Without knowing it,Game of ThronescreatorGeorge R.R. Martinleft a lasting impact in the final months of one man’s life.
On Sunday, ahead of theGOTseason premiere,This Is UscreatorDan Fogelmanrecalled a special memory from over a year ago involving Martin, 70, and his late friend Alex Hanan.
Opening up in a lengthy Twitter thread, Fogelman, 43, revealed how Hanan, who happened to be a hugeGOTfan, was waiting to meet up with him when Hanan unexpectedly ran into Martin outside of theSpringsteenBroadway theater in New York City.
What Fogelman believed would turn into an embarrassing night for the pair ultimately become a moment that he and Hanan never forgot — in part, because his friend died not long after the encounter.
“Over a year ago a close buddy and I get to see Springsteen’s Broadway show. It’s a big deal for us. My buddy, Alex, gets there super early, because he’s excited, and calls me as I’m in a cab heading there,” the television writerbegan.
“He’s talking a mile a minute. While waiting outside the theater, he has spotted George R. Martin [sic]. He says he’s going to go talk to him. I beg him not to. He hangs up on me,” Fogelmancontinued.
Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic for HBO
Fogelman, who described his friend as “larger than life,” “handsome,” “charming as hell,” and “obsessed withGame of Throneslike no one you’ve ever known,” said that Hanan rarely ever listened to anyone and insisted on speaking to Martin.
When Fogelman finally arrived, his friend revealed how he not only spoke to the legendary author and his wife — who mentioned they would likely be getting pizza after the show — but he also exchanged phone numbers with him.
Taken aback at their interaction, Fogelman said they headed intoSpringsteen, where Hanan spent the duration of the Broadway production wondering when he should text Martin.
“I beg him to let it go,” Fogelman wrote. “I know George will never reply and Alex will [b]e disappointed.”
Though theThis Is Uscreator was hesitant to go — “I’m convinced it’s going to end badly. A weird miscommunication. We are going to get ghosted,” he wrote — Fogelman tagged along with his friend.
“We eat pizza for an hour or two,” he recalled. “George and I talk shop. Alex tries to play it cool, only makes a few nerdy Thrones references. At meal’s end, George gives Alex a Westeros coin. Alex reacts stronger than is appropriate for a 40-something man. We all part ways. Alex is giddy.”
As Fogelman changed tones, he went on to explain how Martin’s actions truly impacted his cancer-stricken friend beyond that memorable night.
“Here’s what George R Martin didn’t know that night. My handsome, well-haired, larger than life pal Alex is battling a random case of stage 4 lung cancer,” he wrote. “He will pass away a year later. I will dedicate then S3 premiere ofThis Is Usto him.”
Dan Fogelman.Chelsea Guglielmino/WireImage
“But for that entire year, Alex never stops talking about his night with his hero,” Fogelman continued. “And, in turn, I will never stop telling that story. Or, bigger picture: Alex’s story. For our friends, watching this season’s GOT will be bittersweet without Alex texting us annoying spoilers.”
Aside from the great memory, Fogelman also requested that the story serves as a reminder of the “power of storytelling” and the “importance of kindness.”
In addition to the sweet anecdote, a Twitter user alsofound the photothat Hanan took with Martin that evening and shared it in response to one of the tweets in the thread.
Though many fans replied with kind messages and thanked Fogelman for sharing the story, it is currently unclear if theGOTcreator has read the tribute.
Martin’s reps did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
Game of Thronesairs Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO.
source: people.com
