Westcliff’s Darren Kent, who starred in the hit HBO fantasy drama Game of Thrones, died last week.

The acclaimed actor was known for working alongside some of the big names in Hollywood including Twilight star Kristen Stewart and 24 actor Kiefer Sutherland. 

But away from the spotlight, he devoted his time supporting disabled, non-disabled and disadvantaged people to enjoy the power of performing arts as patron of Equal People Performing Arts.

During his career Darren appeared in Snow White and the Huntsman and Eastenders. 

Darren was assigned the role by the founder of Mushroom Theatre Company, Penni Bubb in 2018.

Darren with (L to R) Amanda Hart, founder of Adult Provision (PALS - Performing Arts Life Skills) and Penni Bubb (Image: Mushroom Theatre Company)

She said: “Darren was a very supportive, generous and lovely man.

“He thoroughly enjoyed spending his time with us and performing for our students – especially when he used to sing for them!

“We are going to miss our much-loved patron so much, and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this terribly sad time.”

Fellow patron Lee Mead, from Southend, was quick to pay his respects for his colleague and friend.

He said: “Darren was an amazing human being and so special.

“[He was] always giving of his time to people and always so positive.

“A fine actor too and he achieved so much as well.

“Such heartbreaking news.”

Darren was an amazing human being and so special. Always giving of his time to people and always so positive. A fine actor too and he achieved so much as well. Such heartbreaking news 💔 https://t.co/sQEu1YocJz

— Lee Mead (@leemeadofficial) August 14, 2023

Fellow actor Mark Haldor described Darren as a "positive, kind, caring, and giving person". 

He said: "Darren inspired me every day of his life.

"He never let his circumstances dull his shine and regardless of any obstacles, achieved so many things in his life and career many of us only dream of.

"Not only an inspiration he was always every one else’s biggest supporter too."

In 2008, Darren landed his big break in Mirrors shortly after his studies at Italia Conti stage school, in London, concluded.

But it was not plain sailing as he battled and overcame osteoporosis, arthritis and an extremely rare skin disorder.

Four-years-later, Darren was left speechless after he was named Best Actor in the Van D’Or Awards by critic Barry Norman for his role in Sunnyboy, which was filmed in Southend and Rochford.

The star was a pupil at Bromfords School, in Wickford, before his family moved to Victoria Road, in Leigh.