Turning 90 is a milestone by any measure. But turning 90 after spending decades portraying some of the most iconic characters in cinema and television history? That’s the Julian Glover way.
Today, we celebrate the legendary British actor who, over the course of his career, has managed to get crushed by Darth Vader, outwitted by Indiana Jones, betrayed by a magical cup, and voice a spider that made an entire generation deeply uncomfortable with forests. Not bad for someone whose IMDb reads like a geek culture tour.
🛡️ General Veers: Calm Under (AT-AT) Fire
Let’s start with the galaxy far, far away. Glover made his Star Wars debut as General Maximilian Veers in The Empire Strikes Back (1980). While he only had a handful of scenes, they were unforgettable. In a world where most Imperial officers got Force-choked just for clearing their throats wrong, Veers stood out. Calm, efficient, and terrifyingly competent, he led the Empire’s assault on Hoth like a true professional.
And unlike many of his fellow officers, Veers actually survived. That alone deserves some kind of medal—or at least a raise from Darth Vader, assuming HR was functioning aboard the Executor.
General Veers quickly became a fan-favorite (quietly, of course, as is proper for Imperials), and Glover’s performance is a textbook lesson in how to leave a big impression with just a few scenes.
🏺 Walter Donovan: Chose… Poorly
Jumping from the cold wastes of Hoth to the dusty tombs of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, Glover took on the role of Walter Donovan, the polished villain hiding behind a charming exterior. Donovan was ambitious, well-spoken, and absolutely convinced he could survive drinking from the wrong cup.
Spoiler alert: he could not.
Few cinematic deaths are as memorable—or as meme-worthy—as Donovan’s rapid descent into skeletonhood after choosing the wrong Holy Grail. And yet, it’s Glover’s performance that really sells the moment. He made the character both dangerous and believable, never tipping his hand until it was too late for poor Indy’s dad.
From suave businessman to decaying husk in 0.6 seconds: classic Donovan.
🕷️ Aragog: Eight-Legged Terror, Courtesy of Glover’s Voice
Yes, that was Julian Glover voicing Aragog, the massive, unsettling, definitely-not-huggable spider in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. While the animatronics and CGI did the visual heavy lifting, it was Glover’s calm, deliberate voice that gave Aragog his eerie presence.
He didn’t have to yell or snarl. He just had to talk—softly, politely, and with the creeping menace of a creature that could eat you, but really doesn’t want to. Unless you’re tasty.
It’s a short role, but one that left a lasting impact. For anyone who saw that scene in theaters, Glover’s voice probably lives rent-free in your head every time you walk into the woods.
🧓 Grand Maester Pycelle: The Slowest Walk in Westeros
In Game of Thrones, Glover took on yet another high-profile role: Grand Maester Pycelle, the shuffling, muttering old man who may or may not have been faking 80% of his ailments.
Over several seasons, Glover played Pycelle with just the right blend of frailty and suspicion. He was often underestimated—which was exactly how the character liked it. And when the façade dropped (briefly, before he was violently murdered), it became clear Pycelle wasn’t just some doddering maester with a beard.
Glover’s portrayal added layers to a character that could’ve been a simple plot device. Instead, Pycelle became one of those characters you didn’t trust… but loved watching.
🎭 A Legacy Spanning Galaxies, Franchises, and Genres
Julian Glover’s acting career didn’t start with Star Wars, and it certainly didn’t end with Thrones. He’s been working in film, television, and theater for over six decades, appearing in everything from Doctor Who and James Bond to The Avengers (the British spy show, not the superhero team).
What makes his legacy remarkable isn’t just the length of his career—it’s the sheer range of it. He’s played heroes, villains, monsters, and manipulators. He’s been on both sides of the Force, metaphorically speaking, and still manages to steal every scene he’s in.
It’s no small feat to be part of Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Harry Potter, and Game of Thrones. That’s basically a Mount Rushmore of nerdy pop culture, and Julian Glover has a seat at all four tables.
Conclusion: A Living Legend at 90
Today, Julian Glover turns 90—and his resume is still better than most people’s bucket lists. From Imperial walkways to magical forests and ancient temples, he’s delivered iconic performances across multiple generations and franchises.
He’s played characters that were ruthless, brilliant, terrifying, and occasionally a little too trusting of ancient artifacts. And through it all, he’s brought a level of professionalism and gravitas that helped elevate every scene he was in.
Here’s to the man who’s survived Vader’s mood swings, a Grail-induced skeletonization, and at least one room full of angry acromantulas. Happy birthday, Julian Glover—and may the Force (and good screenplays) be with you.
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