John Bradley-West (credited as John Bradley in the series) is an English actor, born in Wythenshawe, Manchester in September 1988. He is a graduate of the Manchester Metropolitan University, where he gained an honors degree in acting. In Game of Thrones Bradley-West is playing Samwell Tarly. The news was announced on the university website on 6 July 2010. He initially appeared as a guest star in the first season and joined the starring cast for the second season.