Richard Dormer, known for his roles in Game of Thrones and Blue Lights, is a highly successful actor from Northern Ireland. In an interview, he mentioned his decision not to portray terrorists in his work.
Richard Dormer from Game of Thrones and Blue Lights is one of Northern Ireland’s most successful actors.
Despite gaining recognition through notable roles in series like Game of Thrones and Blue Lights, earlier in his career, the offered roles didn’t align with what he desired.
“For about two decades, my accent was instantly associated with terrorism, impacting my career trajectory.
“Refusing roles portraying terrorists or thugs, I steered clear of TV and film. Instead, I immersed myself in theater for 20 years. Perhaps it was a blessing in disguise; it honed my acting skills,” he shared on BBC Radio Ulster’s Talkback program.
Dormer discovered his passion for acting in school, finding solace on stage. Encouraged by supportive parents, he swiftly entered RADA (Royal Academy of Dramatic Art) within a year, opting for it among several prestigious drama schools. Within three years, he graced the West End stage.
“It seemed too effortless. I even took a break for three years, thinking I had achieved what I wanted.”
At one point, he contemplated abandoning acting for a conventional job.
Encountering an old friend on a Dublin bridge led him back to Belfast’s Lyric theatre.
“Finally, my breakthrough arrived with Good Vibrations, portraying a man defying the Troubles, which was a beautiful experience,” he expressed.
Playing Terri Hooley in Good Vibrations, Dormer embodied Northern Ireland’s ‘godfather of punk,’ pivotal in The Undertones’ debut EP.
“Northern Ireland brims with exceptional poets and musicians; now, we’re acknowledged for that,” Dormer reflected.
“But it was a long journey. Previously, whenever I passed through airports, I felt singled out for searches, like a second-class citizen. That changed, perhaps, with Good Vibrations.”
Portraying Beric Dondarrion in Game of Thrones brought widespread recognition, yet it was his portrayal of snooker legend Alex Higgins in Hurricane that led to a memorable encounter with an esteemed acting figure.
Following a performance, Dormer found himself face-to-face with John Hurt. Recalling the moment, Dormer shared, “It was the closing night of Hurricane in the West End. I was unwinding with a beer in my dressing room when I encountered a figure in a long white raincoat standing alone at the bar. He embraced me for what felt like a minute, expressing his admiration, saying, ‘fan-[expletive]-tastic.'”
Hurt held a special place as Dormer’s acting idol. Reflecting on a cherished memory, Dormer recounted, “He was my hero. On the first day at RADA, I spotted him strolling down the street. I sprinted after him, and he graciously signed my overdraft statement. I’ve cherished that autograph since.”
Sharing this anecdote with Hurt during their encounter brought joy to both. Dormer reminisced, “He loved that story. He was an incredible person – a fantastic, brilliant actor and an absolute pleasure to meet.”
Despite being a skilled and versatile performer, he found himself constantly offered roles as terrorists due to his Northern Irish background. In a bold and inspiring move, Richard made the decision to turn down these stereotypical roles, choosing not to work rather than perpetuate harmful stereotypes. His courage and determination in standing up against typecasting in the entertainment industry is truly commendable and sets an example for others. It’s time for Hollywood to move past these narrow-minded casting practices and embrace the talent and diversity that actors like Richard Dormer have to offer. Let’s support more actors like him who are challenging the status quo and pushing for positive change in the industry. Stay tuned for more updates on this important issue and let’s keep the conversation going. #EndTypecasting
Source: BBC News
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