Game of Thrones and Take the High Road actor John Stahl dies aged 68

John Stahl has died at the age of 68, his agent has said in a statement.

The actor, who played Rickard Karstark in two series of Game of Thrones, died on the Isle of Lewis in his native Scotland. 

His agent Amanda Fitzalan Howard described him as 'an actor of remarkable skill and a stalwart of Scottish theatre'. 

Star of stage and screen: Game of Thrones and Take the High Road actor John Stahl has died at the age of 68, his agent has said in a statement

The statement read: 'We are very sad to announce the death of John Stahl.

'John was an actor of remarkable skill and a stalwart of Scottish theatre, where he appeared in numerous productions as well as at The Royal Shakespeare Company and The National Theatre. 

'He was well known for playing Inveradarroch in Take the High Road from 1982 - 2003 and for the role of Rickard Karstark in two series of Game of Thrones.

Talent: His agent Amanda Fitzalan Howard described him as 'an actor of remarkable skill and a stalwart of Scottish theatre' (pictured in Royal Shakespeare Company's Pedro, The Great Pretender in 2005)

'He died on the Isle of Lewis on March 2 2022 and is survived by his wife, Jane Paton.'

An additional message on Twitter read: 'We’re deeply saddened to report the death of our beloved friend and client, John Stahl. 

'He was an actor of the most remarkable skill, with a decades-long career gracing our screens and stages. We will miss him terribly.'

TV star: John (left) played Tom 'Inverdarroch' Kerr in the long-running soap Take the High Road between 1982 and 2003.

John played Tom 'Inverdarroch' Kerr in the long-running soap Take the High Road between 1982 and 2003.  

His co-star Derek Lord, who played Davie Sneddon in the series, said: 'Sorry to hear my old High Road colleague John Stahl has passed.   

'He’ll always be Inverdarroch to me, the only man to best Sneddon in a fair fight.'

Paying tribute: A number of actors, writers and former co-stars of John took to social media to pay their respects

Scottish screenwriter Peter May, who recently attended John's online wedding, wrote: 'Terribly sad to hear that my old friend, John Stahl, has passed. I wrote so many scenes for the character of Inverdarroch that he portrayed in Take The High Road.

'Only recently attended his online wedding. Saw him last in Adelaide Australia for a fun reunion. RIP John.'

Also paying tribute, comedian and actor Andy Cameron tweeted: 'John Stahl was a big man in every way.

'Thank you for being a pal, John, rest in peace.'

Writer Ian Rankin tweeted: 'Sad and shocking news. He was a terrifying and charismatic Cafferty in my play Long Shadows. I’d so hoped to work with him again.'

Scottish playwright and theatre director David Greig posted: 'I'm so sad to hear of the death of John Stahl: a truly great actor and beloved company member on so many Scottish shows including Winter's Tale at The Lyceum, The James Plays, Gagarin Way & my own play, The Architect. 

'Scottish theatre will miss him. Love to his family & friends.'

Playing the part: John Stahl (left) performed as Colonel in Father Comes Home From The Wars at the Royal Court Theatre in London in 2016

Former EastEnders actor Bailey Patrick tweeted: 'Rest In Peace #JohnStahl. Learned so much from you in my first ever gig #Othello what a gent and absolute powerhouse. 

'Helped me practice speeches on that beautiful stage, loved by all. A voice that filled any space. Loved a bitta fried chicken. Lost a titan.'

National Theatre of Scotland bosses also paid tribute, writing: '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.'

John studied at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama before embarking on a successful career that spanned five decades.

In recent years he appeared in Being Human and Game of Thrones.

He was born in Sauchie in Clackmannanshire and resided on the Isle of Lewis.

Taking to the stage: John starred in We the People starring as George Washington at Shakespeare's Globe in London in 2007