Ahead of the release of the hit HBO show's complete series on DVD and Blu-ray, Rory McCann opened up about his life before he was cast in the role.
"Two years ago, I was in a tent—literally in a tent—stealing food occasionally," the actor who portrayed Sandor "The Hound" Clegane told The Independent.
Life Before Game of Thrones
In an interview with the Daily Record in March 2014, McCann shared that he had to stay in Iceland-homeless because there was not any acting work at the time.
"It was coming into winter, and some locals told me I was the only man on the whole island living in a tent, so they helped me get into a house, and I found work as a carpenter."
Eventually, the Glaswegian actor landed one of the most iconic roles in the history of television.
"I got a job and sorted myself out," he shared. "Suddenly, I'm getting driven around in a nice car in the biggest and best show in the world. Just shows how your fortunes can change. Amazing," the 50-year-old actor added.
Like his character in the fantasy drama, McCann had a change of heart and made up for his "crimes" by returning to Iceland.
"I managed to go back and pay my library fines," he said.
Related link: The 7 Best Game of Thrones Apps Every Fan Needs To Download
The Hound's Story
Interestingly, McCann's life before Thrones was quite similar to that of his character's.
After losing faith in King Joffrey and leaving King's Landing during the Battle of the Blackwater, the more favorable Clegane brother became a fugitive, often stealing from innocent people.
In this part, The Hound became homeless and starving like the actor who portrayed the role. But unlike the actor, the warrior from House Clegane would kill to survive.
If you are a true GoT fan, you'll never forget the epic "chicken" scene from season 4, episode 1, where The Hound threatens Polliver.
Here, the likable Clegane said he'll have two chickens, to which the poor man-at-arms replied, "You don't seem to understand the situation."
The hangry The Hound answered, "I understand that if any more words come pouring out of your c--- mouth, I'm going to have to eat every f------ chicken in this room."
This quickly became the butt of every internet joke, with GoT fans from all over the world sharing funny memes about the fan-favorite.
More Game of Thrones News
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: We know you're still mourning the ending of this award-winning drama series from HBO, so here are some fresh news and updates about this fantasy epic:
- The complete Game of Thrones series is now available on DVD and Blu-ray. After posting a cryptic "Winter Is Coming" tweet on Twitter, HBO announced that it is releasing the DVD and Blu-ray box set of the award-winning drama's complete 1–8 seasons.
- Author George R.R. Martin hinted details about the release of The Winds of Winter. It seems that the 6th installation in the epic fantasy series A Song of Ice and Fire will be available by July next year, at the very latest.
- Entertainment Weekly released a deleted scene of Sansa and Tyrion. The short clip shows Sansa, Tyrion, Missandei, Gilly, and baby Sam in the crypt during the Battle of Winterfell.
- The Witcher is showing on Netflix this December. According to Cinema Blend, the series is "the heir to the fantasy throne."
