In Game of Thrones, he was the merchant prince of Qarth who promised Daenerys Targaryen ships and gold, then betrayed her. Nonso Anozie’s Xaro Xhoan Daxos was memorable for his voice and presence. Before and after that role, the British-Nigerian actor built a career across theatre, film and television.
Early life and Game of Thrones
Anozie was born in London in 1978 to Nigerian parents. He trained at the Central School of Speech and Drama. He worked on stage early in his career, including with the Royal Shakespeare Company. In 2002, he won the Ian Charleson Award for his performance as King Lear in a production by Cheek by Jowl, an unusual role for a young actor.
He played Xaro Xhoan Daxos in the second season of Game of Thrones in 2012. The character’s flamboyance and treachery made him a fan favourite.
Film, television and voice work
His films include Atonement (2007), RocknRolla (2008), Cinderella (2015), where he played the Captain, and Pan (2015). On television, he starred in Zoo, Dracula and Sleepy Hollow. He played Tolya in the Netflix series Shadow and Bone, based on Leigh Bardugo’s books. Anozie’s height and deep voice make him a commanding presence, often cast in roles of authority or menace.
He has also done voice work for video games and animation.
Representation and classical roots
He is part of a generation of British actors of Nigerian heritage, alongside Chiwetel Ejiofor, David Oyelowo and John Boyega, who have built international careers. His early success with Shakespeare reflects the strong theatre training that many British actors bring to screen work. Anozie’s early theatre work included Shakespeare and classical plays, training that gave him the vocal power heard in his screen roles. He has returned to the stage at times between film and television projects.
Range and Nigerian roots
He has played villains, heroes and comic characters, from a fairy-tale captain in Cinderella to a scheming merchant in Game of Thrones. That range has kept him working across genres for more than two decades. Anozie has spoken about his Nigerian heritage and the influence of his family on his work ethic. Many viewers know Nonso Anozie only as Xaro. His career began with King Lear, a role most actors wait decades to play.
