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Ian Gelder
Ian Gelder
Ian Gelder
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Ian Denbigh White (3 June 1949 – 6 May 2024), known professionally as Ian Gelder, was a British actor. He was known for his numerous stage and screen roles, including Mr. Dekker in Torchwood: Children of Earth (2009) and Kevan Lannister in Game of Thrones (2011–2012; 2015–2016).[1]

Key Information

Early life

[edit]

Ian Denbigh White was born in Gloucestershire on 3 June 1949.[2][3] He spent the later years of his childhood in Wokingham.[3] Adopting his mother's maiden name of Gelder for his stage name, he began acting professionally in an ITV Sunday Night Theatre episode in 1972.[2][3]

Career

[edit]

Gelder appeared in Rumpole of the Bailey as Rumpole's university lecturer son. He also played many other roles on stage[4] and screen.[5] His stage work includes The Low Road (2013). From May to July 2014 he performed as Marcus Andronicus, brother of Titus, in Lucy Bailey's revival of her original 2006 production of Titus Andronicus at Shakespeare's Globe Theatre.

He appeared in television programmes such as Torchwood: Children of Earth in 2009, and Game of Thrones, 2011 as Mr Dekker and Kevan Lannister respectively.[5] After an absence of three years, Gelder reprised his role in the HBO series Game of Thrones in Season 5 and Season 6 as Kevan Lannister. Gelder guest-starred in 12 episodes for the series. In 2019, he guest-starred as Librarian Scholar Charles in the BBC TV series His Dark Materials, based on the critically acclaimed book trilogy by Philip Pullman. Then in 2020, he guest-starred as Zellin in the seventh episode of the twelfth season of Doctor Who, "Can You Hear Me?".

Personal life and death

[edit]

Gelder's partner was actor Ben Daniels.[6] They met in 1993 during a London stage production of Joe Orton's Entertaining Mr Sloane.[7] They lived in East Sussex.[3]

Gelder died of complications from bile duct cancer on 6 May 2024, at the age of 74.[8] Gelder's partner Daniels stopped working to take care of him, and remarked that he dealt with his "dreadful illness with such bravery".[1]

Filmography

[edit]

Films

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
1978 The Three Kisses Lieutenant Arthur Raffleton TV movie
1987 Little Dorrit Reverend Samuel Barnacle
1990 The Fool Henry Gibbs
1991 King Ralph Riding Instructor
1997 The Emissary: A Biblical Epic King Agrippa
The Informant British C.O.
1998 Angels at My Bedside Older Angel Short film
Jinnah The English Police Officer
2001 Hawkins Tregawn TV movie
2006 The Commander: Blacklight John Carr TV movie
2009 Pope Joan Aio
2015 Shakespeare's Globe: Titus Andronicus Marcus Andronicus Filmed stage version of Shakespeare's play from 2014
2019 Dark Ditties Presents: The Witching Hour Selwyn Parsons TV movie
2020 Surge Alan
The Invisible Collection Berkovic Short film
2021 Dark Ditties Presents: Dad Terry Vaughan TV movie
The Interlopers Georg

Television

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
1972 ITV Sunday Night Theatre Unnamed role 1 episode: "Three Months Gone"
New Scotland Yard Andrew Perks 1 episode: "A Case of Prejudice"
1973 Murder Must Advertise Hector Puncheon Mini-series, 1 episode: "Episode #1.3"
The Donati Conspiracy Dave Dent 3 episodes
1974 The Wide World of Mystery Unnamed role 1 episode: "The Next Victim"
Edward the King Affie / Prince Alfred Mini-series, 5 episodes
1975–1976 Play for Today Andrew Patterson / Steve Riches 2 episodes
1976 Thriller Small 1 episode: "The Next Victim"
1978 Spearhead Lieutenant Preece 1 episode: "Loyalties"
1979 The Professionals King 1 episode: "The Purging of CI5"
1980 Rumpole of the Bailey Nick Rumpole 1 episode: "Rumpole's Return"
1984 I Thought You'd Gone Tony 7 episodes
1988 London's Burning Negotiator 1 episode: "Episode #1.5"
1989 Blackeyes Rupert Mini-series, 1 episode: "Episode #1.3"
1991 Van der Valk Basten 1 episode: "Dangerous Games"
1991–1998 The Bill Hulse / Maurice Cowans / Mike Naylor / Kenneth Grant 4 episodes
1992 The Ruth Rendell Mysteries Peter Renton 1 episode: "An Unwanted Woman: Part Two"
1993 Poirot Victor Astwell 1 episode: "The Underdog"
1993–2019 Casualty Jeremy / Guy Chambers / Arthur Swain / Stan Villiers 4 episodes
1994 Chandler & Co Rev. Ewan Price 1 episode: "Those Who Trespass Against Us"
Screen Two Visitor 1 episode: "Skallagrigg"
The Day Today Chanticlier Guardsley Mini-series, 1 episode: "Stretchcast"
1995 Bugs Vermeer 1 episode: "Hot Metal"
Fist of Fun 4 episodes
Absolutely Fabulous David 1 episode: "Sex"
1997 Kavanagh QC Dr. Clarke 1 episode: "Blood Money"
Brass Eye Dr. Jonathan Kwattes 1 episode: "Animals"
1998 McCallum David Johnson 1 episode: "Harvest"
2004 My Dad's the Prime Minister Elf 1 episode: "Powerless"
2006 Holby City Paul Galvin 1 episode: "It's Been a Long Day"
2007 Fallen Angel Canon Hinds Mini-series, 1 episode
2009 Torchwood: Children of Earth Mr Dekker 5 episodes
Robin Hood Archbishop Walter 1 episode: "The King Is Dead, Long Live the King"
2010 Silent Witness Dr Stanley Jacobs 1 episode: "Shadows: Part 1"
2011 Psychoville Butler 1 episode: "Hancock"
2011–2016 Game of Thrones Kevan Lannister 12 episodes
2012 Endeavour Stan Tremlett 1 episode: "Pilot"
2013 Mr Selfridge Waring 2 episodes
2016 EastEnders Dr. Adam Gorman 2 episodes
Ripper Street Joseph Chamberlain 1 episode: "The Strangers' Home"
2017 Queers Jackie Mini-series, 1 episode: "I Miss the War"
Riviera Druot the Solicitor 1 episode: "Faussaires / Counterfeiters"
Snatch Norman Gordon 9 episodes
2018 Lore Aleister Crowley 1 episode: "Jack Parsons: The Devil and the Divine"
2018 Doctor Who Remnants Voice; episode: "The Ghost Monument"
2019 His Dark Materials Charles 1 episode: "Lyra's Jordan"
2020 Doctor Who Zellin Episode: "Can You Hear Me?"
2024 Father Brown Gabriel Hawksworth 1 episode: "The Father The Son"

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Ian Gelder

View on Grokipedia
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Ian Gelder (3 June 1949 – 6 May 2024) was a British actor renowned for his versatile performances across , television, and film over more than five decades. Best known to international audiences for portraying Kevan Lannister in the series from 2011 to 2016, Gelder also gained acclaim for his stage work with prestigious institutions like the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) and the National Theatre. His career highlighted a commitment to classical and contemporary roles, culminating in a legacy of supporting characters that brought depth to ensemble casts in both British productions and global hits. Born Ian Denbigh White in , , as the youngest child of engineer Raymond White and office manager Clare Gelder, he adopted his mother's maiden name professionally. Gelder attended Forest Grammar School in and trained at the , where he studied alongside future stars such as and . His early career in the 1970s focused on theatre, including a breakout role as Steven Flowers in Peter Nichols' Privates on Parade with the RSC in 1977, marking the beginning of his reputation as a compelling . Gelder's television breakthrough came with roles like Mr. Dekker in the Torchwood miniseries Children of Earth (2009) and the voice of the Remnants in Doctor Who's "The Ghost Monument" (2018), followed by the alien Zellin in "Spyfall" (2020). He also appeared as Librarian Scholar Charles in the BBC/HBO adaptation of His Dark Materials (2019) and as Norman Gordon in the Crackle series Snatch (2017–2018). In film, notable credits include Rev. Samuel Barnacle in Little Dorrit (1987). On stage, he excelled in Shakespearean productions, such as Marcus Andronicus in the RSC's Titus Andronicus (2003) and its Globe Theatre revival (2014). In his , Gelder entered a civil partnership with actor in 2008; the couple resided in and Daniels announced Gelder's death from bile duct cancer on 6 May 2024. Survived by Daniels and his brother Keith, Gelder's passing was mourned by peers for his quiet professionalism and enduring contributions to the arts.

Early life

Childhood and family

Ian Gelder was born Ian Denbigh White on 3 June 1949 in , , . He was the youngest child of Raymond White, an engineer and electronics buyer, and Clare White (née Gelder), an office manager for an antiques dealer who was also a keen amateur dramatist. In the early 1960s, the family relocated from to , , where Gelder spent much of his childhood. He attended in nearby , a selective institution that offered a structured education focused on academic rigor. Gelder's early curiosity about was sparked by his mother's involvement in local with the Wokingham Players, where she drew the entire family into productions—his father managing the lighting while Gelder and his brother Keith participated in various roles. This familial immersion in performance, set against a backdrop of everyday English domesticity, fostered his initial interest in , though he later adopted his mother's maiden name professionally upon pursuing .

Education and early training

After completing his secondary education at Forest Grammar School in Winnersh, Berkshire, Gelder enrolled at the in the mid-1960s, where he received formal training in acting. He graduated in 1969. During his time at the school, Gelder trained alongside notable contemporaries including , , and , who would go on to distinguished careers in film, television, and theatre. It was during this formative period that Gelder adopted his professional , taking his mother's maiden name "Gelder" to distinguish his artistic identity from his birth name, Ian Denbigh White. Prior to formal training, his interest in acting had been sparked through amateur performances with the Players, where maternal encouragement played a key role in nurturing his passion for . Upon graduation, he made his professional debut with the Bristol Old Vic company in The Royal Hunt of the Sun (1969).

Career

Stage career

Ian Gelder made his professional stage debut in 1969 with the theatre company, appearing in Peter Shaffer's The Royal Hunt of the Sun. Following his graduation from the that same year, he quickly established himself in British theatre through affiliations with prominent institutions, including the Cambridge Theatre Company and the Theatre. Gelder's extensive work with the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) spanned nearly three decades, beginning in the 1970s with roles such as Silvius in and Talbot in Henry VI under director Terry Hands. He returned to the RSC for notable performances, including Steven Flowers in Peter Nichols' Privates on Parade in 1977, which ran in the West End, beginning at the , for over 200 performances in total, and Marcus Andronicus in in 2003. Later RSC credits highlighted his command of Shakespearean roles. He also excelled as the in at the in 2012. At the National Theatre, Gelder contributed to several high-profile productions under Nicholas Hytner, including Paul Wolfowitz in David Hare's Stuff Happens (2004–2005), the role of Davy in Henry IV, Part 2, and appearances in His Dark Materials. His West End presence included the 2006 revival of Rodgers and Hammerstein's The Sound of Music at the London Palladium, where he portrayed Max Detweiler opposite Connie Fisher as Maria. Gelder also excelled in modern drama, such as Mr. Bryant in Arnold Wesker's Roots at the Donmar Warehouse in 2013. Throughout his career, Gelder's stage output was prolific, encompassing over five decades of versatile performances in both classical repertoire and contemporary works, often in supporting roles that underscored his reliability and depth as a . This theatrical foundation paved the way for his transition to screen roles in the 1970s.

Television and film career

Gelder began his television career in the 1970s, debuting in 1972 with a role in the crime drama series New Scotland Yard. Early appearances included portraying Prince Alfred across five episodes of the historical miniseries Edward the King in 1975. Throughout the decade and into the 1980s and 1990s, he established himself as a reliable character actor in British procedurals and dramas, with recurring or guest roles in series such as London's Burning and Agatha Christie's Poirot. These parts often featured him as authoritative or understated figures, showcasing his ability to bring depth to supporting ensemble casts in ensemble-driven narratives. A significant breakthrough came in 2009 with his portrayal of the sinister government official Mr. Dekker in the Torchwood miniseries Children of Earth, a role that highlighted his skill in conveying quiet menace amid high-stakes sci-fi intrigue. This performance paved the way for greater visibility, culminating in his international recognition as Kevan Lannister, the pragmatic uncle to Tywin Lannister, in multiple seasons of HBO's Game of Thrones, notably seasons 5 and 6 (2015–2016). Gelder's interpretation of Kevan emphasized the character's loyalty and moral complexity within the epic's sprawling political landscape, contributing to the series' global acclaim. In later years, Gelder continued to take on prominent television roles in genre and literary adaptations, including the scholar Charles in the / series (2019), the immortal Zellin in the episode "Can You Hear Me?" (2020), and as Gabriel Hawksworth in (2024). On film, his highlights included the supporting role of Aio, a scholarly advisor, in the historical drama (2009), a German-British production exploring medieval intrigue. He also appeared in British features such as (1991), where he played the riding instructor, and Surge (2020), as the father of the protagonist in a tense . Gelder's screen career evolved from understated procedural roles to commanding presences in fantasy epics, reflecting a versatility honed through his extensive stage work and earning him broader international audiences later in life.

Personal life

Relationships

Ian Gelder was in a long-term partnership with fellow actor , which began in 1993 when they met during a London revival of Joe Orton's , in which Gelder portrayed the character Ed. The couple's relationship lasted over three decades, marked by deep mutual commitment and support, with Daniels later describing Gelder as his "absolute rock" during their shared life together. In 2008, Gelder and Daniels entered into a civil partnership, formalizing their bond at a time when was not yet legalized in the . Their partnership was publicly acknowledged by Daniels, who openly referred to Gelder as his husband and in tributes following significant personal milestones, highlighting the profound emotional and professional encouragement they provided one another throughout their careers. This mutual support was evident in their respective acting pursuits, as both navigated demanding stage and screen roles while prioritizing their relationship. Gelder and Daniels shared a private yet devoted life, residing together in for many years before relocating to a cottage in approximately five years prior to Gelder's death, where they cultivated a garden and maintained a close-knit home environment. Their partnership exemplified a quiet strength, blending personal intimacy with the rigors of their artistic professions.

Illness and death

In December 2023, Gelder was diagnosed with , a rare and aggressive form of the disease that affects the ducts connecting the liver and . His long-term partner, actor , ceased all professional commitments to serve as his primary caregiver during the ensuing treatment, providing unwavering support through the illness. Gelder succumbed to complications from the cancer on 6 May 2024, at the age of 74. He is survived by his partner and his brother Keith. Daniels publicly announced the news the following day via , as reported by multiple outlets, expressing profound grief and noting the rapid progression of the disease over the five months since diagnosis. The announcement prompted an outpouring of tributes from the entertainment industry, highlighting Gelder's quiet professionalism and memorable performances. Actor , known for Withnail & I, offered condolences to Daniels, describing the loss as heartbreaking. Colleagues from , including cast members who worked alongside him as Kevan Lannister, shared remembrances of his dignity and craft, underscoring his enduring legacy in British theatre and television despite the brevity of his final health struggle.

Filmography

Films

Gelder's feature film roles were primarily supporting parts, spanning from the late 1980s to the 2020s.
  • The Fool (1990) as Henry Gibbs.
  • (1991) as Riding Instructor, appearing in the comedy starring as an American inheriting the British throne.
  • The Informant (1997) as British C.O., a military officer in the Irish thriller about during .
  • The Emissary: A Biblical Epic (1997) as King Agrippa.
  • Jinnah (1998) as English Police Officer, a supporting role in the biographical epic on directed by .
  • Angels at My Bedside (1998) as Older Angel.
  • Pope Joan (2009) as Aio, portraying a church official in the about the legendary female .
  • Surge (2020) as Alan, Joseph's father, in the tense thriller starring as a man spiraling into chaos in modern .

Television

Gelder's television career spanned decades, featuring guest appearances, recurring roles, and contributions to both mainstream dramas and genre series. His portrayals often brought depth to supporting characters in ensemble casts, particularly in British productions.
Year(s)TitleRoleNotes
1988–1992Nick RumpoleRecurring role in the legal drama series.
2009: Children of EarthMr. DekkerMiniseries; 5 episodes, a official involved in a crisis.
2013Waring2 episodes in the period drama series.
2011–2012, 2015–2016Kevan LannisterRecurring role; 12 episodes across seasons 2, 5, and 6, as the uncle of Cersei and .
2017Percy; 1 episode, "Morekissing."
2017–2018SnatchNorman GordonRecurring role; 10 episodes in the crime comedy series.
2018Lore1 episode, "The Devil and the Divine."
2019Charles1 episode in season 1, as a scholar.
2020Zellin1 episode, "Can You Hear Me?"; an alien entity.
2024GraceTim Skevington1 episode in season 4, "Love You Dead."
2023David TillettRecurring role in the drama miniseries.
2024Gabriel Hawksworth1 episode, "The Father, The Son"; final role before his death.

Theatre

Gelder began his professional stage career in 1969 with the Bristol Old Vic, appearing in Peter Shaffer's The Royal Hunt of the Sun at the Theatre Royal, Bristol. In 1971, he portrayed the younger version of Peter Nichols in the original production of Forget-Me-Not-Lane by Peter Nichols, first at the Greenwich Theatre and later transferring to the on Shaftesbury Avenue. His association with the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) began in 1977, when he played the role of Steven Flowers in Peter Nichols's Privates on Parade, directed by , at the in following an initial run in ; the production ran for over 200 performances. In 1981, Gelder appeared as a leather-clad biker in the UK premiere of Michel Tremblay's at the . In 1993, Gelder portrayed Ed in Jeremy Sams's revival of Joe Orton's at the , later transferring to the West End. He returned to the RSC in 2002 as in Michael Grandage's production of Shakespeare's , directed by Gregory Doran, at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in . The following year, 2003, saw Gelder in two notable RSC productions: as Marcus Andronicus in Julie Taymor's Titus Andronicus at the Shakespeare Globe Theatre (co-production with RSC), and as Baptista Minola in Gregory Doran's The Taming of the Shrew, which later transferred to the West End's Gielgud Theatre. Also in 2003, he played Cyril Fielding in Shared Experience's adaptation of E.M. Forster's , directed by Nancy Meckler, touring nationally. Gelder's work at the National Theatre from 2004 to 2005 included multiple roles across three productions under : as a UN official in David Hare's Stuff Happens, various characters in Nicholas Wright's adaptation of Philip Pullman's , and the Earl of Westmoreland in Shakespeare's Henry IV (Parts 1 and 2). In 2006, he took on the role of Max Detweiler in the London revival of Rodgers and Hammerstein's , directed by , at the London Palladium. In 2013, he played Mr. Bryant in the revival of Arnold Wesker's , directed by James Grime. That same year, Gelder appeared as the in Michael Attenborough's production of Shakespeare's at the . In 2014, he reprised the role of Marcus Andronicus in the production of , directed by William Oldroyd. Gelder starred as in the world premiere of David Logan's Gods and Monsters at the in 2015. In 2017, he performed in Martin Crimp's The Treatment at the , directed by Lyndsey Turner, and appeared in the short play "Something Borrowed" in the Queers anthology at the Theatre. His final stage role was as Colin in the world premiere of Peter Gill's at the Theatre in 2022. Note on Little Dorrit (1987): As Rev. Samuel Barnacle in the TV mini-series adaptation of ' novel, directed by Christine Edzard. (Moved from Films for accuracy.)

References

  1. https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2024/may/17/ian-gelder-obituary
  2. https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-68974040
  3. https://oldvic.ac.uk/news/ian-gelder-1949-2024/15616/
  4. https://www.thestage.co.uk/obituaries--archive/obituaries/ian-gelder-king-lear-roots-game-of-thrones
  5. https://theartsdesk.com/theatre/king-lear-almeida-theatre
  6. https://www.playbill.com/article/sound-of-music-opens-at-london-palladium-nov-15-com-136380
  7. https://www.etonline.com/ian-gelder-game-of-thrones-actor-dead-at-74-224970
  8. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0312245/bio/
  9. https://www.themoviedb.org/person/1211852-ian-gelder?language=en-US
  10. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/ian-gelder-kevan-lannister-game-of-thrones-dead-at-74-1235893402/
  11. https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/article/2024/may/08/game-of-thrones-actor-ian-gelder-dies-aged-74
  12. https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/ian-gelder-dies-aged-74-newsupdate/
  13. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0458455/
  14. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0102216/
  15. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9305634/
  16. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/08/arts/television/ian-gelder-dead.html
  17. https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/game-of-thrones-actor-ian-gelder-passes-away-at-74-5614509
  18. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-68974040
  19. https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/rings-power-ben-daniels-life-33592691
  20. https://variety.com/2024/tv/obituaries-people-news/ian-gelder-dead-game-of-thrones-1235995150/
  21. https://www.cnn.com/2024/05/08/entertainment/game-of-thrones-ian-gelder-dies-intl-scli-gbr
  22. https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/ustv/a60723135/game-of-thrones-ian-gelder-tribute/
  23. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-05-09/british-actor-ian-gelder-dies-from-cancer/103823786
  24. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/ian_gelder
  25. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0119368/
  26. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0077051/fullcredits
  27. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1288549/fullcredits
  28. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2310105/characters/nm0312245
  29. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0944947/characters/nm0312245
  30. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7099688/characters/nm0312245
  31. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5992164/characters/nm0312245
  32. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8738540/fullcredits
  33. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5658780/characters/nm0312245
  34. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9361014/fullcredits
  35. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt27869060/fullcredits
  36. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt21597918/fullcredits
  37. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt30261192/fullcredits
  38. https://www.rsc.org.uk/titus-andronicus/past-productions/production-history-in-pictures
  39. https://www.broadwayworld.com/people/Ian-Gelder/
  40. https://playbill.com/article/full-casting-announced-for-arnold-weskers-roots-at-londons-donmar-warehouse-com-208415
  41. https://www.broadwayworld.com/westend/article/BWW-Review-THE-TREATMENT-Almeida-Theatre-20170430
  42. https://theatricalia.com/person/4fx/ian-gelder
  43. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0095530/
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