From Dragons to Real-Life Battles: How Emilia Clarke Inspired Jason Momoa to Call Her His Hero

The relationship between Game of Thrones stars Emilia Clarke and Jason Momoa is more than just a story of professional collaboration. It’s a tale of mutual respect, resilience, and the unbreakable bond forged through personal challenges and unwavering support. From their on-set beginnings to Clarke’s life-threatening health battles, Momoa’s admiration for Clarke only deepened, turning her into his real-life hero.

Building a Bond on the Game of Thrones Set

Emilia Clarke and Jason Momoa first met on the set of HBO’s Game of Thrones. Clarke played Daenerys Targaryen, the Mother of Dragons, while Momoa portrayed Khal Drogo, her Dothraki husband. Their characters shared some of the show’s most intense and emotionally charged moments in the first season. It was during these early days that their friendship began to take shape.

Momoa earned a reputation as a caring and considerate co-star. He went out of his way to ensure Clarke felt comfortable, especially during the series’ risqué scenes. As Clarke noted in interviews, Momoa’s kindness and humor made the challenging nude scenes, filmed when she was just 23, more bearable. On multiple occasions, he ensured that Clarke had a robe when she was cold and always checked in on her well-being. This attentiveness on set hinted at a bond that would extend well beyond their scripted roles.

A Life-Threatening Health Crisis

While their working relationship provided the foundation, it was Clarke’s off-screen health struggles that elevated their connection. In 2011, shortly after the first season wrapped, Clarke suffered her first brain aneurysm. It was a medical emergency that required surgery and weeks of recovery. In 2013, a second aneurysm struck, leading to another surgery and a difficult path back to health.

Momoa, who remained close to Clarke even after his time on the show ended, became deeply invested in her well-being. When he spoke publicly about Clarke’s condition, it was clear how much the experience had affected him. At the Game of Thrones Season 8 premiere, he openly discussed how frightening it was to almost lose her, sharing how much her strength and determination had inspired him. For Momoa, seeing Clarke battle life-threatening conditions with courage transformed her into a source of admiration and inspiration.

Emilia Clarke: Jason Momoa’s Hero

Through her resilience, Clarke became more than just a co-star to Momoa—she became his hero. He has praised her publicly for her tenacity and grace under pressure, expressing awe at how she faced her health challenges head-on. This sentiment has been echoed in various interviews, where he has referred to her as a fighter, a survivor, and someone he deeply respects.

Their friendship, solidified by these moments of adversity, continues to thrive. Even years later, Clarke and Momoa share heartfelt reunions and maintain the camaraderie they developed on set. They’ve celebrated milestones together and posted playful tributes on social media, showing that their bond is as strong as ever.

A Lasting Legacy

Emilia Clarke’s journey from playing a beloved fictional queen to overcoming real-life trials has cemented her status as a hero—not only to Jason Momoa but to fans around the world. Their friendship, forged in the crucible of professional collaboration and personal hardship, stands as a testament to the enduring power of compassion and mutual respect. It’s a relationship that goes beyond the screen, illustrating how moments of care and kindness can transform co-stars into lifelong allies.