The actor, musician and now DJ behind everyone's favourite warrior/eunuch Grey Worm, Raleigh Ritchie took some time out of his hectic schedule to talk to Esquire about the pressures of Game of Thrones, perks of the job and who he sees taking the Iron Throne.
Let's get the big one out of the way first. Who do you think is the toughest character in Game of Thrones?
It's got to be Grey Worm vs The Mountain in a trial by battle, and I see Grey Worm taking him down, why not? Oberyn nearly had him, but he let his emotions get in the way. I don't see that happening to Grey Worm. He's cool, he's quick, he'd get it done.
What's been the highlight of your career so far? The coolest moment?
It has to be last year at Glastonbury (where Raleigh performed) when I brought my friends and family out on stage with me at the end. I had to stop and let that one sink in. To be playing at my dream festival, and to see how happy they were for me. That was a champagne moment for sure.
What is the best piece of advice you've ever been given?
'Fortune favours the brave'. It's something my dad said to me while I was growing up, and I carry it with me to this day. I don't want to be scared. I want to keep taking risks, keep working hard. I'm not getting much sleep at the moment, but I love what I do.
Your character in Game of Thrones is quite measured and stoic. Is he a challenging character to play?
Grey Worm is a chilled out person, he's a listener. I have to slow down and become quite meditative to play him, which can be a challenge. But I'm not a super immersive actor. I'm not pretending to be 'method' or anything like that.
Do you feel added pressure being part of the biggest show on TV?
This is going to sound like a lie, but the Game of Thrones set is so good to work on. I've been a part of plays and other projects where egos get in the way and there are constant fallings out. There's none of that there. I love working with Peter (Dinklage), he's a real joker. He doesn't make it easy to get any work done. In the best way possible, obviously.
If you could play any other character on the show, who would it be?
It's hard to imagine, because I feel so attached to Grey Worm and the challenge of playing him. Maybe a dragon? Why not. I'd probably have to bring a bit of method to that role.
And who do you see taking the Iron Throne?
I feel like it's such a revolving door at the moment, the Iron Throne has almost become irrelevant. Everyone keeps dying! Of course I want Dani to be there, but I've got a feeling it will be the Night's King. Those White Walkers can't be stopped. It's like winter is coming part two.
How would you describe your personal style?
I'd say I'm casual, I like to be comfy. They're not even paying me to say this, but I love Adidas right now. Their Boost trainers are the best. They look good for training and out of the gym. You feel like you're walking on clouds when you wear them. For evening stuff, I like Topman. It's good value, it fits well. I surprise a lot of people when they ask me what I'm wearing, and I say Topman. They always expect it to be something more expensive.
How bad would it actually be if you lost your Game of Thrones script? Are they as top secret as people say?
I don't even want to think about that! It would be bad. Very, very bad. It definitely would not be good at all. I don't make any copies of my script. I keep it on my phone and delete it as soon as I'm done with it. They're all watermarked and have our names on, so there wouldn't be any getting away with it. Hopefully I won't ever have to find out what happens if you lose it!
Raleigh Ritchie is DJ'ing at Moët & Chandon's Now or Neverland party on 11th June, which marks the first ever champagne spray moment – when racing driver, Dan Gurney won the 24 hours of Le Mans race, popped a bottle of Moët & Chandon and momentously sprayed it in celebration, creating history. Tickets to 'Now or Neverland' are available to purchase from www.moet.com and Event Brite.
