Emilia Clarke, the British actress renowned for her role as Daenerys Targaryen in HBO’s Game of Thrones, has opened up about the intense work ethic that defined her early career. She revealed that during the eight years she spent on the show, which ran from 2011 to 2019, she only managed to take two weeks off. This period of relentless work, she explained, left little room for rest or personal time.
Clarke rose to international fame through her portrayal of the fierce and determined queen in the hit fantasy series. Over the years, she also appeared in several films, including the romantic drama Me Before You, the 2019 crime thriller Above Suspicion, and the festive rom-com Last Christmas. Despite her growing success, she admitted that she struggled to say “no” to work, often prioritizing professional commitments over her own well-being.
It wasn’t until the pandemic struck in 2020 that Clarke found an opportunity to slow down. Reflecting on this period, she told The Times: “Maybe I am a born optimist but it was the first time that I’d stopped since I was 19.” She described her early career as a mix of hustle and determination, working in various jobs such as call centres and serving pints at Meatloaf concerts. Once she landed her breakthrough role in Game of Thrones, she said she didn’t know the meaning of the word “no.”
Her dedication to her craft came at a cost. Clarke has faced serious health challenges, including two brain aneurysms that required surgery in 2012 and again in 2013. She shared that after her surgeries, she returned to work almost immediately, feeling that if she was alive, everything must be okay. However, these experiences, combined with the loss of her father to cancer in 2016, contributed to her feelings of imposter syndrome.
“I’ve had it my whole life,” she said. “The brain haemorrhages and the death of my dad were deeply life-altering moments happening at the same time as abnormal highs. It leaves me in the middle going, ‘F***, nothing’s real. Everything’s floating. If you look at the good thing, it’ll go away.’”
When asked if she is now happy, Clarke acknowledged that she has spent years “sitting with a lot of pain” but has managed to get through “the worst of it.” Her journey has been one of resilience, growth, and self-discovery.
Currently, Clarke is starring in the new Sky series Ponies, an American spy thriller in which she and co-star Haley Lu Richardson play secretaries who become CIA operatives after their husbands die under mysterious circumstances. The show has received positive reviews from critics, with particular praise for the chemistry between Clarke and Richardson.
The series offers a fresh take on the spy genre, blending action, suspense, and humor. Clarke’s performance has been praised for its depth and nuance, showcasing her versatility as an actress. As she continues to explore new roles, Clarke remains committed to telling stories that resonate with audiences and challenge traditional narratives.
In today’s media landscape, where independent readers seek real facts and frank opinions, Clarke’s journey serves as a reminder of the importance of authenticity and resilience. Her story inspires others to embrace their unique paths and find strength in vulnerability.
