TRIBUTES HAVE been paid to BJ Hogg following his sad death at the age of 65.
Born in Lisburn, Northern Ireland, Hogg was best known for playing Ser Addam Marbrand in Game of Thrones – but his career went far beyond the hit fantasy series.
An actor, writer and director of some renown, Hogg was a regular fixture at Belfast’s Lyric theatre and travelled the world as a performer in productions as far away as Russia.
Game of Thrones aside, Hogg also enjoyed standout roles in the gripping thriller series The Fall and the cult BBC Northern Ireland comedy series Give My Head Peace.
The Hole in the Wall gang – the writing team behind Give My Head Peace – led the tributes to the 65-year-old thespian and dear friend.
"BJ is part of the Give My Head Peace family.,” they said in a statement.
Writer Tim McGarry wrote on his personal Twitter account: "Everybody associated with #GiveMyHeadPeace is shocked and heartbroken by the sudden passing of our dear friend and colleague BJ Hogg.
"We've lost a member of the family. Thanks for all the laughs BJ."
Everybody associated with #GiveMyHeadPeace is shocked and heartbroken by the sudden passing of our dear friend and colleague BJ Hogg. We've lost a member of the family. Thanks for all the laughs BJ. https://t.co/XSA4fofKGZ
— Tim Mc Garry (@Tim_Mc_Garry) April 30, 2020
Those sentiments were echoed by Peter Johnston, the director of BBC NI, who also took time to celebrate Hogg’s impact as a performer.
BJ was a great comedy talent and a much-loved character in our long-running sitcom, Give My Head Peace,” he said.
"Many people will also remember his performance in the Oscar-nominated Dance Lexie Dance.
"Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad and difficult time."
St Peter’s havin a geg tonight! Very sad. We were very fond of each other, nothing to do with acting, the arts, or any of that stuff, we just ....... God love y’ BJ, havin a Black Bush dear heart. XXX. pic.twitter.com/4KxzTXFiS4
— Charlie Lawson (@charlie_lawson1) April 30, 2020
Fellow Northern Irishman and fellow actor Charlie Lawson, also paid tribute.
Lawson, who is best known for playing Jim McDonald on the long-running TV soap Coronation Street, told Twitter:
"St Peter’s havin a geg tonight! Very sad.
"We were very fond of each other, nothing to do with acting, the arts, or any of that stuff, we just .......
"God love y’ BJ, havin a Black Bush dear heart."
Xxx. pic.twitter.com/qKg01EXeco
— Charlie Lawson (@charlie_lawson1) April 30, 2020
R.I.P. BJ.
