Meet Ian Whyte: The Actor Who Has Played Four Different Characters on Game of Thrones

Game of Thrones is, of course, one of the biggest shows in television history. Over the course of its eight seasons (only seven of which we've seen), hundreds—if not thousands—of extremely talented actors have worked tirelessly during long shoots to bring the world of Westeros, and the characters you love, to life. While Ian Whyte may not be one of the show's leads, he's played an integral part of the cast since the series' earliest days—and holds the record for most characters played in Game of Thrones.

The 47-year-old Welsh actor and stuntman began his Game of Thrones gig playing a White Walker in the show's first two seasons and was one of three actors to play Ser Gregor Clegane, a.k.a. The Mountain, in season two. In season 3, he played an unnamed giant, then moved on to playing yet another giant—Wun Wun the Wildling—in season 5.

Whyte, who stands 7 feet 1 inch, didn't start out as an actor. Perhaps unsurprisingly, he began his career as a basketball player for the Newcastle Eagles. After retiring as an athlete, he turned to acting and stunt work as a career. He played a Predator in AVP: Alien vs. Predator (2004) and Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem (2007) and had major roles in Clash of the Titans (2010) and Ridley Scott’s Prometheus (2012).

Given his popularity with Game of Thrones's team, we wouldn’t be surprised if we see him again in the new season—maybe even playing a record fifth character.