Kristian Nairn recently dropped by Northern Michigan University to speak as a part of their Platform Personalities organization. The organization’s President, Emily Weber, was quite excited to bring Nairn on campus to talk about himself, and of course, playing Hodor on Game of Thrones. Watch below!
It was Nairn’s first trip in the Upper Peninsula, and he was very excited to be in the middle of all the holiday cheer…and to try their famous whitefish. As many fans know, Nairn isn’t just an actor, but also tours the world as a professional DJ. He does it all, and was happy to share what he’s learned with the students. “If any of the kids here, or the students are interested in following a career in acting or music, I’ve kind of done both. I’m always glad to pass on any wisdom or pass on any mistakes.”
Nairn hadn’t been on Game of Thrones since season 6, when he died in one of the show’s most tragic scenes. Still, people were interested to hear his take on the controversial final season:
We’re all immensely proud of it, I know it was life-changing for all of us. I’m just sad that it’s over, I really am. And not just because I’m dead. […] I was very happy with the series ending, I understand why people were mad. But again I think deep down if people look into the motivation behind it I think they’re more just mad that it’s over.
While we’re talking about Kristian Nairn, we must mention his recent team-up with men’s clothing line Psycho Bunny. Together, they are releasing limited edition t-shirts available online now! Quoth the press release:
The Psycho Bunny x Kristian Nairn t-shirt collaboration came out of fruition as both parties were big fans of each other for quite some time. The graphic tee contains a graphic that was sketched by Nairn himself, taking inspiration from his GOT character and his current profession as a DJ. The collection includes 2 t-shirt colourways (Black and White) retailing for $65, as well as big and tall options that retail for $85.
Below, Nairn models:
As part of their “Men of Mischief” profile, Nairn spoke with Psycho Bunny about his career and creative process. Once again, the reception of the final season came up. “I don’t think the criticism the show received was deserved,” Nairn said. “I think the last season was excellent. My only qualm was that I felt that it could’ve been a little longer — I missed the Game of Thrones of old that paid such attention to small details — like a ten-minute dialogue scene. But, because the clock was ticking and they’re heading towards a conclusion, it lost a bit of subtlety and that was something people loved about the show, it was a show where even the small characters had a role to play.”
DJ Hodor gets it, guys! I think he pretty much sums up the frustration of many Game of Thrones fans very beautifully.
Finally, Nairn answered an all-important question: what’s his favorite Hodor meme?
He was one of the most beloved characters — though I have to say playing a villain can be incredibly fun — and there were so many memes that it’s hard to pick one. I mean, the whole “hold the door” thing was pretty memorable. My mum got me one of the doorstops and I find it pretty amazing that there’s an actual physical object born from that.
We shall never forget the “hold the door” moment. It’s forever etched in our hearts, as is Kristian Nairn himself.
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