Game of Thrones actor dies suddenly at home

Andrew Dunbar, who starred in HBO hit Game of Thrones, died on Christmas Eve.

Game of Thrones actor Andrew Dunbar died on Christmas Eve at his Belfast home.

The Portrush native, who was in his thirties, was renowned on the set of the hit HBO show where he worked for years as an extra, reports Belfast Live.

He was a body double for Theon Greyjoy, who is played by Alfie Allen in the series.

Dunbar also made appearances in other hit shows including Line of Duty and worked as a DJ.

Tributes from Dunbar's TV colleagues and actor friends have been paid following news of his death.

Pamela Smyth, Head of Crowd Makeup Game of Thrones, told the Belfast Live: “Even among the thousands of extras that came through the crowd room on Thrones - Andrew always stood out."

While co-star and friend Andy McClay, also told the publication: “Everyone always wanted Andrew. There was just something about him that was special. People always felt good around him, happy, excited for the day’s work and there was always a lot of fun when he was around."

Andy continued: "I’d say most of us felt the same when we came on set, we wanted Andrew to be there, we’d search him out. He was like a gel that kept us all together.

"A lot of people plan to travel to attend his funeral; actors, directors, make-up and many, many more. Everyone who met Andrew loved him.

“He did a lot of different things, including working as a Game of Thrones tour guide which he was brilliant at. He could have made it as a professional actor but he really wanted to do his art and DJ."

Andy also told how Dunbar once played a storming set for a Game of Thrones party and ended up been called upon to perform at all of the end of series before.

“The acting was special to him but it was mostly for fun and although he’d a lot of talent, when people told him to go professional, he just laughed and said he was happy as he was," he added.

A heartbroken Andy said he's been struggling to come to terms with the loss of his friend.

“I always thought Andrew lived in the moment and he always looked out for everyone else, including me. After a challenging day or crappy weather, or difficult times, he’d make you stop and talk it out.

“So when I heard he’d died suddenly on Christmas Eve, it just broke me. I’ll never make any sense of it. He was a true person, a talent, kind and decent man and he had a full and good heart.

“I’ve cried and cried since I heard - my friend is gone and my heart is broken.”

Dunbar is described as the dearly loved son of Edna and the late Roy, loving brother of David and Alan and a much loved brother-in-law, uncle, nephew and cousin.

Pamela Smyth, Head of Crowd Makeup Game of Thrones, also paid her respects, saying: “Even among the thousands of extras that came through the crowd room on Thrones - Andrew always stood out.

“Always professional and mannerly with a big broad beaming smile. A beautiful soul - he will be missed by all the GOT family.”

A funeral notice revealed that a service of thanksgiving in Ballywillan Presbyterian Church, Portrush, will take place on Monday.