10 TV Shows That Killed Off Their Biggest Stars

10. Sean Bean - Game Of Thrones

Back in more innocent times, it looked as though Ned Stark was going to be the true main character of Game of Thrones, especially for audiences who had never read George R. R. Martin's novels.

Going into the show, Sean Bean was a beloved Hollywood megastar, having had roles in projects such as The Lord of the Rings, Patriot Games, GoldenEye, and The Island. A fan favourite, Bean landing the role of the Stark family patriarch proved to be a match made in heaven, as he brought great maturity and likability to the character.

Ned Stark was the moral centre of the show's first season, and looked poised to stay that way. That was, until Joffrey Baratheon (Jack Gleeson) had him executed for treason when he was meant to be pardoned, shattering the hearts of fans worldwide in one swing of the executioner's sword.

It was a harsh end to a great and just character, cementing Game of Thrones as a show that would not be kind to its characters or the actors playing them.

Perhaps we were all naive, though, thinking there was chance Sean Bean would make it through the show unscathed.