The popular HBO television drama Game of Thrones won't return to the small screen for several months, but the show is making headlines today with sad news. People.com reported on Thursday, Jan. 10 that actor Wilko Johnson, 65, has been diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer. Johnson portrays mute executioner Ser Ilyn Payne on the show which is currently in between it's second and third season.
Johnson's manager Robert Hoy posted the following statement on Johnson's Facebook page yesterday:
I am very sad to announce that Wilko has recently been diagnosed with terminal cancer of the pancreas. He has chosen not to receive any chemotherapy. He is currently in good spirits, is not yet suffering any physical effects and can expect to enjoy at least another few months of reasonable health and activity. He has just set off on a trip to Japan; on his return we plan to complete a new CD, make a short tour of France, then give a series of farewell gigs in the U.K.
Born John Peter Wilkinson, Johnson is also well known in the music world as a guitarist for the British blues band Dr. Feelgood, which rose to fame in the 1970s. He is scheduled to complete another CD in the spring and a short tour of the United Kingdom in the fall.
Johnson appeared in four episodes of the fantasy show, three of which were in the first season and one in the second season. The third season of Games of Thrones will premiere on March 31, 2013.
Source: People.com
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