Charles Dance
Charles Dance – Life, Career, and Famous Quotes
Charles Dance (born 10 October 1946) is an English actor, screenwriter, and director celebrated for his commanding presence and roles as authority figures or villains. Discover his journey from stage to screen, his signature style, and memorable quotes.
Introduction
Walter Charles Dance (born 10 October 1946) is a distinguished English actor, screenwriter, and film director.
Known especially for his portrayals of stern, authoritarian, or villainous characters—such as Tywin Lannister in Game of Thrones—he has built a long and versatile career across theatre, television, and film.
In 2006, he was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his services to drama.
This article explores his background, his path into acting, his notable works, his style and public persona, and shares some of his most insightful and characteristic quotations.
Early Life and Family
Charles Dance was born in Redditch, Worcestershire, England. Walter Charles Dance.
His mother, Eleanor Marion (née Perks), worked as a cook; his father, Walter Dance, was an electrical engineer.
Dance’s father died when Charles was very young, and growing up he spent part of his youth in Plymouth, Devon, where he attended Widey Technical School for Boys in Crownhill.
He later studied graphic design and photography at the Plymouth College of Art and at the Leicester College of Arts (now part of De Montfort University).
During genealogical research on the show Who Do You Think You Are?, Dance discovered that on his mother’s side he had Belgian ancestry, tracing back to Spa, Belgium.
Career and Achievements
Theatre & Early Stage Work
Dance’s early career was rooted in theatre. He became associated with the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) in the 1970s, performing in a variety of classical plays.
He took on Shakespearean roles and other classics, and in 1989–1990 returned to the RSC to perform Coriolanus at Stratford and in London.
His theatre work built his reputation for gravitas, command, and a strong stage presence that later transferred well to screen roles.
Television & Film Breakthroughs
Dance’s first screen appearances date from the 1970s, including early television roles.
In 1981, he made his feature film debut in For Your Eyes Only (a James Bond film) in the role of “Claus.”
His breakthrough television role came in The Jewel in the Crown (1984), in which he played Guy Perron.
Over time, he became known for roles in critically acclaimed films: Gosford Park (2001), The Imitation Game (2014), Mank (2020), The King’s Man (2021).
He also appeared in Alien³ (1992), Last Action Hero (1993), Dracula Untold (2014), and Godzilla: King of the Monsters (2019).
On television, beyond The Jewel in the Crown, he played Mr. Tulkinghorn in Bleak House (2005), Tywin Lannister in Game of Thrones (2011–2015), and later Lord Mountbatten in The Crown (2019–2020).
His role in The Crown earned him a Primetime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series.
Directing & Writing
Dance has also ventured into directing and screenwriting. His film Ladies in Lavender (2004) was his directorial debut; he also wrote and executive produced it.
He later directed an adaptation of The Inn at the Edge of the World.
Honors & Recognition
-
In 2006, he was appointed OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) for his contributions to drama.
-
Over his career, he’s gained acclaim across stage, film, and television, often praised for his command, presence, and ability to imbue complex characters with authority and menace.
Style, Persona & Typecasting
Charles Dance is widely recognized for his austere, dignified, and authoritative screen persona. His physical bearing, measured voice, and classical training lend gravity to many of the roles he plays.
He is often cast as power figures—rulers, villains, bureaucrats, aristocrats—roles that require a strong presence and control.
In interviews, he has remarked that his face “lends itself to austere characters” and that he is drawn to villains when they are three-dimensional rather than flat stereotypes.
He also expresses a preference for projects with strong scripts and directors, rather than choosing roles solely for fame or commercial gain.
Off-screen, Dance has been quoted discussing doubts and wariness about rejecting work: he admitted he “didn’t have enough confidence” at times to turn down roles—even when he might have preferred to wait for something more suited.
Famous Quotes of Charles Dance
Here are some notable quotes that reflect his thoughts on acting, life, and the craft:
“A play takes over your life: you start to feel sick at lunchtime, and by mid-afternoon you're wishing for a bomb scare so the whole thing will be called off. Of course, if the evening goes well and you get the applause then it’s wonderful.”
“Unless it's complete and utter crap. I've got some pride. It’s more fun being the villain. And if the writing is good and the villain is three-dimensional, well, that's the most fun. The hard work is done for you.”
“Your senses are reeling all the time. Finally you find something to write and the very next day you go out and see something else which totally contradicts what you’ve written and every conclusion you’ve come to.”
“People think I have the benefit of a public school education. I have this suave and debonair label, but really, I’m as common as muck.”
“I got a lot of energy from directing the film ‘Ladies In Lavender.’ You wonder if you have the stamina … but as a director, you’re there from first thing in the morning to last thing at night every day of the week. I found it incredibly energising.”
These quotations show his frankness, his love for depth in character, and his occasional self-deprecation.
Lessons from Charles Dance
From the arc of his life and career, several lessons emerge:
-
Embrace depth over convenience
Dance chooses roles that allow complexity rather than following purely commercial paths. -
A strong foundation matters
His classical theatre roots and training empowered him to sustain a versatile and long career. -
Typecasting can be a tool, not a prison
Though often cast in similar-toned roles (villains, power figures), he brings nuance and gravitas that keep them fresh. -
Confidence evolves slowly
Even an actor of his stature admits to self-doubt and hesitation in rejecting projects—reminding us that success does not erase insecurity. -
Expand your craft
By moving into writing and directing, he broadened his creative influence beyond acting alone.
Conclusion
Charles Dance is a consummate English actor whose presence, craft, and choices have made him a compelling figure in stage and screen. His career illustrates how strength of character, a commitment to depth, and versatility across mediums can build a sustained legacy.