Andrew Dunbar passed away on Tuesday. Dunbar played a variety of extra roles on Game of Thrones, including as a Stark bannerman during the Battle of the Bastards. He also worked as a stunt double for Alfie Allen (Theon Greyjoy).
Allen took to his Instagram Stories to memorialize Dunbar. “Andrew was an actor who was also a stand-in as Theon on GoT,” he wrote. “Extremely shocked and saddened to hear of his passing. To lose a loved one so young, I can only imagine what his family are going through. RIP Andrew xxx.”
No cause of death is currently known. Dunbar was in his 30s and died in his Belfast, Ireland home.
Image: Game of Thrones: The Last Watch/HBO
Fellow Game of Thrones extra Andy McClay gave a statement to Belfast Live:
Everyone always wanted Andrew. There was just something about him that was special. People always felt good around him, happy, excited for the day’s work and there was always a lot of fun when he was around. I’d say most of us felt the same when we came on set, we wanted Andrew to be there, we’d search him out. He was like a gel that kept us all together.
A lot of people plan to travel to attend his funeral; actors, directors, make-up and many, many more. Everyone who met Andrew loved him.
In addition to being on the show, Dunbar also worked as a DJ, as well as a tour guide for Game of Thrones filming locations, like McClay himself. “I’ve cried and cried since I heard – my friend is gone and my heart is broken.”
Principal series photographer Helen Sloan also spoke to Belfast Live, and remembered Dunbar as an “absolute gem. Funny, charming, beautiful – and that impression of Miguel (Sapochnik) will never be beaten.”
When we were setting up to shoot the season 8 campaign – a stand-in was required. Knowing exactly who I wanted – the hunt for Andy began. They told me he had just left and I ran out to the car park after him and asked if he would be up for it.
He said he was heading out that night – but said he wanted to do anything to help. He came back in and got back into costume just for me. Even though he knew I couldn’t give him the photos after. Well f*** it. I’m breaking the rules of publication now. These photos need to be seen and shared among friends. Because he looks like a total legend. An excellent addition to Thrones all the way through. A beautiful performer – and great guy to have around.
We’d love to have heard Dunbar’s impression of director Miguel Sapochnik too!
Game of Thrones makeup artist Katrina Doran relayed her memories, as well:
I first met Andrew when we were filming the epic Battle of the Bastards at Saintfield for season 6 – he was a Northern Ally on John Snow’s side of the battle.
Always with a big smile and was super professional and polite. He was an extra on nearly every job I’ve worked on – season 6, 7 and 8 on GOT, The Frankenstein Chronicles 2 and on Krypton series 2 so over the years the makeup team got to know him really well.
He was one my favourite extras to get in the chair as we had some serious philosophical debates as well as just daft conversations that ended in fits of laughter. He was a real gem. To say we will all miss him is an understatement.
Sounds as if we will never see his like again. Rest in peace, Mr. Dunbar.
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h/t Deadline
