Charles Dance is an English theatre, film, and television actor, director, and screenwriter, internationally acclaimed for portraying authoritative, intellectually intimidating characters. He achieved global recognition through his portrayal of Tywin Lannister in the television series Game of Thrones, a performance that cemented his reputation as one of the most commanding character actors of his generation.

Early Life and Education

Charles Dance was born as Walter Charles Dance on 10 October 1946 in Redditch, Worcestershire, England, to Eleanor Dance and Walter Dance. His father died when Dance was only four years old, an event that significantly shaped his early life.

He was educated in Leicester, one of England’s oldest cities, where he studied graphic design at the Widey Technical School of Art. He later graduated from Plymouth College of Art, initially pursuing a career in design before turning decisively toward acting.

Theatre Foundations

After moving to London, Charles Dance joined the prestigious Royal Shakespeare Company, where he developed a strong classical foundation. His stage work refined his vocal control, physical authority, and interpretive discipline, qualities that would later define his screen performances.

Early Film Career

Charles Dance first gained wider attention in cinema by portraying a Bond villain in For Your Eyes Only (1981), starring Roger Moore. This role introduced him to international audiences and established his suitability for sophisticated antagonists.

In 1992, he played Clemens in Alien 3, directed by David Fincher and starring Sigourney Weaver. The role further solidified his presence in major Hollywood productions.

Directorial Work

Beyond acting, Charles Dance demonstrated his creative range by writing and directing Ladies in Lavender (2004), starring Judi Dench and Maggie Smith. The film was praised for its restrained emotional tone and classical storytelling, highlighting Dance’s sensitivity behind the camera.

Global Recognition with Game of Thrones

Between 2011 and 2015, Charles Dance portrayed Tywin Lannister in Game of Thrones, a role that brought him worldwide acclaim. As the calculating patriarch of House Lannister, Dance delivered a performance marked by icy authority and political intelligence.

The series also starred Peter Dinklage, Lena Headey, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Emilia Clarke, Kit Harington, Iain Glen, and Sibel Kekilli, with Dance’s Tywin widely regarded as one of the show’s most memorable characters.

Later Career and Collaborations

In 2014, Charles Dance appeared in The Imitation Game alongside Benedict Cumberbatch and Keira Knightley. He continued to work steadily across genres, appearing in historical epics, fantasy films, thrillers, and television series.

Personal Life

Charles Dance married Joanna Haythorn in 1970. The couple divorced on 1 February 2004 and have three children: Oliver Dance, Rebecca Dance, and Rose Dance. Following his divorce, he was in a relationship with actress Sophia Myles.

Filmography

Director

2004 – Ladies in Lavender

Screenwriter

2004 – Ladies in Lavender

Film and Television – Actor

1981 – For Your Eyes Only (Villain)
1985 – Plenty (Raymond Brock)
1986 – The Golden Child (Sardo Numspa)
1987 – White Mischief (Josslyn Hay)
1987 – The Secret City
1987 – Good Morning, Babylon
1988 – Pascali’s Island (Anthony Bowles)
1989 – GoldenEye (TV Film)
1990 – The Phantom of the Opera (Erik) – TV Film
1992 – Alien 3 (Clemens)
1993 – Last Action Hero (Benedict)
1994 – China Moon (Rupert Munro)
1995 – Exquisite Tenderness (Dr. Ed Mittlesbay)
1996 – Space Truckers (Nabel / Macanudo)
1997 – Blood Orange (Cyril)
1998 – Hilary and Jackie (Derek du Pré)
1998 – What Rats Won’t Do (Gerald Burton Jr.)
2001 – The Kumars at No. 42 (Himself) – TV Series
2001 – Gosford Park (Raymond Stockbridge)
2001 – Dark Blue World (Bentley)
2002 – Ali G Indahouse (David Carlton)
2003 – Swimming Pool (John Bosload)
2006 – Alive and Kicking
2007 – Shooter (Andrew Windsor)
2010 – Strike Back (Conrad Knox) – TV Series
2010 – Burke and Hare (Solano)
2011 – Ironclad (Archbishop Langton)
2011 – Your Highness
2011–2015 – Game of Thrones (Tywin Lannister) – TV Series
2012 – Underworld: Awakening
2012 – St George’s Day (Trenchard)
2013 – Patrick (Doctor Roget)
2013 – Justin and the Knights of Valour (Legantir – voice)
2014 – Dracula Untold (Master Vampire)
2014 – The Imitation Game
2014 – Enemy of Man (Duncan)
2014 – Viy 3D
2015 – Woman in Gold (Sherman)
2015 – Child 44
2015 – Pride and Prejudice and Zombies
2016 – Me Before You
2017 – God Particle

Source: Biyografiler.com