Scottish actor John Stahl, best known for playing Rickard Karstark in HBO's blockbuster show Game of Thrones, has passed away. He was 68. The news of Stahl's death has been confirmed by his agent Amanda Fitzalan Howard, who released a statement honoring him as "an actor of remarkable skill and a stalwart of Scottish theatre." She further stated, "He died on the [Scottish] Isle of Lewis on March 2, 2022, and is survived by his wife, Jane Paton." 

Condolences and tributes are pouring in for Stahl, who hailed from Sauchie in Clackmannanshire, Scotland, and is also known for playing Tom 'Inverdarroch' Kerr in the long-running Scottish soap opera, Take the High Road, from its beginning in 1982 until its telecast came to an end in 2003. Scottish screenwriter Peter May recalled his times with the actor, while also speaking about how recently took part in his online wedding. He tweeted, "Terribly sad to hear that my old friend, John Stahl, has passed.  I wrote so many scenes for the character of Inverdarroch that he portrayed  in Take The High Road.  Only recently attended his online wedding.  Saw him last in Adelaide Australia for a fun reunion. RIP John 😢" 

Likewise, the National Theatre of Scotland too paid its tribute to Stahl, who was from Sauchie in Clackmannanshire, and wrote on Twitter, "We are deeply saddened to hear of the death of John Stahl.  We were fortunate to work with John on Mary Stuart and The James Plays. His passing is a huge loss to the industry, and he will be sorely missed.  Our thoughts are with his loved ones." Stahl played Richard Karstark in seasons two and three of Game of Thrones after he took over the role from actor Steven Blount, while also making appearances in several theatre productions, including giving performances at The Royal Shakespeare Company and The National Theatre in London in a career that lasted more than 30 years.