Actor and musician Wilko Johnson has passed away. Johnson, a guitarist and singer who performed with Dr. Feelgood, was also known for his role as the executioner Ser Ilyn Payne in the hit HBO series Game of Thrones. It was announced on Johnson's Twitter page on Wednesday that he passed away on Monday, though a specific cause wasn't given. He was 75 years old.The announcement reads, "This is the announcement we never wanted to make, and 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."

Johnson was a founding member of the English band Dr. Feelgood, forming the group in 1971 with Lee Brilleaux and John B. Sparks. He played with the group until 1977 before later going on to start his own band, the Wilko Johnson Band. Johnson also recounted some of his memories of playing with Dr. Feelgood in Julien Temple's documentary Oil City Confidential in 2009. In 2012, he published a memoir, Looking Back at Me, which was co-written with Zoe Howe.

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Ser Ilyn Payne
HBO

Johnson pursued acting and managed to snag a role in the first season of HBO's hit series Game of Thrones, portraying mute executioner Ser Ilyn Payne; he'd gotten the role after he was noticed by the show's producers in Oil City Confidential. Johnson appeared in three episodes of the show's first season and reprised his role for another appearance in season 2.

Per Variety, Johnson was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2013, though he neglected to undergo chemotherapy. At the time, he was given ten months to live, resulting in his Game of Thrones role getting shortened. Preparing for the end, Johnson would also embark on a farewell tour and record what he thought would be his last music for an album with Roger Daltrey in 2014. Johnson was declared cancer free later that year

Johnson was previously married to Irene Knight, who passed away in 2004. The actor and musician is survived by two sons, Matthew and Simon. Our thoughts go out to them along with the rest of the family and friends at this painful time. Rest in peace, Wilko Johnson.