The Dark Side of Fame: Emilia Clarke Discusses the Life-Threatening Struggles Behind Her ‘Game of Thrones’ Success

Emilia Clarke’s portrayal of Daenerys Targaryen in the HBO fantasy series Game of Thrones (2011-2019) remains one of the most iconic performances in television history. Earning four Primetime Emmy nominations for her role, Clarke’s career was marked by critical acclaim and immense popularity. However, behind the scenes, Clarke faced significant personal and professional struggles, many of which she has openly discussed in interviews and articles. These challenges, particularly her battles with health issues, made her journey as Daenerys both physically and emotionally grueling.

Health Struggles: Surviving Brain Aneurysms

The most significant hurdle Clarke encountered was her battle with two life-threatening brain aneurysms. In 2011, shortly after finishing filming the first season of Game of Thrones, Clarke suffered a subarachnoid hemorrhage caused by a ruptured aneurysm. The emergency surgery she underwent involved inserting coils into the aneurysm to prevent further bleeding. The recovery process was excruciating. Clarke dealt with intense pain and cognitive difficulties, including aphasia, which temporarily left her unable to speak or comprehend language. In a particularly distressing moment, Clarke even found herself unable to say her own name.

In 2013, after completing Season 3, Clarke faced another aneurysm, which required surgery once again. These health crises struck at a time when her career was ascending, and she was thrust into the limelight with the success of Game of Thrones. In a 2019 essay for The New Yorker, Clarke described the intense fear of death that plagued her during this period. She recalled how filming Season 2 felt like a constant battle for survival. “I’ve never told this story publicly, but now it’s time,” she wrote, revealing the emotional and psychological toll these life-threatening conditions took on her.

Despite her desire to keep her medical issues private, Clarke’s second surgery was leaked to the press six weeks after it occurred, adding to the stress and the already overwhelming pressure she was under. Yet, Clarke’s resilience in the face of these challenges shines through. She channeled her experience into creating the charity SameYou, which supports people recovering from brain injuries and strokes, aiming to provide the same support she had struggled to find during her own journey.

Professional Challenges: Early Career and Role Demands

In addition to her health struggles, Clarke faced several professional obstacles, particularly in the early days of her career. In a 2017 interview with TIME, she shared her discomfort with being asked to appear undressed in her first job, which happened to be the iconic series Game of Thrones. “Did I suffer a little bit from that? Of course I did,” Clarke said, reflecting on the vulnerability she felt as a newcomer in the industry. “It’s my first job ever, and they told me to take my clothes off,” she admitted with sarcasm. She also noted how difficult it was to endure such scenes, expressing that no actress could truly enjoy that aspect of her job. Despite this early discomfort, Clarke remained professional, but it was a challenge she would never forget.

The role of Daenerys Targaryen also demanded an incredible amount of emotional and physical endurance. Filming the series over the course of a decade, Clarke grew from a 24-year-old newcomer into a 33-year-old woman, and her character followed a similar transformation—from a girl to a leader. This emotional evolution required Clarke to delve deep into the complexities of Daenerys’s journey, a task that often left her mentally and physically drained.

Comparative Analysis: Which Was the Hardest?

When considering the severity of Clarke’s struggles, her health battles undoubtedly stand out as the most challenging. The life-threatening nature of her brain aneurysms, coupled with the constant pressure to perform while recovering, makes it clear that these health crises were the hardest trials she faced during her time on Game of Thrones. The cognitive issues, physical recovery, and the constant fear of death were monumental obstacles, far surpassing the discomfort she felt filming undressed scenes. Clarke herself has stated that the health crises were the most profound struggles of her career, further underscored by her decision to turn her pain into a positive force through the creation of SameYou.

While the challenges of filming undressed scenes in the first season were significant, they pale in comparison to the severity of Clarke’s health battles. As she reflected in her interviews, the discomfort of those early experiences in her career was just one part of the puzzle, and it seems clear that her personal health struggles overshadowed everything else.

Public Response and Timing

The timing of Clarke’s health issues is particularly significant. Her first aneurysm occurred as Game of Thrones was gaining immense popularity, which added another layer of pressure for her to continue filming while dealing with recovery. The second aneurysm came after she had solidified her place in the public eye, making the emotional and physical toll of her condition even more intense. However, despite the immense pressure and the invasion of privacy when her surgery was leaked, Clarke’s commitment to the show and her resilience shone through, solidifying her place as a beloved figure in the entertainment world.

Conclusion: A Story of Strength and Perseverance

Emilia Clarke’s journey as Daenerys Targaryen is a story of more than just fame and accolades—it’s a tale of survival and resilience. The health challenges she faced during her rise to stardom were undoubtedly the hardest obstacles she encountered while playing the iconic role. Yet, through these trials, Clarke’s courage and determination became just as remarkable as her portrayal of the Mother of Dragons. Her willingness to share her story publicly, coupled with her advocacy for others facing similar challenges, highlights the true strength behind her persona. Emilia Clarke’s legacy extends far beyond Game of Thrones; it is a testament to the power of perseverance, vulnerability, and the will to overcome the most difficult of circumstances.