Celebrities
Star in ‘Game of Thrones’? Don’t quit your side job …
You’re accustomed to seeing them in Westeros, surrounded by dragons, decapitated heads and three-eyed ravens. The stars of “Game of Thrones” are so good at their jobs, in fact, that it’s difficult to imagine them in a modern-day context. But believe it or not, sometimes they need some escapism of their own, and they find it in … puppets, spinning records and lifting logs?
Read on for a breakdown of some “GoT” actors you know, and the side-projects you may not. Because when you’re on a show like “Thrones,” your job is never secure — and it’s always smart to have a back-up plan.
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Jack Gleeson
On “Thrones,” he stole the show as ill-fated King Joffrey — possibly the most reviled pop culture villain of the decade. Even at his most popular, Gleeson often spoke of his plans to retire from acting when he was finished with the series. What he didn’t mention is that, although his face might take on a lower profile, his hands apparently will not.
Gleeson is making plans to bring his puppet show “Bears in Space” to America following successful runs in London, Dublin and Edinburgh. New Yorkers can catch the show — about two bears traveling in a spaceship while being chased by a villain — at the 59E59 Theater from September 6 to October 2.
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Kristian Nairn
When he held the door — and gave his life — on “Game of Thrones,” Kristian Nairn cemented his reputation as a fan favorite with Hodor. But the good news is, acting is merely one of his artistic pursuits, and his booking agent has reported that his “GoT” death gave a huge boost to his career as a progressive house DJ.
Nairn certainly doesn’t mind acknowledging his HBO notoriety, playing events with names like “Rave of Thrones” and using the name “DJ Hodor.” When those White Walkers were coming at him, viewers were wishing Hodor had a Valyrian sword … but as it turns out, his true weapon of choice is two turntables and a microphone.
Hafbor Julius Bjornsson
It probably won’t surprise many “GoT” fans to know that the 6 foot nine-inch, 240-pound monster of a man who plays “The Mountain” makes his main living as a strongman. He has won several contests in his home country of Iceland, and in 2015 carried a 1430-pound log for five steps at the “World’s Strongest Viking” competition in Norway.
What might surprise you is that “The Mountain” played professional basketball in Iceland, until a knee injury cut his career short. Oh yeah, and in his spare time, he likes to slap around UFC Featherweight Champion Conor McGregor like a pesky fly.
Carice van Houten
It might be a bit jarring to see the icy, evil Melisandre bouncing around in a t-shirt, singing an upbeat pop tune. But the song below is called “Emily,” it was the first single off van Houten’s 2012 album “See You On the Ice” and it’s part of her second career as a singer.
Watching the actress do her best Lisa Loeb in a cozy-looking apartment, her singing sure is a long way from her day job as The Red Woman. But talk about synergy: If her music career ever dies, she could always just bring it back to life.
Peter Dinklage
A vegetarian since he was 16, the Emmy winner otherwise known as Tyrion Lannister has been an outspoken animal rights activist for years. Sure, it might not make him any money on the side, but if there’s one actor on “GoT” who seems to have some job security, it’s him. Besides, who needs money when you’ve got this much good karma coming your way?