Charles Dance is an English actor best known for playing the formidable Tywin Lannister in the hit series Game of Thrones and Lord Mountbatten in The Crown, roles that made him one of the most recognisable faces on television and earned him a devoted following. With his commanding presence and his gift for playing powerful, complex men, he has built a career that spans television, film and theatre, and he has become known as much for his warmth off screen as for his intensity on it.
| Full Name | Walter Charles Dance |
| Date of Birth | October 10, 1946 |
| Age | 80 years old (as of November 2026) |
| Birthplace | Redditch, Worcestershire, England |
| Nationality | British |
| Height | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) |
| Profession | Actor, director, screenwriter |
| Known For | Game of Thrones, The Crown, The Imitation Game |
| Children | Three, Oliver, Rebecca and Rose |
| Net Worth | Approx. $10 million (Celebrity Net Worth, 2025) |
Who Is Charles Dance?
Charles Dance is an actor who became a star playing powerful, complex men. He first found fame as Guy Perron in the television series The Jewel in the Crown in 1984, a role that earned him a BAFTA nomination, and then in the film Plenty in 1985, in which he played Raymond Brock. He went on to appear in Last Action Hero in 1993, in which he played the villain Benedict, and in Gosford Park in 2001.
Dance became known to a new generation as Tywin Lannister in the HBO series Game of Thrones in 2011, a role that made him a household name and that earned him widespread praise. He also appeared in The Crown in 2019, in which he played Lord Mountbatten, and in The Imitation Game in 2014, in which he played Commander Denniston.
Early Life & Background
Walter Charles Dance was born on October 10, 1946, in Redditch, Worcestershire, England, the son of a civil engineer father, and he grew up in Plymouth, Devon, where he attended Widey Technical School for Boys. He studied graphic design at the Plymouth College of Art, and then at the Leicester College of Arts, where he began acting in student productions.
After studying graphic design, Dance worked as a graphic designer for several years, and he began acting in his late twenties, appearing in plays at the Royal Shakespeare Company. He also appeared on television, including in the series The Jewel in the Crown, and in film, including in Plenty, which made him a star.
He was married to Joanna Haythorn from 1970 to 2004, and they have two children, Oliver and Rebecca. He has a daughter, Rose, with his long-term partner Eleanor Boorman. He was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in 2006, and he lives in London.
Career
Dance’s breakthrough came with The Jewel in the Crown in 1984, in which he played Guy Perron, opposite Art Malik. The series was a huge success, and Dance went on to appear in Plenty, Last Action Hero and Gosford Park, and he became known for his commanding presence and his effortless charm.
After The Jewel in the Crown, Dance appeared in Game of Thrones, in which he played Tywin Lannister, opposite Sean Bean as Ned Stark, and in The Crown, The Imitation Game and Mank. He also directed the film Ladies in Lavender in 2004, and he continues to act in television and film.
Like fellow Game of Thrones star Liam Cunningham, Dance is known for a defining role in a fantasy epic, and for the warmth and intensity he brings to every performance. He continues to act and direct, and he remains one of the most beloved actors in cinema and television.
Facts About Charles Dance
- Charles Dance played Tywin Lannister in Game of Thrones and Lord Mountbatten in The Crown.
- He was nominated for a BAFTA for his performance in The Jewel in the Crown.
- He was born in Redditch, Worcestershire, England, in 1946, and studied graphic design.
- He directed the film Ladies in Lavender in 2004, starring Judi Dench and Maggie Smith.
- He was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in 2006.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Charles Dance?
Charles Dance was born on October 10, 1946, which makes him 80 years old as of November 2026.
How tall is Charles Dance?
Charles Dance is 6 feet 3 inches tall (1.91 metres).
What is Charles Dance’s net worth?
Charles Dance’s net worth is estimated at approximately $10 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth in 2025.
What is Charles Dance best known for?
Charles Dance is best known for playing Tywin Lannister in Game of Thrones and Lord Mountbatten in The Crown.