A DOCUMENTARY is to be made about a basketball player-turned-actor who was also Britain’s tallest man.
Neil Fingleton, who was in Game of Thrones and Doctor Who as well as the X-Men and Avengers movies, was 7ft 7ins by the time he stopped growing at 18.
Today is the third anniversary of the 36-year-old’s death from natural causes in his Durham home.
A funeral service was held in Durham Cathedral and now his life story is to be the subject of a film called ‘Big Smooth.’
Filmmaker Paul Stainthorpe, who will go behind the camera, has the full support of Neil’s family.
He said: “I wouldn’t continue with the project without their blessing.
“It’s been really great to meet Neil’s family and a truly humbling experience. I can’t thank them enough for putting their trust in me.”
Neil lived in Gilesgate, but, at 16, he moved to America to be educated and pursue a career in basketball.
He spent the next decade playing high school, college, ABA and professional basketball.
After a serious back injury while signed to North Carolina he returned to play in England.
He also played in Spain and Greece, but injuries mounted resulting in the end of Neil’s playing career.
Undeterred, Neil found an agent which introduced him to the world of acting.
Despite the size difference, he had ‘one-to-one’ training from the actor, Warwick Davis, who is 3ft 6ins, and launched his second career choice.
After appearing in a number of documentaries, TV programmes and international TV commercials he began to audition for film roles.
In his short career he acted with Keanu Reeves in the samurai action film, 47 Ronin, Mila Kunis in Jupiter Assending and numerous Hollywood stars in X-Men: First Class and Avengers: Age of Ultron.
He also played a significant role as The Fisher King in Doctor Who.
The role that most people remember Neil for is the character, Mag The Mighty in the TV hit, Game of Thrones.
Paul said: “Neil was found dead three years ago, but his ‘never give up’ attitude is an inspiration to us all and his life story encourages us all to strive to reach our potential.
“He did things big and he did them smoothly.
“People looked up to Neil and it wasn’t always in the physical sense.
“He inspired and touched the hearts of many.”
If anyone knew Neil and would like to contribute to the project, they can contact the film making team on: bigsmooth@lonepinepictures.co.uk
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