Peter Dinklage’s Tyrion Lannister ranked in top 20 Greatest TV Performances of the 21st Century

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Peter Dinklage’s portrayal of Tyrion Lannister ranked in the top 20 “Greatest TV Performances of the 21st Century”

Credits: HBO

Peter Dinklage has officially cracked the top 20 in Variety’s “100 Greatest TV Performances of the 21st Century,” landing at number 19 for his iconic role as Tyrion Lannister in Game of Thrones. What makes this even more impressive? He’s the only actor from the sprawling Game of Thrones cast to make the cut. While fans might argue that he deserved an even higher spot—let’s be honest, Tyrion’s wit and complexity could easily justify a top 10 placement—there’s no denying the impact of Dinklage’s performance. As Variety put it, his portrayal of the sharp-tongued, deeply human Lannister was nothing short of extraordinary. Whether you think he should’ve been ranked higher or not, one thing’s clear: Dinklage’s Tyrion is a TV legend, and this recognition is well-earned.

This is what Variety had to say regarding his ranking:

“Yes, “Game of Thrones” had dragons. But what gave the show its era-defining firepower was the distinctive tapestry of ego, humor, desire and rage conjured by its sprawling cast. And Dinklage’s Tyrion Lannister embodied it all. In the early seasons, Dinklage made a feast of Tyrion’s tart tongue and insatiable appetites, compensation for being the only halfway decent member of his venomous, incestuous family. As the show evolved, Dinklage’s performance deepened, exposing Tyrion’s fury over living in a world that sees him as a monster and the anguish of being the smartest person in just about every room he’s in. The moment in Season 5 when Tyrion saw his first dragon, and Dinklage’s face washed over in waves of disbelief, awe and disquiet, was a perfect representation of the hold “Game of Thrones” had on the culture in the 2010s. There’s a reason he was nominated for a Emmy for every season of the show — and won four times.”

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Who else made it into the top 20 of Variety’s list?

Topping Variety’s list at number one is Julia Louis-Dreyfus, who absolutely owned the role of Selina Meyer in Veep. As the hilariously self-absorbed and endlessly ambitious vice president (and later president), Louis-Dreyfus turned political chaos into comedic gold. Her razor-sharp timing and ability to balance Selina’s flaws with moments of unexpected humanity earned her a staggering seven Emmy Awards—and a permanent spot in the comedy hall of fame.

Coming in at number two is Jeremy Strong, whose portrayal of Kendall Roy in Succession is nothing short of mesmerizing. As the tormented heir to the Roy media empire, Strong brought layers of ambition, vulnerability, and raw emotion to the screen. His performance has been praised as one of the most intense and unforgettable in recent TV history, capturing the tragic complexity of a man constantly at war with himself and his family.

Rounding out the top three is Elisabeth Moss as Peggy Olson in Mad Men. Moss took Peggy from a wide-eyed secretary in a 1960s ad agency to a confident, trailblazing copywriter, breaking barriers in a male-dominated world. Her nuanced performance highlighted Peggy’s quiet strength, resilience, and evolution, making her one of the most compelling characters in the critically acclaimed series. Moss didn’t just play Peggy—she made her unforgettable.

The top 20 actors from Variety’s list

1. Emma Stone as Whitney Siegel in The Curse, Showtime (2023-2024)
2. Peter Dinklage as Tyrion Lannister in Game of Thrones, HBO (2011-2019)
3. Amanda Seyfried as Elizabeth Holmes in The Dropout, Hulu (2022)
4. Kate Winslet as Mare Sheehan in Mare of Easttown, HBO (2021)
5. Jessica Walter as Lucille Bluth in Arrested Development, Fox/Netflix (2003-2006; 2013-2019)
6. Keri Russell as Elizabeth Jennings in The Americans, FX (2013-2018)
7. Michael Chiklis as Vic Mackey in The Shield, FX (2002-2008)
8. Regina King as Angela Abar/Sister Night in Watchmen, HBO (2019)
9. Steve Carell as Michael Scott in The Office, NBC (2005-2011, 2013)
10. Michaela Coel as Arabella Essiedu in I May Destroy You, HBO (2020)
11. Sandra Oh as Dr. Cristina Yang in Grey’s Anatomy, ABC (2005-2014)
12. Rhea Seehorn as Kim Wexler in Better Call Saul, AMC (2015-2022)
13. Andre Braugher as Capt. Raymond Holt in Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Fox/NBC (2013-2018; 2019-2021)
14. Carrie Coon as Nora Durst in The Leftovers, HBO (2014-2017)
15. Michael Kenneth Williams as Omar Little in The Wire, HBO, (2002-2008)
16. Bryan Cranston as Walter White in Breaking Bad, AMC (2008-2013)
17. Lisa Kudrow as Valerie Cherish in The Comeback, HBO (2005, 2014)
18. Elisabeth Moss as Peggy Olson in Mad Men, AMC (2007-2015)
19. Jeremy Strong as Kendall Roy in Succession, HBO (2018-2023)
20. Julia Louis-Dreyfus as Selina Meyer in Veep, HBO (2012-2019)

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