We believe there’s a superhero in each of us. True Superheroes celebrates people who’ve overcome adversity, made amazing contributions to society, and inspired others to do the same. Each week we nominate people in different fields. This week we focus on Game of Thrones.
Paddy Considine
King Viserys Targaryen’s turbulent rule of a once peaceful kingdom now at war with itself is mirrored in the life of the man who plays him. Paddy Considine’s reputation as a difficult actor known for playing violent, erratic men stemmed from a condition known as Irlen Syndrome, which caused him tremendous anxiety and fear before it was finally diagnosed in 2013. Now he’s found peace within himself, but can he hold the peace in Westeros?
Immediately after filming of the first series of Game of Thrones ended, Daenerys Targaryen - portrayed by Emilia Clarke - suffered a horrendous brain hemorrhage which left her fighting for her life and in fear of her future. Emilia’s determination to survive echoed that of her onscreen character, and now the Mother of Dragons is fighting for other survivors of traumatic brain injuries to receive the aftercare and support that was sadly lacking in her own treatment.
When Peter Dinklage set out on his acting career he was determined to avoid the exploitative roles that were typically the only ones available to dwarf actors. Consequently, he struggled to find work before landing the role of the hero of King’s Landing, Tyrion Lannister. Both Peter and Tyrion found that with great fame comes great responsibility and, like his fictional counterpart, Peter was initially reluctant but has risen to the challenge with aplomb.
