Darren Kent, an award-winning actor who starred in Game of Thrones, died Friday at the age of 39.
The native Brit allegedly suffered from a skin condition and long-term health problems, including osteoporosis and arthritis.
“It is with deep sadness that we have to announce that our dear friend and customer Darren Kent passed away peacefully on Friday. His parents and his best friend by his side.” Carey Dodd Associates, the actor’s talent agency, wrote in a statement Tuesday. “Our thoughts and love are with his family at this difficult time. RIP my friend.”
The cause of death was not disclosed.
Kent is best known for the Season 4 finale of Game of Thrones, in which he played a goatherd who presents Emilia Clarke’s Daenerys with the charred body of his daughter, who was burned by her dragon.
Kent too appeared on a number of popular British shows like EastEnders, Shameless and the BBC adaptation of Les Misérables. In addition, he starred in Disney’s “Snow White and the Hunter” and the critically acclaimed “Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves.”
Kent won Best Actor at the 2012 Van d’Or Independent Film Awards for his role in Sunny Boy. He starred as a teenager whose skin problem compelled him to stay out of the sun.
David M. Benett via Getty Images
Ben Trebilcock, a screenwriter who worked with Kent in 2021, mourned the actor online.
“Darren, an Essex writer, actor and director, directed our award-winning short film You know me“,” Trebilcock tweeted. “Darren is a true character who was always creating something new and was always upbeat and encouraging. We will sorely miss him.”
kent allegedly served as patron of Equal People Performing Arts, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting inclusion and diversity. Lee Mead, a fellow patron of the organization, tweeted on Monday that Kent “always gave his time to people and was always so positive.”
The actor’s own words in 2018 seemed to reflect that confidence.
“You don’t necessarily need training, but you have to be well connected, very friendly and engaging, and if you look different, even better.” Kent told Nerdly at the time. “That’s why there aren’t a lot of sexy guys like me who work out.”
He continued, “For me, it’s just never giving up, getting used to rejection, and… learning.”
