Peter Dinklage Reflects on Punk Band Days and Career Journey

‘Game of Thrones’ Star Shares Stories of Scar and Resentment in the Entertainment Industry

Peter Dinklage, renowned for his iconic role in Game of Thrones, opened up about his early days in the music scene during a recent appearance on the show Hot Ones. The actor revealed a notable scar on his temple from a punk-funk-rap band he was part of in the early 1990s, known as Whizzy.

Dinklage recounted an incident at the legendary New York City club CBGB, where he was “kneed in the head” during a performance. Reflecting on his punk band experience, he humorously remarked, “Just try to define me, man,” highlighting the visceral nature of their performances, which often included elements of chaos, such as bleeding and throwing up on stage. He described the band’s sound as a rip-off of the Beastie Boys, adding, “We had fun. I got a cool scar on my temple. Head wounds bleed a lot.”

Despite his punk rock aspirations, Dinklage ultimately found success in acting, a path he initially resisted. “Back in the day, I was like, ‘I’m not gonna be an actor. I’m not gonna do any silly commercials or any of that. I’m gonna do plays downtown for no money,’” he recalled. However, as he progressed in his career, he admitted to harboring anger towards the entertainment industry for its portrayal of little people. “I was angry, I think, too angry for a long time,” he confessed.

Yet, he also acknowledged the importance of collaboration in his work, stating, “I surrounded myself with really brilliant people. I couldn’t do it alone. And that’s the beauty of what I do for a living, is the collaboration.” As he approaches 100 credits in the industry, Dinklage has found a balance, embracing his journey while reflecting fondly on his rebellious beginnings in music.