‘Game of Thrones’ Star Kristofer Hivju Tests Positive For Coronavirus
The coronavirus (COVID-19) is currently disrupting many of our lives, including the lives of some celebrities. It’s a very stressful time for many people, and we could all use some hope. This needing hope includes Kristofer Hivju, who played Tormund Giantsbane in Game of Thrones.
‘Game of Thrones’ actor Kristofer Hivju tells fans to ‘take care of each other and stay healthy’
Yesterday, March 17, 2020, Kristofer Hivju, the actor best known for his role in Game of Thrones, told his Instagram followers that he tested positive for the coronavirus. Hivju said that he and his family are staying home “for as long as it takes.” Fortunately, he is doing well at the moment. According to his Instagram post, he “only [has] mild symptoms of a cold.”
He encourages his followers to “do everything [they] can to stop the virus from spreading.” This includes washing your hands, keeping as far away from others as possible, and going into quarantine. Hivju also has inspiring words for his followers. He tells them that “together we can fight this virus and avert a crisis at our hospitals.”
“Please take care of each other,” he continues, “keep your distance, and stay healthy!” He suggests that his followers visit their countries’ Center for Disease Control’s website and follow the guidelines there to protect themselves and others from getting the virus. It’s especially important, Hivju states, to protect “those at risk” such as older people and those with already existing health problems.
Fans respond with ‘Game of Thrones’-based well wishes for Kristofer Hivju
A lot of fans are referencing Hivju’s Game of Thrones character, Tormund Giantsbane and how he got his nickname. For those of you who need a reminder, here’s what happened: ten-year-old Tormund killed a giant. He then proceeded to get into the bed of the giant’s wife. She thought he was one of her babies, so she fed him her milk.
According to Tormund, that’s how he got so strong: the giant’s milk. A BuzzFeed article mentions some particular fan reactions to Hivju’s unfortunate news from Instagram. One fan says that it’s “nothing a little giant’s milk can’t fix.” While another says, “get this man some giant’s milk immediately.”
Meanwhile, on Twitter, there are other similar reactions. One fan says they wish Hivju “a [speedy] recovery and hope he drinks [as] much…giant milk as possible during quarantine.” Another fan simply hopes that Hivju will “get better.” While another emphasizes the importance of washing your hands, because “if this bada** can get it, so can you.”
So stay healthy everyone, and if anyone has any giant’s milk, send some Kristofer Hivju’s way.
What the actor was working on before the virus and what happens now
Before getting sick, Hivju was working on season 2 of The Witcher. He was recently cast in the role of Nivellen. In the books that The Witcher is based on, Nivellen is a man cursed to live as a monster. Netflix had already stopped production on The Witcher before learning of Hivju’s condition.
According to Deadline, Netflix sent an email to cast and crew saying that they “will be closing production offices and Arborfield immediately and arranging for deep cleaning and disinfection.” They will also be “contacting those who were in close contact” with Hivju. However, they do recommend that everyone who was working on the show “self-quarantine for 14 days, monitor their temperature, and seek medical advice if they experience any symptoms.”
