The Walking Dead star hospitalised during filming as Whisperer mask causes heatstroke
WALKING Dead star Ryan Hurst was rushed to hospital after the costume for his character took its toll.
The 43-year-old plays the terrifying Beta in the hit AMC series, the lieutenant to Alpha, who heads up nefarious faction The Whisperers.
The group are known for skinning walkers and wearing their faces so they can travel unnoticed amongst them.
This also allows them to initiate stealth attacks by blending in with throngs of zombies.
Hurst explained that his outfit - a thick leather trench coat, military boots and the mask - culminated in him being hospitalised as the cast battled the heat in Georgia.
When asked if it was a struggle to keep cool, he replied: “Oh my God.
“I landed in the hospital once this year from heat exhaustion.
“I’m in a leather trench coat and two layers under that in Georgia in the summer,” he continued to Entertainment Weekly.
“It’s no joke, man.”
Fortunately the star made a full recovery and was able to return to filming after cooling off and re-hydrating.
Hurst’s comments come after Beta’s identity came into focus in the second episode of The Walking Dead season 10.
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During a flashback, viewers saw Beta’s first ever encounter with Alpha.
Ever the mystery, he wore a balaclava, completely shielding his face from view.
However, he eventually revealed himself to Alpha, leaving her grinning as she recognised him instantly.
This is no doubt a nod to the Robert Kirkman comics, in which Beta hides his identity as a famous basketball player before the apocalypse.
The Walking Dead airs Mondays on FOX at 9pm.