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10+ Facts About Sean Bean Fans Didn't Know

When I say the name Sean Bean, what comes to mind? Let me guess "Winter is coming," am I right? Well, for those of you who think that Sean's entire life can be summed up in three simple words — think again.

Sean is a national treasure, a philanthropist, and a diehard football fanatic.

Get to know the man behind some of the most iconic roles of the past 20 years and check out these 10+ facts about Sean Bean fans didn't know!

1. Sean was originally going to be a welder.

Sean grew up in a very humble home in an incredibly rough neighborhood. He was set to follow in his father's footsteps and continue in the family trade.

By chance, Sean enrolled in an acting elective at Rotherham College and fell in love with the stage.

2. Sean is an avid football fan.

European football, that is. Sean has been a vocal supporter of the Sheffield United F.C. for his entire life.

Sean got to live out a childhood dream when he was cast in When Saturday Comes: a story about a factory worker who becomes a soccer star.

3. The very first character he ever portrayed, dies in the end.

MGM

Sean began his career on the stage. He was cast to play Tybalt in Shakespeare's timeless classic, "Romeo and Juliet."

In the play, Tybalt is killed in a sword fight. Little did Sean know that death scenes would become his legacy.

4. Sean has an amazing story involving Nic Cage.

One night, Sean was over at Nic's house and the pair were playing a game of pool. They'd each been drinking when suddenly, Nic lost control of his foundations.

Nic knocked over a priceless prehistoric cave-bear skull that smashed into a million little pieces.

5. Believe it or not, Sean's accent is actually toned-down.

Sean is from Yorkshire and has maintained his accent to this day. While visiting with Stephen Colbert, Sean was asked to turn his accent up a notch.

Were it not for body language I'd be completely at a loss.

6. He sometimes gets confused for Rowan Atkinson.

Rowan Atkinson famously portrayed the hilarious Mr. Bean. He was a silent, slap-stick goofball with a knack for getting himself into the most ridiculous of situations.

Sean has said he's received countless letters espousing on how funny he is. Is it possible that Rowan Atkinson forwards his fan mail to Sean Bean as a prank?!

7. He used to compete with a fellow *Game Of Thrones* cast member for roles.

Sean has said that in his earlier years, he and Iain Glen (Ser Jorah Mormont) used to bare quite the resemblance to one another.

It seemed every audition Sean went to, Iain wasn't far behind.

8. Sean is tired of being killed in movies and TV.

Sean is responsible for some of the greatest death scenes in the last 30 years.

But these days, he's looking to take a page out of the BeeGee's book and stay alive.

9. He has his very own tea!

Like any true Englishman, there's nothing that Sean enjoys more than a good cup of tea.

A while back, he partnered up with Taylors of Harrogate to create the aptly named Sean Bean's Tea.

10. Sean makes a cameo in one of Moby's most popular videos.

This video is an ode to the early days of the Millennium, it's packed with some of the biggest stars of the era (pun intended).

Sean pops up right around the halfway point. You'll see him snacking inside a Delorean while getting his car washed. Total badass.

11. He's technically a Doctor.

Sean is one of Britain's most beloved actors. In the mid-90s, he was given an honorary doctorate by the University of Sheffield.

Sean was commended for his acting career, his charitable donations, and his lifelong dedication to the Sheffield Football Club.

12. He is responsible for some of the greatest memes on the internet.

When Sean Bean spoke the words "One does not simply walk into Mordor," he probably had no idea of the weight those words would one day come to carry.

A quick Google search will return countless hours worth of hilarity.

Sean was asked to read some of his favorites for the camera!

When I heard Sean say "One does not simply put Baby in the corner," I nearly spit my coffee all over the computer screen!

It's nice to see that he clearly has a sense of humor about himself.