34 Facts About John Bradley

Early Life and Background

John Bradley, best known for his role as Samwell Tarly in "Game of Thrones," has an intriguing life story. Here are some fascinating facts about his early years and background.

1. 01Born on September 15, 1988, in Wythenshawe, Manchester, England, John Bradley grew up in a working-class family.
2. 02Attended St Paul's Roman Catholic High School, where he first developed an interest in acting.
3. 03His mother, a former dinner lady, raised him as a single parent after his father passed away when John was just a child.
4. 04John Bradley has a sister named Lizzie, who is a primary school teacher.
5. 05He pursued higher education at Loreto College in Hulme, Manchester, where he studied drama and theatre studies.
6. 06Later, he attended the Manchester School of Theatre, part of Manchester Metropolitan University, graduating in 2010 with a Bachelor of Arts in Acting.

Career Beginnings

Before becoming a household name, John Bradley had to work his way up in the acting world. Here are some key moments from the start of his career.

7. 07His first professional acting role was in the BBC drama "Borgia," where he played the character Giovanni di Lorenzo de' Medici.
8. 08John Bradley's big break came in 2011 when he was cast as Samwell Tarly in the HBO series "Game of Thrones."
9. 09He was selected for the role of Samwell Tarly just three months after graduating from drama school.
10. 10Despite being a newcomer, his performance in "Game of Thrones" earned him critical acclaim and a loyal fan base.

Game of Thrones Era

John Bradley's portrayal of Samwell Tarly in "Game of Thrones" is perhaps his most iconic role. Here are some interesting facts about his time on the show.

11. 11Samwell Tarly is one of the few characters to survive from the first season to the last.
12. 12John Bradley had to gain weight for the role, as Samwell Tarly is described as overweight in the books.
13. 13He formed a close friendship with co-star Kit Harington, who played Jon Snow.
14. 14His character's love for books and knowledge mirrored John's own interests in real life.
15. 15John Bradley's favorite scene to film was Samwell's discovery of the dragonglass at Dragonstone.
16. 16He appeared in a total of 48 episodes throughout the series.

Post-Game of Thrones Career

After "Game of Thrones," John Bradley continued to build his acting career. Here are some highlights from his post-GoT journey.

17. 17Starred in the 2019 film "Patient Zero," a post-apocalyptic horror movie.
18. 18Played the role of Scooter in the 2020 romantic comedy "Marry Me," alongside Jennifer Lopez and Owen Wilson.
19. 19Voiced the character of Eadric in the animated series "Tales of Arcadia: Wizards."
20. 20In 2021, he joined the cast of the sci-fi film "Moonfall," directed by Roland Emmerich.
21. 21John Bradley has also appeared in several stage productions, showcasing his versatility as an actor.

Personal Life and Interests

Beyond his acting career, John Bradley has a rich personal life and a variety of interests. Here are some facts about what he enjoys off-screen.

22. 22John Bradley is an avid reader, much like his character Samwell Tarly.
23. 23He enjoys playing video games in his spare time, with "The Legend of Zelda" series being one of his favorites.
24. 24He is a passionate supporter of Manchester United Football Club.
25. 25John Bradley has a pet cat named Mabel, who often features on his social media.
26. 26He is known for his sense of humor and often shares funny anecdotes during interviews.
27. 27John Bradley is a fan of classic rock music, with bands like The Beatles and Led Zeppelin among his favorites.

Fun Facts and Trivia

Here are some additional fun facts and trivia about John Bradley that you might find interesting.

28. 28John Bradley once worked as a bartender to support himself during his early acting days.
29. 29He has a fear of heights, which made filming certain scenes in "Game of Thrones" challenging.
30. 30John Bradley is left-handed.
31. 31He has a tattoo of a quill on his right arm, symbolizing his love for writing and storytelling.
32. 32John Bradley has expressed interest in writing a book someday.
33. 33He enjoys cooking and often experiments with new recipes in his kitchen.
34. 34John Bradley is known for his charitable work, supporting various causes including mental health awareness and animal welfare.

Final Thoughts on John Bradley

John Bradley's life is a tapestry of bravery, dedication, and resilience. From his iconic role in the flag-raising at Iwo Jima to his post-war contributions as a funeral director, Bradley's story is both inspiring and humbling. His actions during World War II earned him numerous accolades, yet he remained a modest hero, rarely speaking of his wartime experiences. Bradley's legacy extends beyond his military service; his commitment to family and community left a lasting impact on those who knew him. Understanding Bradley's life offers a glimpse into the sacrifices made by the Greatest Generation. His story reminds us of the enduring values of courage, humility, and service. As we reflect on his contributions, Bradley's life serves as a powerful reminder of the profound impact one individual can have on history and the lives of others.