AceShowbiz -

"Game of Thrones" just bid farewell to another character in a heartbreaking way. In "The Door" that aired Sunday, May 22, [SPOILER ALERT!] Bran Stark's longtime companion and protector Hodor sacrificed himself to save Bran and Meera from the White Walkers, who came for Bran after he saw the Night King in his vision.

At the same time, Bran visited his past in Winterfell that revealed Hodor's origin. It turned out that Hodor's condition was caused by the same person who Hodor cared the most, Bran. During Hodor's youth, Bran ordered Hodor to "hold the door," which people heard as "Hodor", causing a brain-melting seizure that left him only able to say that one word.

Kristian Nairn who plays the character says he "had tears" in his eyes as he watched Hodor's ending. "I just saw the character die and it was very sad. I think people are going to a) freak out, b) be very sad," he tells EW.

The actor/DJ loves it though, saying, "I couldn't be happier how he has gone out." He also teases about his possible return, "The interesting thing is it's kinda left open. You don't actually see him [die]. It's implied. So who knows? He may come back as a White Walker, maybe he got away."

Next week, "Game of Thrones" will feature a confrontation between the High Sparrow and the King's army led by Jaime as Margaery is set to do the walk of shame. The new episode, "Blood of My Blood", airs Sunday, May 29 at 9/8c on HBO.