Emilia Clarke, known for her captivating role as Daenerys Targaryen in HBO's Game of Thrones, is not just a talented actress but a remarkable individual with an inspiring story. Born on October 23, 1986, in London, Clarke developed a passion for acting at a young age. Her journey from humble beginnings to stardom is a testament to her dedication and resilience.
Throughout her career, Clarke has not only showcased her acting prowess on television but also made a significant impact on stage and in films. From her breakout role on television to her Broadway debut and major film projects, she has continuously pushed boundaries and captivated audiences around the world.
Biography
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Birth Year | 1986 |
| Birth Date | October 23 |
| Birth City | London |
| Birth Country | England |
| Gender | Female |
| Best Known For | Her role as Daenerys Targaryen in Game of Thrones |
| Astrological Sign | Scorpio |
Table of Contents
Who Is Emilia Clarke?
Emilia Clarke developed an interest in acting at a young age, and after graduating from secondary school, she attended the renowned Drama Centre London. Following various small roles on television, Clarke's big break came in 2011 when she landed the role of Daenerys Targaryen in the HBO hit series Game of Thrones. Since then, she has starred on Broadway and has been cast in films like Solo: A Star Wars Story.
Early Life
Clarke was born in London, England, on October 23, 1986. Raised in the countryside of Oxfordshire, her interest in acting began at an early age, when her mother took her to a production of the classic musical Show Boat, on which her father was working as a sound engineer. Accompanying her father on future trips to the theater only deepened her fascination.
Clarke was educated at Rye St. Antony and St. Edwards in Oxford, during which time she appeared in productions of West Side Story and Twelfth Night. Rounding out her love of performance, she also learned to sing and play the guitar. Following her graduation from secondary school, she was accepted at the esteemed Central Saint Martins Drama Centre London, which counts actors such as Michael Fassbender, Colin Firth, and Tom Hardy among its more famous alumni. While pursuing her studies, Clarke appeared in numerous stage productions at the school.
Movies and TV Shows
‘Game of Thrones’
After completing her studies at the Drama Centre in 2009, Clarke set to work building her career, landing her first television role in the BBC dramatic series Doctors and appearing in several commercials. A more significant role came the following year, in the made-for-TV horror/sci-fi movie Triassic Attack (2010). But despite this early television work, Clarke was holding several day jobs to make ends meet.
Her big break finally came when she received a call from her agent asking her if she could audition for the new HBO series Game of Thrones. Clarke immediately called in sick to the catering company she was scheduled to work for, and after a successful audition was cast in the role of Daenerys Targaryen, would-be queen and Mother of Dragons, a role originally held by Tamzin Merchant, who left the show after filming the unaired pilot.
Broadway and Film Roles
Clarke’s newfound fame from Game of Thrones quickly led to other projects, including a starring role in the 2012 indie music drama Spike Island. In 2013, she made her first appearance on Broadway, cast as Holly Golightly in a stage production of Truman Capote’s Breakfast at Tiffany’s, and starred opposite Jude Law in the British comedy Dom Hemingway. After turning down the lead in 50 Shades of Grey, stating that she didn’t want to be pigeonholed in “nudity” roles, Clarke was cast as Sarah Connor opposite Arnold Schwarzenegger in Terminator Genisys, the 2015 installment of the Terminator saga.
Personal Life
The frequent subject of various gossip columns and tabloids, Emilia Clarke has been romantically linked to Seth MacFarlane, whom she dated for several months, and is rumored to have been involved with actors Cory Michael Smith (her co-star in Breakfast at Tiffany’s), James Franco, and Jai Courtney. In early 2019, it was reported she had ended her romance with director Charlie McDowell.
Health Struggles
In a March 2019 essay for The New Yorker, Clarke revealed that she suffered two aneurysms during the early years of Game of Thrones. The first, which struck after the end of season 1 and required an emergency operation, left her unable to communicate in its aftermath and exhausted once production resumed. The actress underwent a more complicated procedure after the second season, leaving her in terrible pain. During her darkest days, she wrote, she considered suicide, and even while pushing forward she often worried she wouldn't survive.
Quick Facts
- Birth Year: 1986
- Birth Date: October 23, 1986
- Birth City: London
- Birth Country: England
- Gender: Female
- Best Known For: Emilia Clarke is best known for her role as Daenerys Targaryen in Game of Thrones.
- Astrological Sign: Scorpio
Emilia Clarke's journey from an aspiring actress to a global icon is filled with hard work, determination, and resilience. Her performances continue to inspire many, and her story serves as a reminder that with passion and perseverance, anything is possible!
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