British actor Ian Gelder, best known for his role as Kevan Lannister in Game of Thrones, has died aged 74.
Gelder died five months after being diagnosed with bile duct cancer, his husband and fellow actor Ben Daniels announced on Tuesday, local time.
"It is with huge sadness and a heavy heart broken into a million pieces that I'm leaving this post to announce the passing of my darling husband and life partner Ian Gelder," his husband wrote in a statement on Instagram.
"Ian was diagnosed with bile duct cancer in December and yesterday he passed at 1:07pm.
"He was the kindest, most generous spirited and loving human being."
[Instagram post]Daniels said Gelder's illness progressed quickly.
"I'd stopped all work to be his carer but neither of us had any idea that it would all be so fast," he said.
Gelder's manager Daniel John at DMJ Consultancy posted a tribute to the actor, asking for privacy for his family.
"I am heartbroken by the news that the wonderful Ian Gelder has passed away," he said.
"Ian was one of the loveliest men you could ever wish to meet.
"Unfailingly kind, and a true gentleman who will be sorely missed by all whose lives he touched."
Career spanned decades
The British actor's career spanned decades and included roles in Torchwood, His Dark Materials, Doctor Who, Snatch and more.
But more notable was his appearance in Game of Thrones as Kevan Lannister, the younger brother of Lord Tywin.
Gelder starred in the hit TV show for 12 episodes before his character was killed alongside many others in the season six finale.
He also had dozens of theatre credits to his name, a tribute post on his manager's website said.
"With a long career as an actor, it is no question why Gelder is held in such a high regard, with his involvement extending to numerous stage and screen roles," it said.
"His credits include roles in series such as London's Burning and Agatha Christie's Poirot.
"Alongside his lengthy career in front of the lens, Gelder took a fond stance on the stage, with numerous credits in productions on London's West End and Shakespeare's Globe Theatre."
What is bile duct cancer?
Bile duct cancer — also known as cholangiocarcinoma — is a rare form of primacy liver cancer, according to a Cancer Council NSW fact sheet.
It's when malignant cancer cells form in the bile ducts.
Bile ducts are a group of thin tubes that carry bile (a digestive fluid) from the liver and gall bladder to the small intestine.
Cholangiocarcinoma is slightly more common in males and tends to be diagnosed in people over 70.
However, anyone can develop this disease.
What are the symptoms of bile duct cancer?
In its early stages, bile duct cancer may have no symptoms, the Cancer Council says.
But as the cancer progresses, it may cause symptoms that are similar to those associated with liver cancer including:
- Weakness and fatigue
- Pain in the abdomen or below the right shoulder blade
- Hard lump on the right side of the abdomen
- Appetite loss, feeling sick, or unexplained weight loss
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes
- Dark urine and pale faeces
- Itchy skin
- A swollen abdomen caused by fluid build-up
What's the survival rate for bile duct cancer?
Statistics from the American Cancer Society (ACS) provide a picture — but keep in mind that it's limited to people diagnosed in the United States between 2010 and 2016, Cancer Research UK says.
The five-year relative survival rate for cholangiocarcinoma that hasn't spread outside the bile ducts ranges from between 18 and 23 per cent, the ACS says.
This measure means that people who have bile duct cancer are, on average, 18 to 23 per cent as likely as people who don't have it to live for at least five years after being diagnosed.
That number drops to 2 to 18 per cent if the cancer spreads beyond the bile ducts.
