A DOCUMENTARY is to be made about a basketball player-turned-actor who was also Britainâs tallest man.
Neil Fingleton, who was in Game of Thrones and Doctor Who as well as the X-Men and Avengers movies, was 7ft 7ins by the time he stopped growing at 18.
Today is the third anniversary of the 37-year-oldâs death following a heart attack in his Durham home.
A funeral service was held in Durham Cathedral and now his life story is to be the subject of a film called âBig Smooth.â
Filmmaker Paul Stainthorpe, who will go behind the camera, has the full support of Neilâs family.
He said: âI wouldnât continue with the project without their blessing.
âItâs been really great to meet Neilâs family and a truly humbling experience. I canât thank them enough for putting their trust in me.â
Neil lived in Gilesgate, but, at 16, he moved to America to be educated and pursue a career in basketball.
He spent the next decade playing high school, college, ABA and professional basketball.
After a serious back injury while signed to North Carolina he returned to play in England.
He also played in Spain and Greece, but injuries mounted resulting in the end of Neilâs playing career.
Undeterred, Neil found an agent which introduced him to the world of acting.
Despite the size difference, he had âone-to-oneâ training from the actor, Warwick Davis, who is 3ft 6ins, and launched his second career choice.
After appearing in a number of documentaries, TV programmes and international TV commercials he began to audition for film roles.
In his short career he acted with Keanu Reeves in the samurai action film, 47 Ronin, Mila Kunis in Jupiter Assending and numerous Hollywood stars in X-Men: First Class and Avengers: Age of Ultron.
He also played a significant role as The Fisher King in Doctor Who.
The role that most people remember Neil for is the character, Mag The Mighty in the TV hit, Game of Thrones.
Paul said: âNeil was found dead three years ago, but his ânever give upâ attitude is an inspiration to us all and his life story encourages us all to strive to reach our potential.
âHe did things big and he did them smoothly.
âPeople looked up to Neil and it wasnât always in the physical sense.
âHe inspired and touched the hearts of many.â
If anyone knew Neil and would like to contribute to the project, they can contact the film making team on: bigsmooth@lonepinepictures.co.uk
