Dexter Sol Ansell, 11, says co-star Bill Nighy’s advice included paying taxes as he promotes ‘500 Miles’ in U.K. cinemas

Dexter Sol Ansell, 11, is already talking like a working professional as he promotes his latest film, “500 Miles,” which is in U.K. cinemas. In an interview published June 26 by The Hollywood Reporter, Ansell discussed what it is like to be on set and how he handles attention as a child actor in a major franchise.

Ansell plays Egg in HBO’s “Knight of the Seven Kingdoms,” according to the interview coverage. He said the experience has been guided by a cast that includes established performers, and he described the character work as something he approaches with the seriousness expected on a professional production schedule, while still keeping the tone of his character.

When asked about advice he has received, Ansell pointed to comments from co-star Bill Nighy. Nighy’s guidance, as quoted in the interview, included, “Pay your taxes and don’t smoke,” a line Ansell said stuck with him. The remark was framed as practical life instruction tied to doing things the right way while working in film and media.

Ansell also said the pathway to becoming a recognizable performer has included conversations on set and advice from older colleagues. He described his own manner as “charming” and “cheeky,” aligning with the way audiences may be drawn to Egg, though the interview treated the behavior as part of building a role rather than a performance stunt.

The actor told The Hollywood Reporter that he has been thinking about what comes next after “Knight of the Seven Kingdoms.” He referenced the ambition of making it to the level of stardom associated with the “Thrones” brand, using that shorthand for the broader cultural footprint of the franchise. The interview presented his aim as an extension of the craft he is already practicing, not as an exit from family life or school.

Alongside “Knight of the Seven Kingdoms,” Ansell’s film work is now part of his public schedule. “500 Miles,” which the outlet said is in U.K. cinemas at the time of publication, becomes the focal point for his current media run, tying his screen presence to a feature-length release beyond television.

The interview placed emphasis on the working rhythm of productions, including the need to take rules seriously, from health and safety behaviors like avoiding smoking to broader civic responsibilities such as taxes. For parents and guardians, those details reflect how child actors’ training can blend age-appropriate life lessons with industry requirements.

For the film business, the appearance of a young actor in both a high-profile series and a theatrical release is a report of how major productions continue to cultivate future faces for long-running audiences. “500 Miles” is the immediate platform for that exposure in the U.K., while HBO’s continuing franchise work remains the long-term context for Ansell’s developing career.