A Knight to Remember

When we were children, we looked at the world with enchantment in our eyes. We wore gowns, crowns and capes and imagined ourselves as pretty princesses and noble knights. Now, years later, we have traded those imaginations for steady jobs and serious-looking suits. Breaking away from this norm is Sean Delaney. He has chosen a path that still allows him to play dress-up.

Ever since Grade 10 drama class, Delaney knew he was passionate about performing. “I liked working on plays and just entertaining others.” With this same motivation, Delaney went on to study theatre in university and is now head knight at Medieval Times. “One of the things that I love about performing is that every day I’m given the chance to take people out of the humdrum of their daily lives,” says the 35-year-old actor. When Delaney steps into his costume he embodies a fearless character and is ready to take risks

within his role. The falling, fighting and horse riding that occurs every day inside the Medieval Times castle encompasses a career that is anything but lacklustre. “I think one of the most important things to remember when you’re playing your role is to always be aware and to be performing in the moment, because of the inherent danger in what we do.” Training at Medieval Times six to seven days a week, Delaney also stays active outside of his role and perfects his fighting skills with karate, tai chi, aikido and jujitsu.

A strong exterior continues to land Delaney the role of antagonist. “I’m more believable as the bad guy,” he says without hesitation. Throughout his eight and a half years as a knight, he has perfected this alter ego. But behind the intimidating Medieval Times persona is an experienced actor who isn’t afraid of his real side — his “good guy” side. Delaney describes his parents as his role models and his wedding day as the best time in his life. He holds family close to his heart, and defines the phrase “a knight in shining armour.”

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