Game of Thrones star Jerome Flynn has revealed he 'didn't actually know' if he would carry on acting - until a sword slinging role on the HBO show 'changed his life'.
The actor, 56, had bought an old farm in Wales with plans to renovate it and start a holiday inn business when he was offered the role of Ser Bronn in the fantasy drama.
He said he didn't want to say 'goodbye' to the industry - but at the time there was nothing that 'excited' him on the horizon.
Unsure: Game of Thrones star Jerome Flynn has revealed he 'didn't actually know' if he would carry on acting until a sword slinging role on the HBO show 'changed his life'
Jerome told the Mirror: 'I didn't say goodbye to acting, but there wasn't anything being offered that excited me. I didn't actually know if I was going to carry on. I hadn't been on screen for 10 years'.
The actor had his breakthrough as fireman Kenny 'Rambo' Baines in ITV's London's Burning before he took on a role opposite Robson Green in Soldier Soldier.
He added of Game of Thrones: 'It's opened up so many doors, given me some beautiful friends and amazing experiences.'
New role: The actor, 56, had bought an old farm in Wales with plans to renovate it and start a holiday inn business when he was offered the role of Ser Bronn in the fantasy drama
Bored: He said he didn't want to say 'goodbye' to the industry - but at the time there was nothing that 'excited' him on the horizon
Ser Bronn of the Blackwater first appeared in Game of Thrones in season one - when the skilled sellsword helped Catelyn Stark (Michelle Fairley) escort her prisoner Tyrion Lannister (Peter Dinklage) to the Vale to stand trial for the attempted murder of her son, Bran (Isaac Hempstead Wright).
He then volunteers to fight for Tyrion when he demands a trial by combat - and later becomes the royal's companion and protector.
The character was last seen in King's Landing in the first episode of season eight, when he was approached by former maester Qyburn (Anton Lesser) and given Joffrey Baratheon's crossbow, several chests of gold and a mission from Cersei.
Breakthrough: The actor had his breakthrough as fireman Kenny 'Rambo' Baines in ITV's London's
