British actor Peter Vaughan, best known for roles in Game of Thrones and Porridge, has died at the age of 93, reports BBC.

He played Maester Aemon in the HBO series and Grouty in the TV sitcom.

His many other roles included parts in TV shows Citizen Smith, Chancer and Our Friends in the North.

His agent Sally Long-Innes said: "This is to confirm that very sadly Peter Vaughan passed away at approximately 10.30 this morning. He died peacefully with his family around him."

Vaughan began acting in the 1950s and became a recognizable face by playing numerous mainly supporting roles on stage, television and film.

He specialized in characters with a tough edge - such as police officers, secret agents and authoritarian elders.

Vaughan described himself as a character actor, saying he did not have the looks to play romantic leads.

He was never out of work for long, but Vaughan was not overly fond of only being recognized for Porridge.

However Game of Thrones brought him a new level of fame with a younger audience at the age of 86, and he remained in the show for five years.