Mahershala Ali Reveals The Details Behind His Ill-Fated 'Game Of Thrones' Audition

Every actor has at least one or two bad auditions, and Mahershala Ali is no exception.

The Moonlight star recently appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live! and discussed auditioning for Game of Thrones.

“I think my audition guaranteed that I wasn’t almost on Game of Thrones. That was one of the worst auditions of my life,” he told Kimmel. Ali said he auditioned for a part as a merchant who gets locked in a safe, explaining that the audition was with a casting director he’d met before and had previously bombed in front of. 

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“I was prepared this time,” he said. “Totally off book, had all my lines memorized. I had this thing worked out with this chair, I was doing all these power moves and stances and had my stuff all worked out.” He explained that when he went into the room for the audition, there were two uncomfortable stools inside, which resulted in a stiff performance. 

He joked that next time he’ll be prepared: “Bring your own chair, that’s the lesson.”

While chatting with Kimmel, Ali also revealed his real name: Mahershalalhashbaz, but he likes to keep it short.