In Honor of Peter Vaughan, Here Are Maester Aemon’s Most Memorable ‘Game of Thrones’ Moments

On Tuesday, Dec. 6, the actor Peter Vaughan passed away at age 93. His agent stated that Vaughan “died peacefully with his family around him.”

In a career that started in the 1950s, Vaughan had gained new renown for his role as Maester Aemon on HBO’s Game of Thrones. The actor had appeared in numerous British television series over the years and was often recognized for his performance as the menacing Harry Grout in the popular prison sitcom Porridge.

Vaughan was a self-described character actor who considered himself very fortunate to have his extensive résumé. “They talk about actors resting. The only time I have ever rested in my 77 years as an actor has been when I’ve wanted to. Lucky, lucky, lucky,” he once said.

Outside his career in TV, Vaughan had prominent roles in Sam Peckinpah’s Straw Dogs, Terry Gilliam’s Brazil, and alongside Anthony Hopkins in The Remains of the Day.

On Game of Thrones, the actor stood tall amongst a cast of bombastic, dynamic characters and performances while playing the blind, soft-spoken maester tasked with advising and guiding Jon Snow and the men of the Night’s Watch. Above are three of his most memorable moments from Game of Thrones. Rest in peace, Peter Vaughan.