7-foot-7 ex-UNC player, Game of Thrones actor Neil Fingleton dead at 36
The former Tar Heel finished his career at Holy Cross before moving into acting
Former North Carolina basketball player Neil Fingleton has died at age 36 due to heart failure, according to the Associated Press.
The former 7-foot-7 hoops star, who was named a McDonald’s All-American in 2000, began his basketball journey at North Carolina before transferring after one year to finish his college career at Holy Cross.
Because of his height, he was a natural at the game of hoops. Not only did he play in college, but he went on to play a short stint of professional ball in the U.S. and Europe before switching professions to become an actor.
Fingleton, who is Britain’s tallest man according to The Tall Persons Club, notably played Mag in the HBO series “Game of Thrones” — a fearsome giant on the north side of the wall that was guarded by Lord Commander Jon Snow.
He also appeared in several films including “417 Ronin” and “X-Men: First Class.”
Finlgeton averaged 2.7 points 1.1 rebounds per game throughout his college career, according to sports reference.
