Why Game of Thrones Fans Drove Faye Marsay Off Social Media

Faye Marsay’s journey from the small screen to big challenges reflects her resilience and versatility as an actress. Best known for her role as the tormenting Waif in Game of Thrones, Marsay’s career has spanned a range of memorable roles, from her recent portrayal of Annie in the BBC drama Ten Pound Poms to appearances in Doctor Who and Disney’s Andor. But behind her on-screen success lies a different path—a footballer’s dream cut short by an injury and a passion for storytelling that would ultimately lead her to the stage.

A Journey into Acting

Faye’s acting career began far from the glitzy sets of Hollywood and Westeros. Growing up in Middlesbrough, she came from a typical working-class family, with her mother working as a secretary for the NHS and her father a steelworker and firefighter. As a child, Marsay found her calling when she saw a pantomime at just six years old. She was captivated by the performance, and it ignited a passion for acting that would steer her toward a career in the arts.

However, life could have taken a very different turn. Faye was an avid footballer, playing the sport from a young age and even dreaming of a future as a professional player. She had a deep love for the game, calling it her “one true love” and remaining a dedicated fan of Middlesbrough FC to this day. Sadly, an injury to her knee at 16 ended her football aspirations, forcing her to rethink her future. In an interview with InStyle, she recalled how her injury pushed her toward acting, though she remained fond of the sport. “I still follow it and enjoy a ‘kick-about’ with friends in London,” she admitted.

Game of Thrones and the Backlash

Faye’s acting career took off with roles in iconic shows, including Game of Thrones, where she played the enigmatic and ruthless Waif. Serving the House of Black and White in Braavos, her character was tasked with training Arya Stark (Maisie Williams) but ultimately became one of Arya’s tormentors, even attempting to kill her. This role, while pivotal to Arya’s journey, was not well-received by fans, who lashed out at Faye’s portrayal. Reflecting on the backlash, Faye spoke to The Independent, admitting that it was tough to handle the intense hatred from fans who despised her character’s cruelty. “After Thrones came out, there was quite intense backlash at one point… just because of the character I played,” she said. The experience led Faye to take a step back from social media, protecting herself from the vitriol directed at her.

From Teesside to London

While Faye’s rise to fame in London wasn’t without challenges, she found comfort in her roots. “The pace and the sheer volume of people [in London] took some getting used to,” she confessed in an interview with The Protagonist Magazine. However, she has grown to love the city, drawn by its vibrancy and endless opportunities. Despite her success, Faye frequently expresses her longing for Teesside, where her family and lifelong friends still live. Her connection to her working-class upbringing and the experiences of her grandparents—particularly her great-grandfather, who was a Prisoner of War in Italy during World War II—shaped her portrayal of Annie in Ten Pound Poms. “I saw that dynamic within my grandparents—the strong woman and the man who had been at war,” she explained, drawing from her family’s history to bring depth to her character.

Ten Pound Poms and the Next Chapter

As the second season of Ten Pound Poms airs, Faye’s character, Annie, continues her journey in 1957 Australia, navigating the complexities of identity, family, and self-worth. Annie, far from being defined solely by her roles as a mother and wife, begins to carve out her own space in the world. For Faye, this role resonated deeply with her own experiences of self-discovery and the challenges of leaving home to forge a new path. “Annie’s ultimately trying to carve out a place where she feels valued away from the family unit,” Faye shared, hinting at her character’s ongoing journey toward independence and personal growth.

Looking ahead, Faye Marsay’s career shows no signs of slowing down. Whether it’s through the emotional depth she brings to Ten Pound Poms or her future projects, Faye’s determination to pursue her passions continues to drive her forward. Despite the twists and turns in her career—from football dreams interrupted by injury to navigating the intense world of Game of Thrones—Faye remains a testament to resilience and adaptability, both on and off the screen.