Long before she became a household name, British actress Emilia Clarke was a relative newcomer to the entertainment industry, with just a couple of screen credits to her name. That all changed when she landed the role of Daenerys Targaryen in HBO’s fantasy epic Game of Thrones—a part that would not only define the early years of her career but transform her into one of the most recognizable stars in television history.
Although it’s been over five years since Game of Thrones aired its dramatic finale, Clarke still feels deeply connected to the series that catapulted her to global fame. In a recent interview with People, she opened up about how time and perspective have deepened her appreciation for the show and the once-in-a-lifetime role she played.
The Unexpected Path to Becoming the Mother of Dragons
Clarke’s journey to Westeros wasn’t a simple one. She was cast after the original pilot for Game of Thrones—which never aired—was deemed unsuccessful, prompting the showrunners to recast several key roles. Despite being relatively unknown at the time, Clarke impressed HBO executives during a series of auditions that spanned from London’s Soho to Los Angeles.
It’s said that her sense of humor even helped seal the deal—legend has it she performed a quirky “chicken dance” during her final audition. That bold move, along with her undeniable talent, helped her secure the role of a lifetime: Daenerys Targaryen, a character destined to grow from a timid, exiled princess into a formidable queen and dragon-riding conqueror.
Rising Stardom and a Role That Defined a Generation
Clarke’s performance throughout the eight-season run of Game of Thrones earned her critical acclaim and multiple award nominations, including several Primetime Emmy nods. More than that, her portrayal of Daenerys became one of the defining elements of the series—an arc that showcased immense character evolution, emotional range, and, ultimately, heartbreaking tragedy.
Reflecting on her time on the show, Clarke shared how stepping away from the character and the chaos of filming allowed her to better understand just how special that era of her life truly was. “Distance gives you perspective,” she said. “What we did was unlike anything else. It means the world that fans are still connected to the series.”
A Legacy That Continues Through Westeros
The world of Westeros is far from finished. Thanks to the enduring popularity of Game of Thrones, HBO has expanded its fantasy universe with House of the Dragon, now in production for its third season, and upcoming spin-offs like Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. Clarke remains humbled by the continued fan support and the franchise’s lasting cultural relevance.
While she’s not currently involved in the spin-offs, her impact on the Game of Thrones universe is undeniable. Clarke’s Daenerys is still one of the most talked-about characters in modern television, and her storyline remains a focal point in conversations about strong female leads, character arcs, and fantasy storytelling.
Beyond Westeros: Clarke’s Expanding Career
Though many fans will always associate her with the silver-haired Targaryen queen, Emilia Clarke has proven her versatility across genres. She delivered heartfelt performances in romantic dramas like Me Before You and Last Christmas, showing her range as an actress capable of both emotional depth and light-hearted charm. More recently, she has explored new creative avenues, including her involvement in indie film projects and even writing a comic book titled M.O.M.: Mother of Madness.
Clarke also founded the production company Magical Thinking Pictures, signaling her interest in taking on more creative control behind the scenes.
