Neil Fingleton, ‘Game of Thrones’ Actor And UK’s Tallest Man, Dies At 36

Neil Fingleton, who played a giant in Game of Thrones, died on Saturday at the age of 36.

Fingleton died of heart failure, sources confirm. He was the tallest man in the UK and among the 25 tallest men in the world, with a height of 7’7″.

In addition to his role in Game of Thrones, Fingleton appeared in films such as 47 Ronin, Jupiter Ascending, X-Men: First Class and Avengers: Age of Ultron.

Fingleton was a college and professional basketball player before he began his acting career. He played professionally in China, Greece, Italy, Spain and England. On the college level, he played for Holy Cross and the University of North Carolina.

“I have never been self conscious about my height. I am more conscious of going fat and bald, so that should tell you,” Fingleton said in 2007. “I never let my height play a negative part in my life. I always do what I want, some tall people may be restricted as they are constantly stared at or people ask the same questions over and over. This is the only bad thing about being tall – the stupid remarks and questions. Other than that, being tall is great.”

A statement posted on the Tall Persons Club group Facebook page on Sunday read: “Sadly it has come to our attention that Neil Fingleton, Britain’s Tallest Man, passed away on Saturday. Our thoughts and condolences go out to his family.”