Dave Goldblatt ’06 set to die in ‘Game of Thrones’ saga

Social Media Strategist Andrew Nathanson '13 created this sigil in honor of Dave Goldblatt '06. The latter faces his literary doom at the hands of
Social Media Strategist Andrew Nathanson '13 created this sigil in honor of Dave Goldblatt '06. The latter faces his literary doom at the hands of "Game of Thrones" author George R.R. Martin.

Author George R.R. Martin is plotting to kill Dave Goldblatt '06, and the intended victim could not be more thrilled.

Goldblatt recently donated $20,000 to two New Mexico charities of the author’s choosing - a food bank and a wolf rescue organization. As a result, Martin will base a character on Goldblatt in an upcoming book in the “A Song of Ice and Fire” saga. The series is the basis for HBO’s juggernaut “Game of Thrones.”  The prize allows Goldblatt to choose his eponymous character’s race and occupation and promises of a grisly demise.

The contest has made Goldblatt a media sensation and the envy of fantasy lovers throughout the world. The storylines of characters like Tyrion Lannister, Arya Stark and Daenerys Targaryen have created one the biggest fandoms in pop culture.

"To be a small part of something that has brought joy to so many people is truly an honor, and to do it for a good cause is doubly humbling,” Goldblatt said.

The series is famous (and infamous) for its death scenes and for brutally killing off fan-favorites without warning. Goldblatt can only wonder what’s in store for his character.

“I could sit and meditate on the different cool ways to die for a long time and I wouldn’t come up with something nearly as cool as George R.R. Martin could come up with,” Goldblatt said, “though it would be awesome to die in an epic swordfight.”

Originally from South Orange, N.J., Goldblatt graduated from Connecticut College with a degree in American studies. He now lives in San Francisco, where he works as a product specialist for Facebook. He has been a fan of the television show since it debuted in 2010 and has since read every book in the series.

“If you had asked my friends to pick one person that would do this, they would have immediately chosen me,” Goldblatt said.

His character’s portrayal is slated for “The Winds of Winter,” the sixth novel in the series. Martin is notorious among fans for long waits between novels and no release date for the book has been revealed. Goldblatt hopes that the book will be out well before he returns to Connecticut College for his 10-year reunion in 2016.

It’s a fitting dream for a man whose Facebook profile lists his religious views as “Connecticut College” and his political views as “Floralia.”

 “Every day I wish could be back at Conn, chilling on the green on a spring day,” Goldblatt said.



July 10, 2014