Love him, hate him, or love to hate him, Joffrey Baratheon was an integral part of Game of Thrones. And thanks to Jack Gleeson’s fine acting, Joffrey gained extra depth while becoming even despicable…if that was possible. What many fans did not know, however, was that Gleeson was universally loved on set. His affable demeanor and friendly attitude was the polar opposite of the sadistic boy King of Westeros.
After Gleeson choked through his final scene, he decided to retire from acting, a decision that left many in the industry scratching their heads. Jack, who had been acting since the age of eight, had lost interest in the craft and was looking to do something else altogether.
According to the London Evening Standard, Gleeson was offered loads of roles in Hollywood films, roles that he turned down.
"The offers came in, but I just had a lack of desire to do a big action movie. What I enjoy most is this kind of thing, where I can have fun with my friends.My real interest is in creating something from the ground up. I never say never to anything, but for the time being I get far more fulfilment from being part of a project that I have helped create and have more of a stake in."
And having fun with his friends is exactly what he’s doing. Gleeson and three of his friends founded a theater company called Collapsing Horse, and are now bringing their comedy Bears in Space to the Soho Theater in London. Billed as an hour of madness, Bears in Space centers around two cosmonaut bears hurtling toward the limits of the universe while being chased by villainous beings. The show will rely heavily on puppetry, comic skills, and music. According to the Soho Theater’s main page, Gleeson’s theater company is considered one of Ireland’s most exciting theaters groups.
Good for Jack. I’m glad he’s found happiness post Game of Thrones, and that he’s doing it on his terms. I wish him great success and many, many long runs of his company’s plays.