Emilia Clarke became a global star thanks to her role as Daenerys Targaryen in Game of Thrones. Playing the Mother of Dragons early in her career brought her massive recognition and numerous awards. Despite it being only her third acting credit, Clarke’s performance made her one of the most iconic faces on television during the show’s run. Now, five years after the series finale, Clarke reflects on how special the experience truly was and how time has helped her fully appreciate it.
Landing the role of Daenerys wasn’t an easy journey for Clarke. She joined the cast after an unsuccessful original pilot had already been filmed. Despite being relatively unknown at the time, she auditioned in Soho and Los Angeles, impressing the show’s executive producers. Even with their support, HBO needed convincing, and Clarke ultimately won them over with her charm and creativity—performing even quirky moves like the chicken dance during auditions. Her dedication paid off, and she brought the fierce Targaryen queen to life.
Reflecting on her time on Game of Thrones, Clarke shared that distance has given her a better perspective on how extraordinary the experience was. When she first started, she didn’t fully understand the magnitude of the show or what it would become. The series quickly gained a massive following, with a Season 2 renewal announced just days after its 2011 premiere. This success skyrocketed Clarke’s career and demonstrated her impressive range as an actress. Over eight seasons, her character transformed from a timid, uncertain young woman to a powerful and commanding ruler.
Clarke feels grateful that fans continue to hold Game of Thrones close to their hearts, even as the world of Westeros expands with spin-offs like House of the Dragon and Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. She admits that with each passing year, her appreciation for her time on the show grows.
While Game of Thrones will always be a defining part of her career, Clarke has continued to explore new projects. She’s charmed audiences in films like Me Before You and Last Christmas and joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe with Secret Invasion. Looking ahead, Clarke will voice a role in Netflix’s The Twits and star in Amazon Prime’s crime drama Criminal.
Though her time as Daenerys is in the past, Clarke’s connection to the role and the series remains strong, as does the enduring love of fans worldwide.
