From Thrones to Tears: Emilia Clarke Opens Up About the Emotional Turmoil Behind Daenerys’ Reign

In a candid interview with the LA Times, 37-year-old actress Emilia Clarke opened up about the tumultuous journey she faced while navigating the sudden fame brought on by her iconic role as Daenerys Targaryen in HBO’s Game of Thrones. The experience, while filled with professional success, was also marked by deep personal challenges, including the loss of her father and her own battles with severe medical issues.

Clarke, who skyrocketed to global recognition for her portrayal of the formidable Mother of Dragons, described the period as “very confusing.” She explained how the overwhelming fame, coupled with the emotional weight of her father’s passing and the trauma of suffering two brain aneurysms, made her 20s a particularly challenging time.

“There were times when I was really sad on that show, just simply because I was a young woman in her 20s,” Clarke admitted. “All of that happening while Game of Thrones was happening, it sometimes could be very confusing.”

Despite these hardships, Clarke has found a way to embrace her Game of Thrones experience over time. As she reflects on her journey, she recognizes the significance of her role and feels fortunate to have been part of such a monumental project. “It’s not a shabby role to be associated with,” she remarked with a hint of pride. “Daenerys, I hope, is associated with a certain calibre of work, so lucky me that that’s the case.”

However, Clarke is quick to point out that there’s one topic she’d rather avoid when reminiscing about her time on the show. “As long as people don’t ask me about nudity,” she added, referring to the numerous scenes in the series that featured her in intimate settings—moments that were often a focal point of public and media attention.

Clarke’s story is one of resilience and growth, as she continues to carve out a successful career in Hollywood while maintaining a grounded perspective on her past. Her candidness about the struggles behind the scenes of one of the most successful TV shows in history sheds light on the often-overlooked pressures of fame and the personal battles that many public figures face away from the spotlight. As she moves forward, Emilia Clarke remains not just a beloved actress but an inspiring figure of strength and perseverance.