Before Neil Fingleton became Mag the Mighty in "Game of Thrones," he was a basketball player. He was also confirmed by "Guinness Book of Records" in 2007 as the tallest British-born man and the tallest man in the European Union at 7 ft 7.56 in. He is among the 25 tallest men in the world.
However on Saturday, it was reported that Fingleton died due to heart failure, and he was just 36 years old, USA Today said. A post of the Facebook page of the Tall Persons Club group said Sunday: "Sadly it has come to our attention that Neil Fingleton, Britain's Tallest Man, passed away on Saturday.
According to The Guardian, Fingleton also appeared in "X-Men: First Class" and "Jupiter Ascending." He also appeared in "Doctor Who." He started his basketball career in the US, and he was even awarded a basketball scholarship, playing at at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and later at College of the Holy Cross. His basketball career lasted until 2007, when an injury forced him to retire. He went home to Durham to pursue a career in showbusiness.
When asked about his height, Fingleton said that he has never been self-conscious about it. He said that he has never let his height play a negative part in his life. "I am more conscious of going bald so that should tell you," he added.
Fingleton's character in "Game Of Thrones" appeared in Season 4. Mar Tun Doh Weg, or Mag the Mighty to his wildlings, is a giant and a member of Mance Rayder's army. He is the leader amont the giants that joined the Free Folk army, and refers to himself as the "king" of the giants. He was during the Battle of Castle Black.
Actor Ian Whyte who played another giant in the series posted his condolences on Twitter. "Very sad to hear of the tragic passing of Neil Fingleton. He followed his dreams. Rest in peace," Whyte said.
