The highly anticipated Game of Thrones spin-off, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, has premiered on HBO and NOW, captivating audiences with the adventures of Ser Duncan 'Dunk' the Tall and his young squire, 'Egg'. Portraying the towering hedge knight is actor Peter Claffey, whose own physical stature has become a major point of interest for fans.
How Tall is Peter Claffey?
Standing at an impressive 6 feet 5 inches (1.95 metres), Peter Claffey's height is a perfect match for his character, Ser Duncan, who is famously described in George R.R. Martin's source material as a man who stands heads above others. The 29-year-old actor from Portumna, County Galway, brings a unique physical presence to the role, which is set a century before the events of Game of Thrones.
Despite his commanding frame, Claffey has revealed that his height hasn't always been an advantage. He admitted to feeling self-conscious about his body for most of his life and was bullied as a child, describing himself as "weird-looking, wobbly, and uncoordinated."
From Rugby Pitch to Westeros
Before his acting career took off, Claffey was a professional rugby union player. He played as a lock forward for Galwegians RFC and competed for Ireland U20 in the 2016 Six Nations Under 20s Championship. He later signed contracts with Connacht Rugby in 2018 and Terenure College in 2019.
However, after failing to break into the first team, he found himself at a crossroads. Simultaneously, he was building a following on Instagram with comedy sketches, which gave him the confidence to gamble on a new path. He enrolled at the Bow Street Academy in Dublin, making his professional stage debut in 2022 in Tom Murphy's A Whistle in the Dark.
His screen roles grew with appearances in Harry Wild, Quicksand, and Small Things Like These. His first major recurring role came in the BBC comedy-horror series Wreck, followed by parts in Vikings: Valhalla and Apple TV+'s Bad Sisters. Reflecting on his career change, Claffey told The Independent, "I definitely feel a lot happier now than I did when I was playing rugby."
Anxiety and a Spiritual Journey
Landing the lead role in such a major franchise came with immense pressure. Claffey confessed to suffering huge anxiety after securing the part, even having a "meltdown" where his girlfriend found him curled up on the floor. The weight of following the monumental success of Game of Thrones was a significant burden.
To manage this, he embarked on what he calls a "spiritual journey" to tackle his anxiety, and now reports being in "great health" as he steps into the spotlight.
What is a Hedge Knight?
In the world of Westeros, Claffey's character is a hedge knight. This is a key detail for viewers unfamiliar with the lore. A hedge knight is a wandering knight with no lands or permanent lord to serve. Unlike landed knights, they travel the Seven Kingdoms seeking employment, often sleeping under hedges—hence the name.
Their most valuable possessions are their armour, weapons, and horse. They earn a living by taking on contracts and competing in tournaments, hoping to win fame and secure a permanent position. While the term is often used disparagingly, and some hedge knights may turn to disreputable acts, Ser Dunk strives to be honourable in his quest for glory.
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms airs on HBO on Sundays in the USA and on Mondays on NOW in the UK. The series, adapted from Martin's Tales of Dunk and Egg, introduces a new chapter to the expansive Game of Thrones universe, led by the formidable presence of Peter Claffey.
