BJ Hogg, ‘Game Of Thrones Actor,’ Dies At 65

Northern Irish actor BJ Hogg best known for his role as Big Mervyn in the BBC’s Give My Head Peace died at his home on Thursday, on his 65th birthday.

One of the most popular Northern-Irish actors, Hogg has also been in episodes of Game of Thrones as Addam Marbrand and The Fall as Ian Kay. He stared in the Oscar nominated short film Dance Lexi Dance.

He was also a stage actor, and earlier this year had been performing with the cast of Give My Head Peace in a stage show.

We at the Lyric are very sad to learn of the passing of the wonderful actor BJ Hogg. BJ appeared in many plays in the theatre over the years, including Martin Lynch’s The Interrogation of Ambrose Fogarty & The Hidden Curriculum by Graham Reid. Our thoughts are with his family. pic.twitter.com/yTGFiRpqOd

— LyricTheatre Belfast (@LyricBelfast) May 1, 2020

According to the Belfast Telegraph, Hogg had studied to become a chef, but after two hotels he worked at were bombed, he became a musician, and then eventually an actor.

The cause of death is still unknown, but he had become ill yesterday morning. It has not been suggested that it was related to the coronavirus.

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His friends, costars, and fans remembered him on social media:

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. https://t.co/XSA4fofKGZ

— Tim Mc Garry (@Tim_Mc_Garry) April 30, 2020

my old friend actor BJ Hogg has passed.
A super talent he wasalways willIng to share a whisper as to where the next gig might be found-a rare quality in this game. He set a standard that had great influence on me personally. Sending Love & strength to his family & friends. RIP.

— Peter O’Meara (@Peter_OMeara) April 30, 2020

Dug out these old photos from 2007 and 2008 respectively. I bloody loved Give My Head Peace and I bloody loved Big Mervyn. Still can’t process the news. RIP BJ Hogg. pic.twitter.com/WeBNs91l1i

— David Hughes (@hughesdavid_) April 30, 2020

Very sad to hear about the passing of the ever lovely BJ Hogg. I never got a chance to work with him properly, but our paths crossed a lot, and I ever found him to be anything other than humble and very, very normal. Two qualities in short supply in our trade. RIP big man.

— Jonathan Harden (@jonatharden) May 1, 2020