This Is Us creator Dan Fogelman just shared a personal story about Game of Thrones author George R. R. Martin, and grab the tissues. Just hours before the Game of Thrones Season 8 premiere on Sunday, April 14th, he took to Twitter to post a multi-tweet thread about his late friend Alex Hanan—specifically about Alex’s run-in with the novelist while attending a Broadway show.

Fogelman described his friend as “Larger than life. Handsome and charming as hell, with the best head of hair you’ve ever seen.” He noted that his friend was also obsessed with Game of Thrones.





Over a year ago a close buddy and I get to see Springsteen’s Broadway show. It’s a big deal for us. My buddy, Alex, gets there super early, because he’s excited, and calls me as I’m in a cab heading there. — Dan Fogelman (@Dan_Fogelman) April 14, 2019

Now, a bit about Alex. He is larger than life. Handsome and charming as hell, with the best head of hair you’ve ever seen. He’s also obsessed w Game of Thrones like no one you’ve ever known. And he never listens to anyone so I just KNOW he’s going to go accost George R. Martin. — Dan Fogelman (@Dan_Fogelman) April 14, 2019

Alex says to him: “maybe we will join you.” Alex and I chuckle at his chutzpah. — Dan Fogelman (@Dan_Fogelman) April 14, 2019

The Springsteen show ends. It’s amazing. Alex, as I knew he would, immediately texts George. And to my absolute shock... George R Martin writes Alex back! He tells us to meet them at a local pizza joint. — Dan Fogelman (@Dan_Fogelman) April 14, 2019

We eat pizza for an hour or two. George and I talk shop. Alex tries to play it cool, only makes a few nerdy Thrones references. At meal’s end, George gives Alex a Westeros coin. Alex reacts stronger than is appropriate for a 40-something man.



We all part ways. Alex is giddy. — Dan Fogelman (@Dan_Fogelman) April 14, 2019

And here’s where the story takes an extremely emotional turn.

Here’s what George R Martin didn’t know that night. My handsome, well-haired, larger than life pal Alex is battling a random case of stage 4 lung cancer. He will pass away a year later. I will dedicate then S3 premiere of This Is Us to him. — Dan Fogelman (@Dan_Fogelman) April 14, 2019

But for that entire year, Alex never stops talking about his night with his hero. And, in turn, I will never stop telling that story. Or, bigger picture: Alex’s story.



For our friends, watching this season’s GOT will be bittersweet without Alex texting us annoying spoilers. — Dan Fogelman (@Dan_Fogelman) April 14, 2019

Our friend, Alex Hanan, is watching TV tonight from above. Spoiling every single reveal for everyone up there, driving everyone nuts.



Thank you George R Martin for making what would turn out to be Alex’s last year.



And thanks to all involved for making his favorite show. — Dan Fogelman (@Dan_Fogelman) April 14, 2019

He ended the thread by sharing an image of Martin and Hanan meeting that night.

We’re beyond moved. Thank you for sharing this, Dan.