Mahershala Ali made a statement in 2016 with excellent performances in the critically acclaimed film, "Moonlight," and hit Marvel television series, "Luke Cage." But what people did not know is that Ali almost landed a part in "Game of Thrones" only to deliver a "stiff" showcase in his audition.
In his appearance at Jimmy Kimmel Live, the 42-year-old narrated how his audition for the hit HBO series was "one of the worst auditions of my life." Ali was auditioning for the role of Xaro Xhoan Daxos but failed to land the role after he felt uncomfortable sitting in one of the chairs, Mail Online reported.
Ali explained that he practiced his lines but come game time, he felt uncomfortable sitting at a chair which was too tall and did not have a back on it, leading to his "stiff" performance. The "Game of Thrones" role was eventually portrayed by Nonso Anozie.
However, since his audition mishap, Ali has been casted to "House of Cards" in which he appeared for 33 episodes and played the role Boggs in the "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1 and Part 2." His portrayal of the role Juan in "Moonlight" earned him several best supporting actor awards, including a nomination in the Golden Globes where he was beaten by Aaron Taylor-Johnson.
Ali's rendition of the cocky Hell's Kitchen gang lord Cornell 'Cottonmouth' Stokes in the Netflix series "Luke Cage" also drew praises from Marvel fans and consumers of the show. Although "Luke Cage" will be back for Season 2, Ali will not be a part anymore as he died in the first season.
Although Ali lost the Golden Globe, people believe he is deserving to win it in the Academy Awards, Bustle reported. He still has pending nominations from the London Film Critics Circle Award for Supporting Actor of the Year and the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role.
Watch the video below for Ali's interview: