In a heartbreaking loss, British actor Darren Kent, recognized for his roles in HBO’s beloved fantasy series “Game of Thrones” and the English soap opera “EastEnders,” has tragically passed away at a very young age. The correct age of the actor is still unknown because some are assuming it’s 39 and some are saying it’s 36.
His talent agency, Carey Dodd Associates, officially verified the news, notifying USA TODAY on a sorrowful Tuesday that Darren Kent had “peacefully departed from us last Friday, enveloped by the company of his cherished family and friends.” While the exact reasons behind his passing remain undisclosed, Kent valiantly battled a rare skin disorder, osteoporosis, and arthritis over the course of his career.
The agency described him as someone whose unyielding spirit and zest for life left a lasting impact on all who crossed his path, leaving behind memories of not just his talent but also his warmth and generosity as a friend.
Born and raised in Essex, Kent’s early career included roles in a 2004 episode of the British comedy “Shameless” and the 2008 Kiefer Sutherland horror film “Mirrors.” His notable appearance came in the 2014 finale of “Game of Thrones,” where he portrayed a grieving goatherd who, heartbreakingly, revealed the charred remains of his child – a casualty of Daenerys Targaryen’s dragons – to Emilia Clarke’s character.
Kent’s acting prowess extended to the 2018-19 limited series “Les Misérables” and “EastEnders.” Most recently, he featured in a memorable and comedic scene alongside Chris Pine in the cinematic fantasy adventure “Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves,” playing the role of an unhelpful reanimated corpse. Director Jonathan Goldstein shared a touching tribute on social media, describing Kent as “a kind, talented, and humorously gifted actor whose departure is a loss felt too deeply.”
Graduating from the Italia Conti Stage School in 2007, Kent also dabbled in filmmaking, showcasing his directorial skills in an episode of the BBC series “The Break” in 2021. His short film “You Know Me” achieved recognition by winning the titles of Best Director and Best Short at the January edition of the London International Monthly Film Festival.
The entertainment world mourns the untimely passing of Darren Kent, a multifaceted talent who left an indelible mark on both screens and hearts.