READ TODAY'S STORIES AND E-EDITION SUBSCRIBE |  CONTACT US |  SIGN IN

Print story only Print story with comments Email Twitter Facebook Pinterest
Guitarist and 'Game of Thrones' actor Wilko Johnson diagnosed with terminal cancer
Published: 1/11/2013 8:41 AM
Last Modified: 1/11/2013 8:41 AM


Wilko Johnson performing in October 2012. COURTESY

"Game of Thrones" actor and former Dr. Feelgood guitarist Wilko Johnson has been diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer, reports BBC News.

His manager Robert Hoy posted the diagnosis on Johnson's Facebook page Wednesday.

"I am very sad to announce that Wilko has recently been diagnosed with terminal cancer of the pancreas," posted Hoy. "He has chosen not to receive any chemotherapy.

"He is currently in good spirits, is not yet suffering any physical effects and can expect to enjoy at least another few months of reasonable health and activity."

Johnson, who is on a trip to Japan, according to his manager, plans to complete a CD and perform in a brief tour of France and in a series of farewell performances in Britain. A live DVD, filmed during Johnson’s last United Kingdom tour, is also in the works.

"Wilko wishes to offer his sincere thanks for all the support he has had over his long career, from those who have worked with him to, above all, those devoted fans and admirers who have attended his live gigs, bought his recordings and generally made his life such an extraordinarily full and eventful experience," Hoy posted.

The 65-year-old songwriter, who played the mute executioner Ilyn Payne in four episodes of the hit HBO series, is noted as one of the "most influential guitarists for his signature choppy guitar playing style," according to BBC's website. His style is often considered one of the founding influences of British punk rock.

A native of Canvey island, England, he left Dr. Feelgood in 1977 and joined Ian Drury and The Blockheads and then formed his own The Wilko Johnson Band. He was also featured in the 2009 documentary "Oil City Confidential" talking about his experiences with Dr. Feelgood.

The film reportedly revived interest in the band and a box set of the four Dr. Feelgood albums he wrote and performed on was released last year as was his autobiography "Looking Back at Me."

Of his role on the fantasy series "Game of Thrones," Johnson thought he was perfect for the role.

"They said they wanted somebody really sinister who went around looking daggers at people before killing them," he told the Halstead Gazette in April 2011. "That made it easy. Looking daggers at people is what I do all the time, it's like second nature to me.'"

The series director explained to Johnson why he was cast in the role after first being spotted in the documentary film.

"On the first day, I had to look evily at this girl," said the musician/actor. "So I sort of boggled at her. Afterwards, the American director came up to me and said 'Wilko, you don't have to act scary. You are scary.'"

The series returns to HBO March 31.

Here is Johnson performing in concert last October:





Reader Comments 1 Total
Searing Truth (last month)
So sorry.

Excellent casting for Game of Thrones.
1 comments displayed


To post comments on tulsaworld.com, you must be an active Tulsa World print or digital subscriber and signed into your account.

tvtype

Rita Sherrow grew up with TV. Yes, it was the ever-present “sister” from another techno mother. At first look, it was instant "Like." From then on, the TV had to be on in every room while she studied, elementary school through college. An Air Force brat, she attended school in three states (Oklahoma, Montana and Georgia) and two foreign countries (Germany and Bermuda) and graduated from Broken Arrow High School and the University of Tulsa with a degree in journalism/advertising. She first interned in the advertising world but, when a J-School professor (who also covered politics for the Tulsa World) offered her an internship at the newspaper, she took him up on it. The rest is history. She has served as bridal editor, senior features writer for the women’s section, food editor and is television editor of the Tulsa World. In addition to writing about TV shows and interviewing the stars for “Scene” stories, she also writes a TV column for Weekend and produces the Sunday TV World listings magazine.

Subscribe to this blog










Home | Contact Us | Search | Subscribe | Customer Service | About | Advertise | Privacy
Copyright © 2013, World Publishing Co. All rights reserved.