Emilia Clarke, the beloved actress known for bringing Daenerys Targaryen to life on HBO's Game of Thrones, has faced battles off-screen that rival the intensity of her character's fiery storylines. In a candid interview with U.K. magazine the Big Issue, Clarke, now 37, opened up about the two brain aneurysms she suffered during the height of her Game of Thrones fame and the profound impact they had on her life and career.
In 2011, just after wrapping up filming the first season of Game of Thrones, Clarke experienced her first aneurysm. This led to a stroke and a subarachnoid hemorrhage, necessitating emergency brain surgery. Clarke's recollection of this period is both harrowing and inspiring. She described the terrifying moment during a gym session when she felt her brain suffer the initial trauma and how she couldn't remember her own name two weeks later due to aphasia, a condition caused by brain damage. The actress admitted in a 2019 essay for The New Yorker that in her darkest moments, she asked medical staff to let her die, feeling completely lost without her ability to communicate.
Despite the severity of her condition, Clarke's aphasia turned out to be temporary, and she underwent a second surgery in 2013 to address another aneurysm. The pressure of acting in front of millions while recovering from these life-threatening surgeries brought immense fear and insecurity. Clarke recalled her fears of being fired from Game of Thrones due to perceived incompetence and the horrifying thought that she might collapse on live TV.
Reflecting on her journey, Clarke now views her brain injury as a source of strength. “It has given me a superpower,” she told the Big Issue, emphasizing how overcoming such a debilitating condition has reshaped her outlook on life and beauty. Clarke shared that true beauty stems from happiness and inner peace, rather than external appearances.
In 2019, Clarke founded SameYou, a brain injury recovery charity, with her mother Jennifer. The charity aims to support those with similar experiences and combat the profound loneliness that often accompanies brain injuries. By teaming up with Big Issue Recruit, they are helping individuals facing employment barriers find sustainable work.
Emilia Clarke's story is one of resilience and inspiration. Her journey through severe health challenges to emerge stronger, coupled with her efforts to aid others facing similar struggles, showcases the remarkable strength and spirit behind the actress we admire on screen. As she continues to inspire both her fans and those suffering from brain injuries, Clarke's legacy extends far beyond the fictional world of Westeros.
Clarke's experiences remind us all of the importance of inner strength and the power of turning adversity into a platform for positive change. Whether you're a die-hard Game of Thrones fan or simply someone who appreciates tales of human triumph, Emilia Clarke's story is a compelling testament to the resilience of the human spirit.
