Best known for her powerful portrayal of Daenerys Targaryen in the globally acclaimed HBO series Game of Thrones, Emilia Clarke faced a real-life battle far more harrowing than any on-screen conflict. In 2011, at the height of her rising fame, the then-24-year-old actress suffered a life-threatening brain hemorrhage while working out at a gym in North London—an event she kept secret for years.
In a candid new interview with The Big Issue, Clarke reflected on the traumatic experience and the challenges she faced continuing to work on one of the world’s most demanding television productions while recovering from a serious health crisis.
“When you have a brain injury, because it alters your sense of self on such a dramatic level, all of the insecurities you have going into the workplace quadruple overnight,” Clarke shared. “The first fear we all had was: ‘Oh my God, am I going to get fired? Am I going to get fired because they think I’m not capable of completing the job?'”
Despite the severity of the injury, Clarke returned to set just weeks later, determined not to let her health struggles define her career. However, the emotional and physical toll was immense. She described the intense stress of working under high-pressure conditions while fearing another medical emergency. “Well, if I’m going to die, I better die on live TV,” she recalled thinking, only half-jokingly.
Her health ordeal didn’t end there. In 2013, doctors discovered a second brain hemorrhage, compounding the danger and reinforcing the critical need for continued care and support. Yet, through resilience and sheer willpower, Clarke persevered, continuing to deliver one of the most iconic performances in modern television.
After her recovery, Clarke turned her personal experience into purpose. Alongside her mother, Jennifer Clarke, she co-founded the charity SameYou, an organization dedicated to improving recovery care for people who have experienced brain injuries and strokes. Their work addresses a gap Clarke herself discovered during her own recovery journey—the significant underfunding and understaffing of neuro-rehabilitation services around the world.
Her passion for advocacy has not gone unnoticed. In recognition of their dedication and impact, both Emilia and her mother were honored with MBEs (Members of the Order of the British Empire) earlier this year.
Clarke has also spoken publicly about how “fragile, sensitive, and scared” she felt during her recovery—a powerful reminder that even those who appear strongest on screen can face silent battles off it. Her transparency has inspired many and brought attention to a critical area of healthcare often overlooked.
Through SameYou, Clarke continues to shine a light on brain injury recovery, striving to ensure that others facing similar challenges receive the care, compassion, and resources they deserve.
