Jesselyn Lamontagne

Written by Jesselyn Lamontagne

Published: 23 Apr 2025

36-facts-about-conleth-hill
Source: Theguardian.com

Conleth Hill, best known for his role as Varys in "Game of Thrones," is a fascinating actor with a rich career. Born in Northern Ireland, Hill has graced both stage and screen with his versatile talent. Did you know he has won two Laurence Olivier Awards? Beyond acting, Hill has a passion for theater and has directed several plays. His portrayal of Varys earned him critical acclaim, but his career spans much more. From his early days in Belfast to his rise in Hollywood, Hill's journey is filled with intriguing moments. Ready to learn more about this talented actor? Here are 36 facts that will surprise and delight you!

Table of Contents

Early Life and Background

Conleth Hill, an actor known for his versatile roles, has a fascinating background. Here are some intriguing details about his early life and upbringing.

  1. 01Born on November 24, 1964, in Ballycastle, Northern Ireland, Conleth Hill grew up in a small coastal town.
  2. 02Hill attended St. MacNissi's College, a Catholic grammar school in County Antrim.
  3. 03He later studied at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, graduating in 1988.
  4. 04Conleth has a brother, Ronan Hill, who is an Emmy-winning sound engineer.

Career Beginnings

Hill's career started on stage before transitioning to screen. His early roles set the foundation for his later success.

  1. 05Conleth Hill made his professional stage debut in 1988 with the play "The School for Wives" at the Lyric Theatre in Belfast.
  2. 06He won the Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role in 2001 for his performance in "Stones in His Pockets."
  3. 07Hill also received a Tony Award nomination for the same role when the play transferred to Broadway.
  4. 08He appeared in several productions with the Royal National Theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Company.

Game of Thrones Fame

Hill is perhaps best known for his role in the hit TV series "Game of Thrones." His portrayal of Varys, the Master of Whisperers, earned him widespread acclaim.

  1. 09Conleth Hill played Varys from 2011 to 2019, appearing in all eight seasons of "Game of Thrones."
  2. 10His character, Varys, was known for his cunning intelligence and network of spies.
  3. 11Hill shaved his head for the role, a significant transformation from his usual appearance.
  4. 12He shared many scenes with Peter Dinklage, who played Tyrion Lannister, and the two developed a strong off-screen friendship.

Other Notable Roles

Beyond "Game of Thrones," Hill has had a diverse acting career in both film and television.

  1. 13Conleth Hill starred in the British sitcom "Blue Heaven" in the early 1990s.
  2. 14He appeared in the 2009 film "Whatever Works," directed by Woody Allen.
  3. 15Hill played a recurring role in the TV series "Suits" as Edward Darby.
  4. 16He also starred in the British crime drama "Dublin Murders" in 2019.

Awards and Recognition

Hill's talent has been recognized with numerous awards and nominations throughout his career.

  1. 17Conleth Hill won the Irish Film & Television Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role in 2011 for "Game of Thrones."
  2. 18He received a Drama Desk Award nomination for Outstanding Actor in a Play for "The Seafarer" in 2008.
  3. 19Hill was nominated for the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series for "Game of Thrones" multiple times.
  4. 20He won the Critics' Circle Theatre Award for Best Actor in 2005 for his role in "The Producers."

Personal Life

Despite his fame, Hill keeps his personal life relatively private. However, some details have surfaced over the years.

  1. 21Conleth Hill is known for his humility and down-to-earth personality.
  2. 22He enjoys spending time in his hometown of Ballycastle when not working.
  3. 23Hill is an avid supporter of the Northern Ireland football team.
  4. 24He has a close-knit family and often credits them for his success.

Fun Facts

Here are some lighter, fun facts about Conleth Hill that fans might enjoy.

  1. 25Conleth Hill has a great sense of humor and often plays pranks on his co-stars.
  2. 26He is a talented singer and has performed in several musical productions.
  3. 27Hill is a fan of the band U2 and has attended many of their concerts.
  4. 28He enjoys cooking and often tries out new recipes in his spare time.

Philanthropy and Advocacy

Hill is also known for his philanthropic efforts and advocacy work.

  1. 29Conleth Hill supports several charities, including those focused on mental health and cancer research.
  2. 30He has participated in fundraising events for the Northern Ireland Hospice.
  3. 31Hill advocates for the arts and often speaks about the importance of supporting local theater.
  4. 32He has worked with the charity "Acting for Others," which provides financial and emotional support to theater workers in need.

Recent Projects

Even after "Game of Thrones," Hill continues to take on exciting new projects.

  1. 33Conleth Hill starred in the 2020 film "Here Are the Young Men," a coming-of-age drama.
  2. 34He appeared in the TV series "Vienna Blood" as Mendel Liebermann.
  3. 35Hill is set to star in the upcoming film "The Northman," directed by Robert Eggers.
  4. 36He continues to work in theater, recently performing in the play "Translations" at the National Theatre in London.

Conleth Hill: A Remarkable Talent

Conleth Hill's career is nothing short of impressive. From his unforgettable role as Varys in Game of Thrones to his extensive work in theater, Hill has proven his versatility as an actor. His dedication to his craft, combined with his natural talent, has earned him a place among the most respected actors in the industry. Beyond his professional achievements, Hill's humility and down-to-earth personality make him a beloved figure both on and off the screen. Whether you're a fan of his television work or his stage performances, there's no denying the impact he's had on the world of entertainment. As we look forward to his future projects, one thing is clear: Conleth Hill will continue to captivate audiences with his exceptional talent and unwavering passion for acting.

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