The original post: /r/television by /u/Ok-fine-man on 2024-05-18 20:22:37.
I’m calling Aidan Gillen underappreciated as most people would probably have to Google him rather than recognise him by name.
He’s an Irish actor who’s had big acting credits in so many great shows, critically and commercially. Just absolutely bossing it.
The Wire - seen as the greatest series ever by a lot of people. He plays Tommy Carcetti, a mayoral candidate who is very compelling.
Game of Thrones - certainly the most popular series ever. Gillen plays the wiley and conspiratorial Little Finger, and it seems like he was born for this role.
Love/Hate - incredible Irish gangster show, you’re doing yourself disservice if you haven’t seen it, also stars Misfits actor Robert Sheehan. Gillen plays an intimidating mob boss with a crazy streak. Ireland’s answer to The Sopranos.
Kin - another Irish gangster show which has clearly been heavily influenced by Love/Hate, also stars Daredevil actor Charlie Cox. Gillen plays a completely different character in this - a cowardly gay head of a crime family
Quantum Break - an Xbox/PC game that also features a fully fledged miniseries TV show. Gillen plays a really great villain in this.
Peaky Blinders - he plays a less substantive role in this but still a very cool gig, which is worth a mention
P.s
I feel like the only other TV actor who came close was Lance Reddick (also in The Wire and Quantum Break). And he was the king of cool.
Watch Bosch if you want to see Reddick at his best, such a smooth operator in that. Then watch Corporate, he’s so utterly funny in that.
Also, a shout out for Stephen Graham and Tom Hollander! Always in the best projects .