Without knowing it, Game of Thrones creator George R.R. Martin left a lasting impact in the final months of one man’s life.
On Sunday, ahead of the GOT season premiere, This Is Us creator Dan Fogelman recalled a special memory from over a year ago involving Martin, 70, and his late friend Alex Hanan.
Opening up in a lengthy Twitter thread, Fogelman, 43, revealed how Hanan, who happened to be a huge GOT fan, was waiting to meet up with him when Hanan unexpectedly ran into Martin outside of the Springsteen Broadway theater in New York City.
What Fogelman believed would turn into an embarrassing night for the pair ultimately become a moment that he and Hanan never forgot — in part, because his friend died not long after the encounter.
“Over a year ago a close buddy and I get to see Springsteen’s Broadway show. It’s a big deal for us. My buddy, Alex, gets there super early, because he’s excited, and calls me as I’m in a cab heading there,” the television writer began.
“He’s talking a mile a minute. While waiting outside the theater, he has spotted George R. Martin . He says he’s going to go talk to him. I beg him not to. He hangs up on me,” Fogelman continued.
RELATED: George R.R. Martin Reveals the Game of Thrones Prequel Title: The Long Night
Fogelman, who described his friend as “larger than life,” “handsome,” “charming as hell,” and “obsessed with Game of Thrones like no one you’ve ever known,” said that Hanan rarely ever listened to anyone and insisted on speaking to Martin.
When Fogelman finally arrived, his friend revealed how he not only spoke to the legendary author and his wife — who mentioned they would likely be getting pizza after the show — but he also exchanged phone numbers with him.
Taken aback at their interaction, Fogelman said they headed into Springsteen, where Hanan spent the duration of the Broadway production wondering when he should text Martin.
“I beg him to let it go,” Fogelman wrote. “I know George will never reply and Alex will e disappointed.”
I arrive at the theater. Alex is waiting, bursting with energy as always. He tells me he approached George. Got a picture. And, somehow – miraculously – got George R Martin’s cell phone number. George was with his wife and told Alex they usually go for pizza after a show.
— Dan Fogelman (@Dan_Fogelman) April 14, 2019
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
Despite Fogelman’s advice, Hanan insisted on messaging the GOT author and did so immediately after the show ended. Surprisingly, Fogelman said Martin wrote back and invited the pair to join him and his wife at a nearby pizza place.
Though the This Is Us creator was hesitant to go — “I’m convinced it’s going to end badly. A weird miscommunication. We are going to get ghosted,” he wrote — Fogelman tagged along with his friend.
“We eat pizza for an hour or two,” he recalled. “George and I talk shop. Alex tries to play it cool, only makes a few nerdy Thrones references. At meal’s end, George gives Alex a Westeros coin. Alex reacts stronger than is appropriate for a 40-something man. We all part ways. Alex is giddy.”
We eat pizza for an hour or two. George and I talk shop. Alex tries to play it cool, only makes a few nerdy Thrones references. At meal’s end, George gives Alex a Westeros coin. Alex reacts stronger than is appropriate for a 40-something man.
We all part ways. Alex is giddy.
— Dan Fogelman (@Dan_Fogelman) April 14, 2019
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
RELATED: Game of Thrones Is Back — and Jon Snow Finally Knows Something
As Fogelman changed tones, he went on to explain how Martin’s actions truly impacted his cancer-stricken friend beyond that memorable night.
“Here’s what George R Martin didn’t know that night. My handsome, well-haired, larger than life pal Alex is battling a random case of stage 4 lung cancer,” he wrote. “He will pass away a year later. I will dedicate then S3 premiere of This Is Us to him.”
RELATED: Game of Thrones Releases 14 Photos from the Second Episode of Season 8
“But for that entire year, Alex never stops talking about his night with his hero,” Fogelman continued. “And, in turn, I will never stop telling that story. Or, bigger picture: Alex’s story. For our friends, watching this season’s GOT will be bittersweet without Alex texting us annoying spoilers.”
Aside from the great memory, Fogelman also requested that the story serves as a reminder of the “power of storytelling” and the “importance of kindness.”
“Our friend, Alex Hanan, is watching TV tonight from above. Spoiling every single reveal for everyone up there, driving everyone nuts,” he joked. “Thank you George R Martin for making what would turn out to be Alex’s last year. And thanks to all involved for making his favorite show.”
Found it!! pic.twitter.com/tMPzhhbVXp
— debra bluman (@superfandeb) April 15, 2019
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
In addition to the sweet anecdote, a Twitter user also found the photo that Hanan took with Martin that evening and shared it in response to one of the tweets in the thread.
Though many fans replied with kind messages and thanked Fogelman for sharing the story, it is currently unclear if the GOT creator has read the tribute.
Martin’s reps did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
Martin’s best-selling book, A Song of Ice and Fire, was brought to the screen by HBO in 2011. Now known as Game of Thrones, the fantasy series has been on the air for eight years and is currently in the midst of its eighth and final season.
Game of Thrones airs Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO.
from PEOPLE.com http://bit.ly/2DiZYhc
0 comments:
Post a Comment