Dead at 36, 7ft 7in British star from Game of Thrones
BRITAIN’S tallest man Neil Fingleton has died at the age of 36.
The 7ft 7in star, who played Mag the Mighty in the hit TV series Game of Thrones, also had roles in X-Men: First Class and Jupiter Ascending, and played the Fisher King in Dr Who’s 2015 series. He died of heart failure, it was reported.
A statement on the Tall Persons Club’s Facebook page read: ‘Sadly it has come to our attention that Neil Fingleton – Britain’s tallest man – passed away on Saturday.
‘Our thoughts and condolences go out to his family.’
Game of Thrones fan Gary Windle tweeted a photo of himself with the actor and wrote: ‘RIP to the giant that is Neil Fingleton, Mag the Mighty, Game of Thrones, rest in peace mate, gutted.’
Paul Nilsen posted: “RIP Neil Fingleton – basketball player and Game Of Thrones actor. Just 36 years old.’
Born in Durham, Mr Fingleton was awarded a basketball scholarship in the US, playing for several teams there and in Spain before returning to the UK to focus on acting. In an interview with the Guinness World Records in 2006, Mr Fingleton said he came from a tall family.
‘I have always been taller than everyone since I can remember,’ he said. ‘My height really took off when I reached 11 and was touching 7ft.
‘By the time I was 16, I was 7ft 5in and I stopped growing at 18.’
Mr Fingleton added: ‘To be the tallest is like a special gift, it’s unique. I’ve never had any problems with my height. The thing people have to understand is being exceptionally tall is not a disease – it’s just a genetic thing.’