Sean Bean Embraces His Meme Status: 'I’m Not Really Dead'

Sean Bean, recognized for his iconic roles in both *The Lord of the Rings* and *Game of Thrones*, has reflected on his frequent on-screen deaths, acknowledging his reputation as the "king of dying dramatically." In a recent interview, Bean humorously noted that he has died over 20 times on-screen, embracing the memes surrounding his dramatic exits. He enjoys portraying complex characters who often meet unfortunate ends, believing it’s better to play compelling roles that end in tragedy than mundane ones that survive. Despite the recurring theme of his characters' deaths, he reassured fans that he’s not truly "dead" in real life.

Why does Sean Bean enjoy playing characters that die in stories?

Sean Bean finds it more engaging to portray "juicy, nasty pieces of work" rather than ordinary characters, and he views the challenges of playing such roles as rewarding, even if they end in death. He appreciates the depth and drama these roles provide.

Sean Bean has captivated audiences with memorable performances as Boromir in *The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring* and Ned Stark in *Game of Thrones*. Boromir's heroic sacrifice while trying to protect Frodo and Sam has become one of cinema’s defining moments. Similarly, his portrayal of Ned Stark, a beloved patriarch of House Stark, shocked viewers when his character was executed in a twist that set the tone for the dangerous world of Westeros. These impactful performances have solidified his status as a key figure in fantasy storytelling.