GoT star wows fans at HBO Asia’s event

SINGAPORE — Game of Thrones (GoT) star Tom Wlaschiha, best known for his role as The Faceless Man Jaqen H’ghar in the medieval fantasy epic series that captivated the world, jetted to the Lion City for the first time to help HBO Asia celebrate its 25th anniversary.

Ovewhelmed by the attention from the show’s adoring Asian fans, the handsome German actor said he will forever be grateful to HBO and Game of Thrones for helping boost his career and global star power.

“They haven’t changed my private life but they have changed my professional life quite a bit,” Wlaschiha (pronounced “wah-chee-ha”) told reporters in an intimate press session at the iconic The Fullerton Hotel. “It’s no secret that as an actor, it’s important to have roles where you are seen by a lot of people. So, it’s a gift for any actor to be on a show like this which is a worldwide phenomenon.”

“Of course, you end up on many lists and casting agents and directors suddenly get to know you for your work and you end up getting more offers which ultimately is what every actor wants,” he added.

Wlaschiha’s character in the Game of Thrones is known for helping Arya Stark (played by Maisie Williams) learn the deadly arts of his order, the Faceless Men, who have the ability to change their appearance at will.

“I’ve really liked this character (Jaqen H’ghar) because he’s mysterious with deep secrets and it’s something that works with the audience because they always want to find out about secrets,” he said with a wide grin.

The actor admitted that even his own family and friends have all tried to beg for information about the show’s latest season.

“But they have given up on me because they knew I’m not going to say anything,” he laughed. He wouldn’t even share if Jaqen H’ghar is appearing in the final episode.

As the Emmy-winning series starts winding down with its eighth and final season slated either in late 2018 or early 2019, Wlaschiha said he’s not at all heartbroken knowing that the show has beautifully served its purpose.

“It is a perfect idea to end it,” he explained. “First of all, all good things have to come to an end and there’s nothing worse than a story that promises an ending which doesn’t come. I think it’s also just fair to the audience who have been teased and who have been waiting for seven years now to find out what’s going to happen in the end. It’s only fair that they get a resolution.” 

The actor, meanwhile, gave his viewpoint on why Game of Thrones has become a pop culture phenomenon.

“People are trying to dream themselves away from the real life and get lost in the fantasy world and Game of Thrones is such a rich, detailed universe that you see it on many levels. It appears to be like a perfectly crafted world in the computer games where you can escape reality.”