to be his colleague".

Most recently known for his appearances in Game Of Thrones, Vaughan also starred Porridge during the 1970s as Groutie.

Actor Christopher Biggins, who also appeared in the hit sitcom said the former serviceman had "a real twinkle in his eye and was quite naughty".

Biggins told BBC Radio London: "If you look back on it, he didn't do that many episodes but his character was so strong that you would think he was in every episode. He was wonderful. He was a joy to work with.

"I didn't have any scenes with him but we rehearsed together at the North Acton rehearsal rooms and he was not only an imposing character and gave the most wonderful performance, but he had a real twinkle in his eye and he was quite naughty."

Fellow Castle Black resident in Game Of Thrones Luke Barnes, who played Rast, said he was "absolutely gutted" to learn of Vaughan's death.

He tweeted: "Even in his old age he refused to sit whilst anyone else was standing. Absolute gentlemen.

"Not often you get to work with an actual legend. He was so kind and so gentle and so interesting."

Eugene Simon, who plays Lancel Lannister, said: "Oh folks, our love to the family and memory of actor Peter Vaughn (sic)."

He added: "Reading about Peter Vaughn's career really gave me cause to smile and be in wonder."

Brenock O'Connor, who stars as young Night's Watch mutineer Olly, said Vaughan was a "kind and talented man".

He wrote: "Deeply saddened to hear that Peter Vaughan has passed away at 93. A kind and talented man. His watch is ended."

Daniel Portman, who stars as Podrick Payne, tweeted: "And now his watch is ended. Lucky to meet him briefly once, a wonderful actor and lovely man. Sleep well, Peter Vaughan."

The show's producer and screenwriter Bryan Cogman said it was an "honour to have known" the late actor, adding: "Rest in Peace to our own Maester Aemon, Peter Vaughan, who passed away this morning at age 93."

Tributes were also paid by famous names across television and film, including Sherlock actor Mark Gatiss who posted on Twitter: "Farewell to the irreplaceable Peter Vaughan. Fox, Grouty, Boffin and so many more. Menace with a twinkle never looked so effortless. RIP."

Blackadder actor Tony Robinson said: "I went on my first CND march with Peter Vaughan in 1959. An amazing actor. I'll never forget his performance in Our Friends in the North."

Sam Westerby, who worked as the actor's publicist for his autobiography which came out earlier this year, said: "Very saddened about Peter Vaughan. It was an honour to know him and a privilege to act as publicist for his superb memoir. A brilliant actor."

Backbeat actor Scot Williams said: "Peter Vaughan rest in peace and rise in glory."

Former Doctor Who screenwriter Phil Ford said: "Sad to see that Peter Vaughan has died at 93. A superb actor who could be menacing and funny and often both at the same time £RIP."

Television producer Jonathan Sothcott wrote: "RIP fine British character actor Peter Vaughan. Memorable in Porridge, Game of Thrones, Time Bandits, Haunted Honeymoon etc. Great face."

Peep Show actor Jim Howick said: "The brilliant Peter Vaughan. R.I.P. What a career."

Owen Teale, who plays Ser Alliser Thorne in Game Of Thrones, said Vaughan's "enthusiasm for Castle Black was childlike and wonderful".

He told ITV News: "Peter was a very inspiring character to me, I think to anybody.

"He was a gentle giant, he really was. And as I speak about him I miss him very much. And the memories I have I cherish.

"Thank you, Peter."