Charles Dance

Charles Dance (born 10 October 1946) is an English actor, screenwriter and director. He was set for a career in graphic design before switching to acting in the 1970s, when he joined the Royal Shakespeare Company. His television breakthrough came in the 1984 series The Jewel in the Crown.

In the United States, Dance became best-known for playing villains, most notably in the films The Golden Child and Last Action Hero (where he acted against Eddie Murphy and Arnold Schwarznegger respectively). He also played a henchmen of the main villain in the James Bond movie For Your Eyes Only, where he met and acted alongside fellow Thrones actor Julian Glover. Dance also had a rare 'good guy' Hollywood role as Dr. Clemens in Alien 3. Dance's most recent television appearances were as the Witchfinder in an episode of Merlin, as Havelock Vetinari in the Sky adaptation of Going Postal and as Dr. Maltravers in the ITV drama Trinity.

In Game of Thrones Dance plays Lord Tywin Lannister. He was confirmed in the role on 29 July 2010.