In a recent interview, actress Tanzyn Crawford revealed that George R.R. Martin personally approved her casting as Tanselle in HBO’s hit series A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. Martin, the author of the Tales of Dunk and Egg novellas on which the show is based, told the actress,
“You’re exactly what I pictured [for Tanselle].”
This was an important moment for the star as she had revealed facing some racial backlash following her casting. However, reassuring words from the story’s original creator itself came as the biggest compliment.
Quick read:
• Tanzyn Crawford received praise from George R.R. Martin
• She admitted to facing online negativity following her casting
• She comments upon how Tanselle had her own happening life in AKOTSK
Tanzyn Crawford on Tanselle’s personality
Crawford, who plays a Dornish puppeteer and performer known as Tanselle Too Tall, shared the encouraging words in a February 2026 interview with Wonderland magazine. The Australian actress described her character as a refreshing presence amid the series’ gritty tone.
“The beauty of Tanselle in this series is she’s a softer outlet. The rest of the show is very manly, quite harsh, and brutal. I think she’s self-confident, and has her own little passions and worlds that are very separate from everyone else. Of course, her storyline involves Dunk, but she has her own thing going on.”
Will Tanselle be seen in the show’s season 2?
Tanselle, a traveling artist and puppeteer from Dorne, brings warmth and femininity to Dunk’s world in the first season, based on Martin’s The Hedge Knight. While she does not appear again in the book, fans are hopeful to see her in the series’ second season as it moves to Dorne.
George R.R. Martin’s direct support clearly encouraged the actress and reinforced the authenticity of the adaptation. As A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms builds momentum, Crawford’s performance and the author’s personal stamp of approval represent the series’ commitment to bringing Martin’s vivid characters to life.
