Wilko Johnson, notable for his role on Game of Thrones and his choppy guitar style as a Dr. Feelgood band member, has died. His family confirmed the death of the actor and singer, whose band has left its mark in the history of punk rock since the seventies, on Monday at the age of 75.
Taking to the icon’s Twitter account on Tuesday, November 22, 2022, the family announced the sad news, revealing he died in his home in Westcliff-on-Sea in Southeastern England. The tweet read:
They thanked everyone for respecting the family’s privacy as they lived through their moment of grief. Also accompanying the message was a photo of the actor holding on to his guitar while staring off into the distance.
Game Of Thrones Star Wilko Johnson Defied Death Years Before Passing On
This is the announcement we never wanted to make, & we do so with a very heavy heart: Wilko Johnson has died. He passed away at home on Monday 21st November. Thank you for respecting the family’s privacy at this very sad time. RIP Wilko Johnson.(Image: Leif Laaksonen) pic.twitter.com/1cRqyi9b9X
— Wilko Johnson (@wilkojohnson) November 23, 2022
Other fans followed suit, reminiscing on how grateful Wilko Johnson was to be alive every day after surviving his close call with death in 2013. Notably, the actor was diagnosed with terminal cancer of the pancreas in 2013. Following a series of tests, doctors deduced that he had only ten months to live. Upon weighing his options, the star opted not to undergo chemotherapy but live out his remaining months doing a series of farewell gigs.
The star, who was then starring on HBO’s Game of Thrones as the mute Sir Ilyn Payne, embarked on various tours, released new CDs, and made the most of his remaining time. While having his full-on experience, the actor underwent surgery to remove a nearly 7-pound tumor. A year later, Wilko went under remission, defying medical odds. The announcement that he was cancer-free took his fans by surprise. But none was happier than Wilko Johnson, who expressed the extent of his gratitude at the 2014 Q Awards, saying:
Wilko spent the next nine years of his life actively exploring his acting and musical career. Even in his final days, the icon never slowed down but had a lineup of concerts to put his energetic performances on display before his dedicated punk rock fans.
