Giant 'Game of Thrones' actor dies of heart failure
February 27, 2017
More than 2.3 meters tall, Neil Fingleton was recognized as the UK's tallest man in 2007. His untimely death was reportedly due to heart failure.
Image: picture-alliance/empics/G. Caddick
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The actor - best known for his role as the giant Mag the Mighty in the television series "Game of Thrones" - has died at the age of 36, British media reported on Monday.
Fingleton was crowned as the UK's tallest man by Guinness World Records in 2007, measuring more than 2.3 meters (about 7.5 feet) in height.
"Sadly it has come to our attention that Neil Fingleton, Britain's tallest man, passed away on Saturday," a statement posted on the Tall Persons Club Facebook page read.
"Our thoughts and condolences go out to his family," the group said.
Fingleton was born in northeast England in 1980. He played college basketball in the US, followed by a short professional career in the US and Europe before turning to acting.
He appeared in films including "47 Ronin" and "X-Men: First Class" and in TV shows including "Doctor Who" and the hit fantasy series "Game of Thrones."
Friends and fans posted tributes on social media.
Mag Mar Tun Doh Weg was a character in the fourth season of the hit HBO series.
'Game of Thrones' filming locations around the world
The world's first 'Game of Thrones' studio tour opens in Northern Ireland and fans are delighted. While the story is pure fiction, many of the incredible locations are very real.
Image: Imago/imagebroker
Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland is an essential location for "Game of Thrones." It's the setting for both North of Westeros and the Iron Island. One favorite location remains the Dark Hedges (pictured), which is the road from King's Landing in the series. Now, Northern Ireland is also home to the first Game of Thrones studio tour, allowing fans a immerse themselves in the world of the popular TV series.
Image: Getty Images/AFP/P. Faith
Croatia
With its charming old town, the Croatian city of Dubrovnik is known as one of the most beautiful cities in the Balkans. It was an essential film location for "Game of Thrones" as King's Landing, the seat of kings in Westeros and the hotspot for intrigue and secrets in the series. GOT fans who travel to Dubrovnik here can also book tours of other filming locations nearby.
Image: picture-alliance/ZB/K. Schindler
Iceland
Iceland's harsh climate has created the setting for the northern locations in "Game of Thrones," particularly the icy realm North of the Wall, where Wildlings and White Walkers roam. The island is made up of wide spaces, snow covered mountains and volcanic landscapes. The UNESCO World Heritage Site Thingvellir National Park (pictured) served as the location for Arya's journey through mid-Westeros.
Image: DW/E. Yorck von Wartenburg
Morocco
From Iceland to the blistering heat of Morocco, the "Game of Thrones" film crew was used to extreme weather. Aït-Ben-Haddou, Morocco, became two cities: Pentos, where the character Daenerys lives before marrying, and Yunkai, where she frees the city's slaves. Aït-Ben-Haddou has long attracted filmmakers and was featured in movies like "Gladiator," "Lawrence of Arabia" and "The Mummy."
Image: picture alliance/ZB/K. Schindler
Malta
Daenerys and Drogo's wedding wasn't filmed in Morocco, but rather on Malta. The setting was the Azure Window, a 50-metre high limestone rock arch located on the island of Gozo, which unfortunately collapsed during a storm in 2017. Apart from "Game of Thrones," this former natural attraction was in films such as "Clash of the Titans" and "The Count of Monte Cristo."
Image: picture alliance/Robert B. Fishman
Spain
Spain became an important location in the fifth season of the series. In Sevilla, the Alcázar de Sevilla (pictured) is transformed into the Water Gardens of Dorne, and Osuna's bullring shines as the Arena of Meereen. Both locations are popular tourist attractions in the Andalusian city. Other "Game of Thrones" locations in Spain include Almería, Peñiscola and Girona.
Image: Imago/INSADCO
Scotland
Doune Castle (aka Winterfell) where the pilot episode was shot, is the only "Game of Thrones" filming location in Scotland. The medieval castle was originally built in the thirteenth century and can be seen in several other films such as "Monty Python and the Holy Grail."
