John Stahl, a Scottish character actor, gained widespread recognition for his portrayal of Lord Richard Karstark, a complex character who transitions from being an ally to a betrayer of Robb Stark, in seasons two and three of HBO's Game of Thrones, a global phenomenon that premiered in 2011.
As a classically trained thespian, Stahl's extensive career spanned multiple platforms, including numerous theatrical productions. He had the privilege of working with esteemed institutions such as the Royal Shakespeare Company and the National Theatre.
Stahl's journey in the performing arts began at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, where he honed his craft. He started his career as an assistant director for a stage company before transitioning to on-screen roles.
His early acting credits date back to 1976, with a recurring character in the British soap opera Take the High Road, set in the fictional Scottish village of Glendarroch. The show, which aired in the 1980s, catapulted Stahl to prominence.
In 2016, Stahl took on the role of Scottish regent Murdac (or Murdoch) Stewart (1362-1425) in Rona Munro's play James I. The production opened in Edinburgh and subsequently toured New Zealand, Australia, and Canada.
Throughout his life, Stahl was a passionate advocate for Scottish independence. He passed away on the Isle of Lewis on March 2, 2022.
