Darren Kent, a distinguished British actor and director passed away at the age of 39 on Friday, August 11.
The British native reportedly grappled with a skin disorder and enduring long-standing health challenges, including osteoporosis and arthritis.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Darren Kent’s talent agency, Carey Dodd Associates, conveyed the heartbreaking news: “It is with deep sadness we have to tell you that our dear friend and client Darren Kent passed away peacefully on Friday. His parents and best friend are by his side. Our thoughts and love are with his family in this difficult time. RIP my friend.”
Darren Kent was most renowned for his appearance in the Season 4 finale of “Game of Thrones,” where he portrayed a goat herder who presents Emilia Clarke’s character, Daenerys, with the charred remains of his daughter, scorched to death by her dragon.
His acting repertoire also encompassed beloved U.K. series like “EastEnders,” “Shameless,” and the BBC adaptation of “Les Misérables.” Furthermore, he took on roles in Disney’s “Snow White and the Huntsman” and the recent “Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves.”
Notably, Kent secured the Best Actor award at the 2012 Van d’Or Independent Film Awards for his performance in “Sunny Boy,” portraying a teenager whose skin condition confines him to avoid sunlight.
In addition to his on-screen accomplishments, Kent was a multi-faceted artist who delved into writing, directing, and producing his own projects.
Following the news of his passing, Ben Trebilcock, a screenwriter who collaborated with Kent in 2021, expressed his sorrow on social media. He tweeted: “Darren, an Essex writer, actor and director, directed our award-winning short You Know Me. A true character who was always creating and forever upbeat and encouraging, Darren will be sorely missed.”
Kent was a patron of Equal People Performing Arts, a non-profit organization promoting inclusion and diversity. Lee Mead, another patron at the organization, conveyed his grief on Monday, highlighting Kent’s generosity: “always giving off his time to people and always so positive.”
In 2018, Kent himself offered some insights into his career journey: “You don’t necessarily need training, but you need to network well, be very friendly, engaging and if you look different even better. Hence there aren’t many sexy guys like me working out.” He added, “For me, it’s just never give up, get used to rejection and … learn.”
Renowned for his contributions to the fantasy genre, Darren Kent’s legacy endures through his memorable roles, including those in “Game of Thrones” and “Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves.” His untimely passing has left a void in the entertainment world.
