With the final season of Game of Thrones now underway on HBO, George R.R. Martin, the author the Song of Ice and Fire books, has once again become a common topic of conversation.
To honor the occasion, screenwriter Dan Fogelman took to Twitter to share the story of a personal encounter he had with the legendary author.
It all began with a chance encounter on Broadway.
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,… https://t.co/xeMdOilDUn— Dan Fogelman (@Dan Fogelman) 1555284630.0
He’s talking a mile a minute. While waiting outside the theater, he has spotted George R. Martin. He says he’s goin… https://t.co/JQIb3SMBVb— Dan Fogelman (@Dan Fogelman) 1555284631.0
The main character of Fogelman's story was actually his larger-than-life friend Alex.
Now, a bit about Alex. He is larger than life. Handsome and charming as hell, with the best head of hair you’ve eve… https://t.co/sgaSrcG39E— Dan Fogelman (@Dan Fogelman) 1555284631.0
I arrive at the theater. Alex is waiting, bursting with energy as always. He tells me he approached George. Got a… https://t.co/xx8dDX3ruG— Dan Fogelman (@Dan Fogelman) 1555284631.0
This guy had guts.
Alex says to him: “maybe we will join you.” Alex and I chuckle at his chutzpah.— Dan Fogelman (@Dan Fogelman) 1555284632.0
We see Springsteen. The entire show Alex is debating when to text George. I beg him to let it go. I know George wil… https://t.co/3fdypzjX2t— Dan Fogelman (@Dan Fogelman) 1555284632.0
In a surprising twist of events, Martin invited the pair out to have pizza after the show!
The Springsteen show ends. It’s amazing. Alex, as I knew he would, immediately texts George. And to my absolute sho… https://t.co/7udMn3hSbq— Dan Fogelman (@Dan Fogelman) 1555284632.0
Alex and I go. I’m convinced it’s going to end badly. A weird miscommunication. We are going to get ghosted. At le… https://t.co/8kIBywhyqh— Dan Fogelman (@Dan Fogelman) 1555284632.0
The four had a wonderful evening by all accounts!
We eat pizza for an hour or two. George and I talk shop. Alex tries to play it cool, only makes a few nerdy Thrones… https://t.co/Y6Ic14O7Dw— Dan Fogelman (@Dan Fogelman) 1555284633.0
But there was something the author didn't know when he invited them out to dinner...
Here’s what George R Martin didn’t know that night. My handsome, well-haired, larger than life pal Alex is battling… https://t.co/agE2MXEPIt— Dan Fogelman (@Dan Fogelman) 1555284633.0
But for that entire year, Alex never stops talking about his night with his hero. And, in turn, I will never stop t… https://t.co/sCRQqnUF8V— Dan Fogelman (@Dan Fogelman) 1555284633.0
Martin never knew what an impact that evening had on a man in need.
Alex's friends still remember how happy he was to have spent the evening with George R.R. Martin.
Our friend, Alex Hanan, is watching TV tonight from above. Spoiling every single reveal for everyone up there, driv… https://t.co/EONn4cGyjD— Dan Fogelman (@Dan Fogelman) 1555284634.0
Alex with George R.R. Martin! #GameOfThrones https://t.co/emUEAisS6J— Dan Fogelman (@Dan Fogelman) 1555294918.0
Fogelman's fans on Twitter were incredibly moved by the true story.
@Dan_Fogelman Dammit. I didn’t expect tears. #GOT— #SAVEODAAT (@#SAVEODAAT) 1555287407.0
@Dan_Fogelman This is wonderful. Thank you so much for sharing this! Alex sounds like a guy we all would have been lucky to know!— Allie Mac Kay (@Allie Mac Kay) 1555344288.0
Martin knows that being kind can pay dividends you never even know about.
@Dan_Fogelman George RRMartin is a wonderful nd generous man. He tweeted for my daughter’s Boston marathon run 3 ye… https://t.co/YL7lmchqZv— R.A. Salvatore (@R.A. Salvatore) 1555382910.0
@Dan_Fogelman Beautiful story, thanks for sharing. To Alex, to George. The North remembers x— Will Lodge (@Will Lodge) 1555323220.0
@Dan_Fogelman This story was so sad and so beautiful at the same time. You made me cry so hard my cat - who coinci… https://t.co/CoJPdYt4Oe— Paula (@Paula) 1555386056.0
RIP Alex, wherever you are we're sure you're enjoying the final season of Thrones.
@Dan_Fogelman DAMN. That HIT. Thank you for telling your story. Alex is SMILING.— Christina (@Christina) 1555305706.0