As the season finale of HBO’s A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms airs today, February 22, 2026, all eyes are on the young actor who has brought the beloved character of “Egg” to life. Dexter Sol Ansell has quickly become a household name, earning critical acclaim for his performance alongside Peter Claffey’s Ser Duncan the Tall. Here is everything you need to know about the breakout star of the latest Game of Thrones prequel.
1. He Comes from a Famous Musical Family
Acting talent runs in the family for the 11-year-old British star. Dexter is the son of Jonathan Ansell, the celebrated tenor and lead singer of the operatic pop group G4, which rose to fame on The X Factor. His mother is Debbie King, a well-known television presenter. Despite his parents’ musical and hosting backgrounds, Dexter has carved out his own path in the world of dramatic acting.
2. He Started His Career at Age Five
While many recognize him as the future King Aegon V Targaryen, Dexter’s professional journey began years ago. He earned his first acting credit in 2019 at the age of five, appearing in the long-running British soap opera Emmerdale Farm. He eventually played two different roles on the show, including Carl, the son of Jimmy King. Before joining the Game of Thrones universe, he also portrayed a young Coriolanus Snow in the 2023 blockbuster The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes.
3. He Hasn’t Actually Seen ‘Game of Thrones’
In a recent interview with Vulture, Dexter admitted that he hasn’t watched the original Game of Thrones or House of the Dragon. Because of his age—he was born on September 16, 2014—the mature content of the flagship series remains off-limits. Dexter noted that the “lighter” and more grounded tone of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is the only version of Westeros he truly knows, which fans say helps him bring a fresh, untainted perspective to the role of Egg.
4. He Consults Directly with George R.R. Martin
Dexter is deeply invested in the lore of his character. He recently revealed that he has been in discussions with author George R.R. Martin regarding Egg’s future. “Everyone has their conspiracies. I’ve been speaking to George, and he hasn’t decided either,” Dexter shared following the Season 1 finale. This direct line to the creator has allowed the young actor to develop “shocking ideas” for where the character might go in future seasons.
5. Season 2 Is Already in the Works
Fans won’t have to wait long to see Dexter back in the bald cap. Showrunner Ira Parker has confirmed that Season 2 is currently filming and will “deal with the repercussions” of Egg’s disobedience seen in the finale. While the first season concluded today with Dunk and Egg embarking on a new journey, the next chapter is expected to debut in early 2027. Critics have already hailed Dexter’s performance as a “breath of fresh air” for the franchise, ensuring his place in the spotlight for years to come.