If you followed Slow Horses like I did, you hated the (now) late Spider Webb. And if you were in love with The Great, like me, you were also irritated by King Hugo, of Sweden. Roles that only the talented Freddie Fox could make us laugh and hate and love at the same time. Therefore, when it was announced that he would join the cast of House of the Dragon as Gwayne Hightower, I didn’t expect any other attitude from Alicent’s (Olivia Cooke) brother: arrogant, pedantic, and dangerous, as the actor knows how to interpret like few others.

In the case of the MAX series, Freddie’s personal life can help a little. He belongs to a famous clan of British theater and film actors, the son of actors Joanna David and Edward Fox, as well as the brother of Emily Fox, half-brother of Lucy Arabella Preston (Viscountess Gormanston), grandson of actress Angela Worthington Fox and of theatrical agent Robin Fox, and great-grandson of playwright Frederick Lonsdale, nephew of producer Robert Fox and actor James Fox, and cousin of actors Laurence, Jack and Lydia Fox. The lineage is still full of references to the English. Much like Gwayne, Freddie is linked to tradition.

Perhaps that’s why, undeniably talented, he stands out on the stage in London with texts from Shakespeare (where in 2015 he played a praised Romeo, directed by Kenneth Branagh, alongside Lily James, and most recently, in 2022, was also commended for his Hamlet). Freddie also shines on contemporary authors, which is important to challenge himself as an actor.

Freddie’s first major role on TV was as the androgynous singer Marilyn, in the Boy George biopic, Worried About the Boy. Since then, he has alternated between brute and elitist antagonists with more discreet roles, such as that of Margaret Thatcher‘s son, Mark, in The Crown, or dramatic ones, like that of murderer Jeremy Bamber, in White House Farm. Even at 35 years old, Freddie maintains a young appearance, deceiving people who forget that he already has all this long professional experience.

Freddie is perfect to play Gwayne, as we have already seen. Interestingly, back in the 2010s, he was the boyfriend of the original Daenerys, actress Tamzin Merchant, who filmed the Game of Thrones pilot when she was still with him (but was replaced by Emilia Clarke in the series). Currently, he is linked to actress Tanya Reynolds, of Sex Education. A funny reminder is that he has also worked before with Olivia Cooke in Slow Horses, giving us a quick “reunion” in his first scene in House of the Dragon.

Unfortunately, for those who enjoy his work, he will only be around until the end of season 2, if it ends as we hope, with the black takeover of King’s Landing. As a member of House Hightower, one of the noble families of Westeros, his loyalty to his family and his sister, Queen Alicent, placed him in opposition to the supporters of Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D’Arcy) thus sealing his short fate within the Civil War of House of the Dragon.

As we see, Gwayne merely tolerates Ser Criston Cole (Fabien Frankel) but does not respect him because he does not come from noble birth. At least in the book, the knight will survive the battles he will be fighting, but when the capital is vulnerable when Aemond (Ewan Mitchell) and Cole go after Daemon (Matt Smith) in Harrenhal, it is Gwayne’s command that will fail to defend the Greens. He will be betrayed by one of the men still loyal to Daemon when he tries to sound the alarm to call for reinforcements. Captured and disarmed, he will be killed with a sword in the belly, by Ser Luthor Largent, who will open the city gates to Rhaenyra’s supporters.

Witnessing Fred’s great roles so far, Being Gwayne Hightower will certainly have some memorable moments. Too bad they’re so fast!

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