Ian Gelder, 1949–2024

Published on:
10th May 2024

Bristol Old Vic Theatre School was deeply saddened to learn of the death of Ian Gelder, a former acting student from the 1960s. His most notable television roles include Mr Dekker in Torchwood: Children of Earth, Kevan Lannister in Game of Thrones, and a guest-star role as Zellin in the twelfth series of Doctor Who.

After graduating from the Theatre School in 1969, Ian began his stage career as part of the illustrious Bristol Old Vic theatre company, before performing with the Royal Shakespeare Company for almost thirty years. Ian’s stage roles also took him to Cambridge Theatre Company, National Theatre and Jermyn Street Theatre amongst others.

The School extends our condolences to Ian’s loved ones, former classmates and colleagues. If you would like to share your memories of Ian, please email the team.

Header: Ruth Crafer
Graduate Sahir Mehta
As soon as I visited the School, I fell in love with the place. Perhaps it sounds a bit irrational, but sometimes you get a vibe - and you just know! BOVTS gave me all the tools I needed to prepare for a career as an actor. Sahir Mehta, MA Professional Acting, 2018