Peter Dinklage Reflects On Heartwarming Friendship With “Game Of Thrones” Co-Star Charles Dance
Who could have thought that behind the intense father-son rivalry between Game of Throne’s Tyrion Lannister and Tywin Lannister was a heartwarming off-screen relationship. Peter Dinklage, who played the character Tyrion, revealed during his appearance on Hot Ones on Oct. 17 that Charles Dance, who played the role of ruthless Tywin, was one of his favorite people to work with.
During the interview, host Sean Evans asked if it was true that Charles would regularly apologize to Peter for his character’s cruel treatment of Tyrion Lannister. Peter confirmed the rumor with a smile, sharing how Charles, 78, would often check in with him between takes.
“I love Charlie Dance,” Pater said fondly, adding, “he’s one of my favorite human beings.”
Despite their intense scenes on-screen — where Tywin humiliated Tyrion and ultimately sentenced him to death — the two actors shared a strong bond behind the scenes.
Peter recalled how Charles would come over after tough scenes, gently touching his shoulder. As he explained, “We would get really invested in those things. “Just like between every take, he would come over and just gently touch me on the shoulder.”
For Peter, the interactions “felt very paternal.”
“But, he played a horrible human being, but he’s one of my favorite human beings,” he added.
Charles has also spoken highly of his co-star in the past. Back in 2013, before the season 3 finale, he confessed to NME that he felt guilty for the way Tywin treated Tyrion on-screen. “I spend a lot of time with Peter Dinklage, and he’s the most adorable man, a wonderful actor,” he said during a conversation with NME.
“After all those scenes, I apologize to him every time. I have to treat him like s—, but he’s such a joy to work with,” he said further, hinting at much more hostility between the father and son characters.
Game of Thrones remains a cultural phenomenon, even after its series finale aired in May 2019. The show garnered 164 Emmy nominations and took home 59 awards throughout its eight-season run. While the show has ended, the world of Westeros continues with multiple spinoff series in development, including the highly successful prequel House of the Dragon, which premiered in August 2022.
