Actor JJ Murphy has died at the age of 86, just four days after filming his first scenes in Game of Thrones.

The Northern Ireland actor - who had recently been cast in Game of Thrones as Ser Denys Mallister - collapsed and died on Friday (August 8), according to the Belfast Telegraph.

Murphy trained with the Ulster Group Theatre School and worked for a number of years at Belfast's Lyric Theatre.

Mallister is the oldest member of the Night's Watch in George RR Martin's Song of Ice and Fire series, on which Game of Thrones is based.

It has not yet been announced whether his role will be recast or if future scenes will be rewritten.

Murphy also had a role in upcoming movie Dracula Untold, as well as CBBC series The Sparticle Mystery.

His other film credits include Mickybo and Me, Cal and Angela's Ashes.

Actress Maggie Cronin paid tribute to the actor, praising his passion for theatre.

"His passion for theatre, for the welfare and betterment of actors and those who worked in the performing arts was always there," Cronin said. "It was an integral part of the man."

Murphy's agent Philip Young said that he was heartbroken at his client's passing: "I have never encountered a man with more spirit, passion and love for his craft," he added.

Murphy, whose funeral will be held in Belfast on Wednesday (August 13), is survived by his widow Mary and their grown-up children.

That's really tragic to hear.. R.I.P.