Who is George R.R. Martin?

George R.R. Martin is the acclaimed author of the "A Song of Ice and Fire" fantasy book series, which was adapted into the hit HBO series "Game of Thrones."

What happened to GRRM in 2016?

In 2016, people mistakenly thought GRRM had died, confusing him with the late English record producer Sir George Martin, who was sometimes referred to as the "fifth Beatle."

How did GRRM respond to the rumors of his death?

GRRM had to release a "Not Dead Yet" blog post in 2016 to clarify that he was very much alive and well, and that it was Sir George Martin who had passed away, not him.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / GRRM Clears the Air: "I'm Not a Lord, Just a Guy from New Jersey"

GRRM Clears the Air: "I'm Not a Lord, Just a Guy from New Jersey"

11 Oct, 2025

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Summary

GRRM mistaken for late Beatles producer Sir George Martin
GRRM had to clarify he's "not actually a lord" in 2016
GRRM says he's "the farthest thing from a lord" as he's from Bayonne, NJ

GRRM Clears the Air: "I'm Not a Lord, Just a Guy from New Jersey"

Nine years ago, in 2016, acclaimed author George R.R. Martin found himself in an unusual situation – people thought he had died. This was due to the passing of Sir George Martin, the renowned English record producer sometimes referred to as the "fifth Beatle."

At a recent New York Comic Con panel, GRRM reflected on this "disconcerting" case of mistaken identity. "I don't wanna shock anyone, but I'm not actually a lord. I'm not even a knight," he said with a laugh, referring to the confusion surrounding Sir George Martin's death. GRRM, the author of the beloved "A Song of Ice and Fire" fantasy book series, had to release a "Not Dead Yet" blog post to clarify that he was very much alive and well.

Now, in 2025, GRRM elaborates further on the differences between himself and the late Sir George Martin. "I'll never be a knight because I'm not British, but what I am is from Bayonne, N.J., which is right across the water," he told the audience. "I lived in the projects and I went to public school, so I'm the farthest thing from the lord that you could do."