Lena Headey secured her first professional role in the 1992 film Waterland after a casting agent observed her performing in a school production at the Royal National Theatre. This early success established a consistent career path in television and film, spanning British character work to international blockbusters and expansive voice acting contributions.
Early Career and Television Work
Born in 1973 in Hamilton, Headey returned to England at age five, eventually attending Shelley College. Her early film credits include The Remains of the Day (1993), The Jungle Book (1994), and Mrs Dalloway (1997). During the 1990s, she appeared in various British television series such as Spender, Soldier Soldier, Band of Gold, and Kavanagh QC. She further expanded her television presence by portraying Queen Guinevere in the 1998 miniseries Merlin.
Progression into Major Roles
The early 2000s saw Headey move into more prominent cinematic roles. She received the Silver Iris Award for Best Actress at the 2001 Brussels European Film Festival for her performance in Aberdeen. Subsequent appearances included the mystery drama Possession (2002), the thriller Ripley's Game (2002), and the biographical film The Gathering Storm (2002). Her lead role as Angelika in The Brothers Grimm (2005) marked a shift toward high-profile fantasy features, followed by her portrayal of Gorgo, Queen of Sparta, in 300 (2006).
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Headey achieved global prominence for her portrayal of Cersei Lannister in the HBO series Game of Thrones (2011–2019), earning five Emmy Award nominations and one Golden Globe Award nomination. Her other notable film credits during this period include Dredd (2012), The Purge (2013), and Pride and Prejudice and Zombies (2016). Beyond performance, she directed the 2019 short film The Trap, which garnered a BAFTA Award nomination.
Voice Acting and Animation
Headey has maintained an extensive career as a voice actor for animation and video games. Her contributions include roles in the animated series Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Danger Mouse, Tales of Arcadia, and Infinity Train. She also provided voice work for the video game Risen, the game-linked film Kingsglaive: Final Fantasy XV, and the puppet series The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance.
Fast facts
- Born: 1973, Hamilton
- Citizenship: United Kingdom
- Film Debut: Waterland (1992)
- Notable Television Role: Cersei Lannister in Game of Thrones
- Directing Credit: The Trap (2019)
- Languages: English
- Religion: Anglicanism
Questions readers ask
What was Lena Headey's first film?
Her film debut was the 1992 mystery drama Waterland.
Has Headey worked as a director?
Yes, she directed the 2019 short film The Trap, which earned a BAFTA Award nomination.
What is her most recognized television role?
She is widely recognized for her portrayal of Cersei Lannister in the HBO drama series Game of Thrones.
Achievements
- Worked as actor, voice actor and film actor
