Farewell to Littlefinger as Gillen moves on from ‘ GoT’
Littlefinger was amaster manipulator fans loved to hate.
Rest in peace, Petyr “Littlefinger” Baelish— if you can. That’s quite the interesting life you lived.
Littlefinger, the self- made lord and schemer, came to his end in Sunday’s
Game of Thrones Season 7 finale, his death sentence for treason and murder pronounced by former ward Sansa Stark and carried out by her sister, Arya, who slit his throat. Irish actor Aidan Gillen ( The Wire,
The Dark Knight Rises), 49, who imbued Littlefinger with charm, wit and a hint of danger, spoke with USA TODAY about his character, the death scene, his favorite moments and how it feels to leave an international phenomenon. Q How do you feel about Littlefinger, a character you’ve embodied for seven years, being dead? A It was inevitable. … It’s been a long ride and an exciting one, so you feel a little empty afterward. In a way, it’s good to get out when you’re ahead.
Q Do you think Littlefinger deserved to die?
A As the actor playing him, I’ve always been able to justify his actions: This is survival, this is revenge. If you’re talking to me as Littlefinger, I’d probably say no. From ( the audience’s) point of view, they want him to get his comeuppance. He’s a classic villain ... That’s what they want. It’s a classic payoff. I’m fine with that.
Q Did Littlefinger really love Sansa or was it political, an alliance that would lead to greater power?
A Tricky question. … You can tell somebody you love them, and it can mean 50 different things. I’ve always tried to be a bit nonspecific about that. He definitely has feelings for her and strong protective feelings, as well. I think ( feelings and politics were) intermeshed.
Q Arya ( Maisie Williams) had a smile on her face when Sansa accused Littlefinger of murder and treason.
A Well, she would, wouldn’t she? … Here’s an interesting piece of information: In the last three years, I’ve had two Funko ( Thrones) dolls on the shelf in my house, ( Littlefinger) and Arya standing just behind to the right with, not a dagger, but a sword. … There was a Q& A over a year ago where I suggested Arya ( would kill Littlefinger). I hadn’t read anything. ( But) if I had known it was going to be her, I wouldn’t have said it. ( He laughs.)
Q Do you have any favorite Littlefinger scenes?
A There’s one in Season 2 in the brothel with Ros ( Esmé Bianco), where he was talking to her about how he wasn’t happy if she wasn’t happy, but the language is very veiled. It was a threat. I felt it was one of the first times I had a proper shot at explaining who this guy was and what he was capable of. … I like the scenes with Sean Bean, ( who played Ned Stark). When Ned arrived in King’s Landing, there was a classic line ( from Littlefinger): “Distrusting me was the wisest thing you’ve done since you stepped off your horse.” … Scenes with Varys ( Conleth Hill) were highlights. We always felt we were going to see each other again, but it was not to be. … So much with Sansa ( Sophie Turner). Much ( of my story) was interlocked with hers. That scene at The Eyrie where he plants a kiss on her: It reveals a lot and was a good character scene.
Q You have upcoming roles in the film Pickups and the U. K. series Peaky Blinders. How has Thrones affected your career?
A It’s the biggest production I’ve been involved with and it’s run for a long time and the character is quite eye- catching. I hate talking about the mechanics of career, but I’m sure it all helps.