Ian McShane Talks About His Game Of Thrones Role

This article contains spoilers from Game of Thrones season 6, episode 7, "The Broken Man."

In the opening scene of the episode, we learn that Sandor "The Hound" Clegane (played by Rory McCann), who was thought to be dead, is alive and well. He was nursed back to health by Brother Ray (played by Ian McShane) and has been spending his time as one of Ray's followers.

Halfway into the episode, Ray gives a stirring speech in which he recounts his time as a soldier, carrying out violent orders. It's that speech that got McShane involved with the show.

"Well, they wrote a two-page speech – so that's why they invited me," McShane told Entertainment Weekly. "It's a big soliloquy, like in Deadwood, and they needed to get somebody who could do that. It was really well written. Rory was a delight to work with, and so was the director. The whole experience was five days in Belfast, and I enjoyed it a lot."

Aside from the speech, Brother Ray served the purpose of making The Hound believe he could redeem himself. "But I think my main use was to re-introduce a character people thought was long gone and who needed some humanity," he explained. "The Hound has not been shown much humanity in his life, and he gets a little from Brother Ray and carries that forward into his character, which makes it more interesting for those who watch him."

Sadly, Brother Ray and his flock, aside from The Hound, were murdered by the trio from the Brotherhood Without Banners. Ray got it worst of all; he was hung. What's that like for an actor?
"It's very easy," he shared. "You just have to hold your breath for 10 seconds and look sufficiently dead for them to get it."

Game of Throne airs Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO.