At six feet eleven inches, Northern Irish actor Kristian Nairn was close to being an ideal choice to play the giant Hodor from Winterfell on Game of Thrones already. But what brings in a strong sense of familiarity with the character for the viewers is Hodor’s inherent goodness filled with unconditional love. In an interaction, Nairn talks about how much he draws from his own life and experiences while playing the character that seldom speaks (other than saying “Hodor” in the series). He talks about his past experiences with hearing difficulties, being gay, his audition, music career, and what he is expecting from our very own Dilli!
You are a keen sci-fi and fantasy enthusiast. What are you expecting from Delhi’s treatment of these genresIJ
Actually, I’ve seen a few pictures from the Delhi Comic Con of 2014, and it looks like it’s going to be a lot of fun. Comic Con fans in Delhi too seem to be very enthusiastic. That makes it all very exciting because I can’t wait to meet them.
How familiar are you with IndiaIJ
Well, this will be my first time in India, so it will be a completely new experience for me.
What does Hodor meanIJ Will we hear him speak in the subsequent seasonsIJ
Hodor means whatever I want it to, or whatever you believe it means. I like to hope that we usually agree after watching though.
What did they ask you to do at your audition for the seriesIJ
In my audition, I had to demonstrate that I could show a huge range of emotions through my body language. I was required to do it in a natural way, not in a melodramatic, over-the-top fashion. Actually, it was a very unique audition! Funnily enough, I also had to find a child to carry on my back!
While nudity is common in the series, how comfortable were you with your own nude scene in Season 1IJ
It is not something that I was expecting to be asked to do, but at the same time, it was not a deal breaker for me, either. I play a giant in the series and what I find relevant about the scene is that it’s important to show that people come in all shapes and sizes, and not just the Hollywood ideal.
You have spoken about struggling with hearing disability in childhood. How does it help you play HodorIJ
I had problems in hearing as a child. Today, that experience definitely helps me. Part of sign language is using facial expressions and body gestures to get meaning across without using words. That helps me because Hodor doesn’t use words to communicate too. It also helps in understanding and enacting the reactions. In fact, that has been invaluable when playing Hodor, with all the little nuances.
You like talking about being homosexual and never hiding it from anyone your whole life. What was your childhood likeIJ
That’s not entirely true. I had said that I’m happy to talk about it because I believe it’s important to be visible; particularly visible to the people who need to know that they aren’t alone. But I’m a very private person, so to say that I like talking about it isn’t exactly true. Whether I’m gay or straight, in an ideal world, you wouldn’t need to talk about your personal life. But that’s not how things are, unfortunately.
There are innumerable characters in Game of Thrones. Have all of them met each otherIJ
I think over all the years of being in the show, I have just about met everyone. Yes, it is a massive cast though, and we are very seldom, if ever, together in the same place. Though I must say that meeting Charles Dance, who played Tywin lannister in the series, was a high point for me. I have been a huge fan of his work in the past, and I was definitely more than a little nervous.
You are also a DJ. How do you juggle acting and your music careerIJ
Honestly, sometimes it’s a bit of a scheduling nightmare. These last few years I literally haven’t stopped travelling or working. I’m so incredibly grateful, but I am looking forward to a quiet family Christmas at home with mum and the dogs!
What kind of books fantasy, sci-fi, comics and others interested you as a childIJ
I loved the Adventure series of books by Willard Price, I remember. I read them all many a time. Also, I was a huge Asterix fan. It’s not really a book, I guess, but I was very much into Garfield too. In fact, I think it’s where I got most of my sense of humour from!
If you participate at a costume contest at a Comic Con, what would you dress up asIJ
I’ve dressed up as Darth Maul (Star Wars) a few times in the past, and I always enjoy that. Everything I dress up as is going to end up being “a big version of” whatever I pick. So I think I will stick to the hooded Sith lord.
What are your plans at Delhi Comic Con 2015IJ
Aside from the convention, probably to see a little of the city! Unfortunately, we have limited free time in Delhi, and Cons are usually very tiring; very fun, but exhaustive too. Also, I am definitely excited about the local food! I love Indian food, so getting to try some authentic local cuisines is something I look forward to.