Emilia Isobel Euphemia Rose Clarke, born in London on 23 October 1986, established a career in international film and television. Her early interest in performance emerged at age three, eventually leading her to graduate from Drama Centre London in 2009. She rose to prominence through her portrayal of Daenerys Targaryen in the HBO series Game of Thrones.
Early Education and Training
Clarke attended Rye St Antony School in Headington and later St Edward's School in Oxford, where she participated in productions of Twelfth Night and West Side Story. After finishing school in 2005, she unsuccessfully applied to several institutions before enrolling at Drama Centre London. She gained early experience in student films and a 2009 appearance on the soap opera Doctors.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Game of Thrones
Cast as Daenerys Targaryen in 2010, Clarke performed in the HBO series from 2011 to 2019. The role earned her four Primetime Emmy Award nominations. During this period, she also voiced her character in a 2014 video game and appeared in television projects like Triassic Attack. Her work on the series eventually placed her among the highest-paid television actors.
Film and Stage Appearances
Clarke expanded her filmography with roles in Terminator: Genisys as Sarah Connor, Solo: A Star Wars Story as Qi'ra, and romantic dramas including Me Before You and Last Christmas. Her stage career includes a Broadway debut in Breakfast at Tiffany's as Holly Golightly and a West End production of The Seagull. In 2023, she starred in the Marvel Cinematic Universe miniseries Secret Invasion as G'iah.
Public Recognition
Throughout her career, she received the Member of the Order of the British Empire award. Her contributions were further acknowledged when Screen International named her a UK Star of Tomorrow in 2010. She continues to work in the film industry, operating from the United Kingdom.
Fast facts
- Born: 23 October 1986, London
- Education: St Edward's School; Drama Centre London
- Notable Role: Daenerys Targaryen, Game of Thrones
- Award: Member of the Order of the British Empire
- Broadway Debut: Breakfast at Tiffany's (2013)
Questions readers ask
What was Emilia Clarke's first credited television role?
Her first credited television role was a guest appearance in the BBC One medical soap opera Doctors in 2009.
Did Emilia Clarke perform in the Marvel Cinematic Universe?
Yes, she portrayed the character G'iah in the 2023 miniseries Secret Invasion.
Achievements
- Notable work: Game of Thrones
- Educated at Drama Centre London and St Edward's School
- Worked as actor, stage actor and film actor
