Game of Thrones actor John Stahl (Rickard Karstark) dies aged 68

Game of Thrones boasted a host of the most talented actors on the planet. The sparkling jewels that made Game of Thrones the crown of the TV industry, it is always sad to see one of them leave. Actor John Stahl, who played the proud Lord Rickard Karstark on the show, recently left the land of the living, aged 68.

His agent, Amanda Fitzalan Howard, confirmed that the Scottish actor died on the Isle of Lewis on March 2nd, though she did not specify the cause of death. She described him as “an actor of remarkable skill and a stalwart of Scottish theatre”. He appeared in Game of Thrones’ second and third seasons, taking over the Rickard Karstark role from season one’s Steven Blount. He spent many significant scenes opposite Richard Madden as Robb Stark ahead of the betrayal at the Red Wedding, with Robb’s execution of Lord Karstark setting the remaining members of the lord’s house against the Starks.

We are deeply saddened to hear of the death of John Stahl.

We were fortunate to work with John on Mary Stuart and The James Plays. His passing is a huge loss to the industry, and he will be sorely missed.

Our thoughts are with his loved ones.

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— National Theatre of Scotland (@NTSonline) March 4, 2022

The National Theatre of Scotland also paid tribute, saying they were “deeply saddened” to hear the news. They shared a photo of the actor on Twitter and added: “We were fortunate to work with John on Mary Stuart and The James Plays. His passing is a huge loss to the industry, and he will be sorely missed. Our thoughts are with his loved ones.”

Mr Stahl died on the Isle of Lewis on 2 March and is survived by his wife, Jane Paton. He will always live on in the minds of Game of Thrones fans around the world. May his soul rest in peace.