There are enough reasons for Game of Thrones fans to be scared of George R.R. Martin. First, because the man just keeps on killing our favourite characters. Second, a 70-year-old man whose mind created the ‘Red Wedding’ can never be trusted.
Martin, in most of his public appearances, has always been absolutely savage. So even if a fan were given a chance to meet him, I’m pretty sure he/she would get a major anxiety attack!
However, one very popular fan took on Twitter to narrate a story of Martin and it’s not quite what we expected.
Dan Fogelman, the creator of the American TV series This Is Us, narrated a story concerning his friend Alex, a die-hard GOT fan, and his hero, George R.R Martin.
Anyone want a quick personal story about George R. Martin/#GameofThrones?
— Dan Fogelman (@Dan_Fogelman) April 14, 2019
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.
— Dan Fogelman (@Dan_Fogelman) April 14, 2019
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.
— Dan Fogelman (@Dan_Fogelman) April 14, 2019
Now, a bit about Alex. He is larger than life. Handsome and charming as hell, with the best head of hair you’ve ever seen. He’s also obsessed w Game of Thrones like no one you’ve ever known. And he never listens to anyone so I just KNOW he’s going to go accost George R. Martin.
— Dan Fogelman (@Dan_Fogelman) April 14, 2019
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
Alex says to him: “maybe we will join you.” Alex and I chuckle at his chutzpah.
— Dan Fogelman (@Dan_Fogelman) April 14, 2019
We see Springsteen. The entire show Alex is debating when to text George. I beg him to let it go. I know George will never reply and Alex will he disappointed.
— Dan Fogelman (@Dan_Fogelman) April 14, 2019
The Springsteen show ends. It’s amazing. Alex, as I knew he would, immediately texts George. And to my absolute shock… George R Martin writes Alex back! He tells us to meet them at a local pizza joint.
— Dan Fogelman (@Dan_Fogelman) April 14, 2019
Alex and I go. I’m convinced it’s going to end badly. A weird miscommunication. We are going to get ghosted. At least it will be a funny story. And then…
George and his lovely wife arrive.
— Dan Fogelman (@Dan_Fogelman) April 14, 2019
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
However, the story now takes an unexpectedly touching turn, and tbh, none of us saw this coming.
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 will pass away a year later. I will dedicate then S3 premiere of This Is Us to him.
— Dan Fogelman (@Dan_Fogelman) April 14, 2019
But for that entire year, Alex never stops talking about his night with his hero. 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.
— Dan Fogelman (@Dan_Fogelman) April 14, 2019
But it will also be a reminder of our friend, who we miss terribly. And for me; not just a reminder of the power of storytelling. But also also a reminder of the importance of kindness (for no other reason than being kind) these days.
— Dan Fogelman (@Dan_Fogelman) April 14, 2019
Our friend, Alex Hanan, is watching TV tonight from above. Spoiling every single reveal for everyone up there, driving everyone nuts.
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.
— Dan Fogelman (@Dan_Fogelman) April 14, 2019
He also shared a picture of his friend Alex with Martin from that memorable night.
Alex with George R.R. Martin! #GameOfThrones https://t.co/emUEAisS6J
— Dan Fogelman (@Dan_Fogelman) April 15, 2019
Fans were extremely moved by this side of Martin. His little act of kindness did not just change Alex’s life, but changed everyone’s perspective of him!
Dammit. I didn’t expect tears. #GOT
— Ines (@InesD) April 15, 2019
George RRMartin is a wonderful nd generous man. He tweeted for my daughter’s Boston marathon run 3 years ago and gave her a bunch of signed books as prizes for people who donated to her charitable cause.
Good man. Just a good man.
— R.A. Salvatore (@r_a_salvatore) April 16, 2019
How? How do you manage to stir my emotions even with a story told on Twitter? I sorry you lost your friend and happy you have such fond memories to honor him with.
— Stacy L. (@LarkinStacy) April 14, 2019
This story was so sad and so beautiful at the same time. You made me cry so hard my cat – who coincidentally is named Khaleesi – started looking at me funny. She actually had a concerned look on her face. pic.twitter.com/V62msudKPf
— Paula (@Charisma69) April 16, 2019
Im not crying you are crying.
— Lia (@raenstorm) April 15, 2019
DAMN. That HIT. Thank you for telling your story. Alex is SMILING.
— Christina (@BrownChompSoup) April 15, 2019
Evidently, the man never fails to surprise, inside and outside GOT!