Celebrated British actress Emilia Clarke, born October 23, 1986, is widely recognized for her riveting performances and undeniable acting prowess. Garnering worldwide fame for her unforgettable embodiment of Daenerys Targaryen in the HBO hit series Game of Thrones (2011-2019), she secured four esteemed Primetime Emmy nominations, underscoring her considerable impact in the entertainment landscape.
Clarke’s thespian journey originated at Drama Centre London, where she polished her skills and exhibited her artistic versatility in a plethora of stage performances. Her leap to television in 2009 with a guest role in BBC One’s Doctors underscored her capability to adapt and excel at just 22. Clarke further left her imprint on the theatrical stage, debuting on Broadway as the enchanting Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany’s (2013).
Equally commendable is Clarke’s cinematic trajectory, skillfully transitioning from television to the silver screen. Notable roles include her powerful portrayal of Sarah Connor in Terminator Genisys (2015), and her mesmerizing performance as Qi’ra in Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018). She also showcased her range in the romance genre, delivering memorable performances in films like Me Before You (2016) and Last Christmas (2019).
In 2023, Clarke graced the screen anew, this time as G’iah in Disney+’s much-anticipated miniseries Secret Invasion. With her extraordinary talent, irresistible charisma, and extensive repertoire, Emilia Clarke continues to charm global audiences, solidifying her position as one of the most talented and sought-after actresses of her generation.
Discover everything you need to know about Emilia Clarke, including her age, height, parents, ethnicity, successful career in movies and TV shows, notable awards, boyfriend and dating life, impressive net worth, frequently asked questions, and much more.
Bio/Wiki Table
Here is a bio/wiki table for Emilia Clarke:
Full Name | Emilia Isobel Euphemia Rose Clarke |
Born | 23 October 1986 |
Birthplace | London, England |
Occupation | Actress |
Years Active | 2009–present |
Notable Works | Daenerys Targaryen in “Game of Thrones” |
Education | Drama Centre London (2009) |
Awards | 3 Primetime Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series |
Height | 1.57 m |
Early Life
Born on October 23, 1986, in London, the versatile Emilia Isobel Euphemia Rose Clarke comes from a unique family background. Raised in Oxfordshire, her parents, Peter Clarke, a theatre sound engineer from Wolverhampton, and Jennifer, a businesswoman who is a vice president for marketing at a global consultancy firm, deeply influenced her early life. Emilia’s family history has an interesting mix of ancestry, with her maternal side linked to the Indian subcontinent, a heritage she proudly credits as a source of resilience.
Clarke’s passion for acting sparked at the tender age of three, with a production of the musical Show Boat. This interest was further nurtured when her father took ten-year-old Clarke to a West End audition for The Goodbye Girl, a Neil Simon musical. A student of Rye St Antony School and St Edward’s School, Oxford, she later recounted her experiences as a non-posh girl in posh boarding schools, frequently feeling like an outsider due to her progressive viewpoints contrasting with her peers’ conservative backgrounds.
Upon graduating in 2005, Emilia pursued her dream of becoming an actress, applying to prominent institutions like the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. Despite initial rejections, her determination remained unscathed. She worked and travelled, eventually enrolling at Drama Centre London, where she graduated in 2009. With a brother, Bennett, working in the entertainment industry, including the camera department of Game of Thrones, Emilia Clarke’s rise in the world of acting was an inspiring journey of resilience and tenacity.
Emilia Clarke Parents
Emilia Clarke, the renowned actress best known for her role as Daenerys Targaryen in the HBO series “Game of Thrones”, was born to a family with a deep connection to the theatre. Her father Peter Clarke, was a theatre sound engineer from Wolverhampton, West Midlands. He was a constant source of inspiration and support for Clarke, nurturing her passion for acting from a young age. Unfortunately, he passed away on 10 July 2016 from cancer. Her mother, Jennifer Clarke, is the director of the charity The Anima Foundation. She has been a pillar of strength for Clarke, supporting her through her father’s illness and her own health challenges.
Clarke’s parents played a significant role in her life and career. Her father’s work in the theatre industry undoubtedly influenced her decision to pursue acting. His death was a significant loss for Clarke, but it also served as a reminder of the importance of cherishing every moment. Her mother’s work in the charity sector has likely instilled in Clarke a sense of social responsibility and the importance of giving back to the community.
Emilia Clarke Nationality & Ethnicity
Emilia Clarke, a renowned name in the entertainment industry, hails from the United Kingdom, making her nationality British. Born in London and raised in Berkshire, Clarke’s roots are deeply embedded in the rich cultural heritage of the UK. As for her ethnicity, she is of Caucasian descent. Her unique blend of British nationality and Caucasian ethnicity has contributed to her distinct and captivating on-screen presence.
Emilia Clarke Age
Emilia Clarke, born on October 23, 1986, has gracefully embraced her age with her ever-evolving career. As of 2023, the talented actress is 36 years old. Despite her age, Clarke continues to captivate audiences with her youthful charm and versatile acting skills. Her age has only added depth to her performances, making her one of the most respected actresses of her generation.
Emilia Clarke Height
Standing at a height of 5 feet 2 inches (1.57 meters), Emilia Clarke may not be the tallest actress in Hollywood, but she certainly stands tall in terms of talent and charisma. Her height has never been a limiting factor in her career; in fact, it has added to her unique persona. Despite her petite stature, Clarke’s larger-than-life performances have left an indelible mark in the world of cinema.
Emilia Clarke Career
Early Career: 2000-2010
Emilia Clarke’s acting career began while attending school, participating in stage productions such as Twelfth Night and West Side Story at St Edward’s School. After a gap year, Clarke joined Drama Centre London and appeared in the 2009 production of Sense. Her film journey started with Drop the Dog, a short film produced by the University of London students. Clarke graduated from Drama Centre London in 2009 and worked at various non-acting jobs while auditioning for roles.
Her first credited television role was in the British soap opera, Doctors. Clarke’s first significant film role came with the 2010 television film Triassic Attack, where she played Savannah. Despite the negative reviews, Screen International recognized her talent and named her a “UK Star of Tomorrow.”
Breakthrough with Game of Thrones: 2011-2019
Clarke’s big break arrived in 2010 when she was cast as Daenerys Targaryen in HBO’s fantasy series Game of Thrones, based on George R. R. Martin’s book series. Her role as Daenerys, which she portrayed throughout all eight seasons, earned her critical acclaim, mesmerizing audiences with her transformation from a frightened girl to a powerful woman. Clarke was reportedly one of the highest-paid actors on television during 2017, earning between £1.2 and £2 million per episode. Her portrayal of Daenerys garnered multiple award nominations and wins, including a nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series at the 2019 Emmys.
Exploring Varied Roles: 2012-2021
Clarke’s first film role came with the short film Shackled in 2012. She then played Holly Golightly in a Broadway production of Breakfast at Tiffany’s and starred in the black comedy-crime drama film Dom Hemingway alongside Jude Law. Clarke rejected the role of Anastasia Steele in Fifty Shades of Grey due to the nudity required.
In 2015, she starred as Sarah Connor in the science fiction action film Terminator Genisys, which grossed over $440 million worldwide. She then starred opposite Sam Claflin in Me Before You, a best-selling novel adaptation that earned $200 million globally. Clarke joined the Star Wars franchise as Qi’ra in Solo: A Star Wars Story and starred in the film Above Suspicion, receiving positive reviews.
In 2019, she starred in the romantic comedy Last Christmas, which despite mixed reviews, grossed over $121 million worldwide. Clarke also debuted in the West End production of Anton Chekhov’s The Seagull and co-wrote a series of comic books titled M.O.M.: Mother of Madness in 2021.
Current Work: 2022-Present
Clarke continued her versatile career by voicing in the animation film The Amazing Maurice and starring in The Pod Generation. She was also cast in the English adaptation of the Korean romantic comedy The Beauty Inside. Clarke was confirmed to play the English poet Elizabeth Barrett in Let Me Count the Ways.
In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, she joined the cast of Secret Invasion for Disney+, which premiered in June 2023. Clarke is set to portray Jean Kerr in a biopic titled McCarthy and will also play Irish author Constance Lloyd in An Ideal Wife.
Emilia Clarke Movies & TV Shows
The celebrated British actress, Emilia Clarke, has had an illustrious and highly diverse career in both film and television. Best known for her role as Daenerys Targaryen in the hit HBO series ‘Game of Thrones’, she has demonstrated her versatility across a range of genres and characters. This piece will delve into Clarke’s expansive filmography, highlighting her numerous roles and achievements in the entertainment industry.
Emilia Clarke’s Film Career
Emilia Clarke began her film journey with a short film for Samaritans, titled ‘Lisa’s Story’, in 2009. Her first significant film role was as Malu in the 2012 short film ‘Shackled’. The same year, she appeared as Sally Harris in ‘Spike Island’, a comedy film detailing a group of friends trying to attend The Stone Roses 1990 concert.
In 2013, Clarke delivered a strong performance in the black comedy-crime drama ‘Dom Hemingway’, playing the character Evelyn Hemingway. This was followed by a high-profile role in 2015’s ‘Terminator Genisys’, where she portrayed Sarah Connor. Despite the film’s mixed critical reviews, it was a box-office success, grossing over $440 million worldwide.
Clarke’s film career continued to flourish with her starring role as Louisa Clark in the 2016 adaptation of the best-selling novel, ‘Me Before You’. This film received mixed reviews but was commercially successful with worldwide revenues of $200 million. Her following role was as Verena in the supernatural psychological thriller film ‘Voice from the Stone’ in 2017.
Arguably one of her most prominent film roles came in 2018 when she was cast as Qi’ra in ‘Solo: A Star Wars Story’. Although the film was the second-lowest grossing Star Wars film, Clarke’s performance received positive critical reviews. She continued to take on diverse roles, including her portrayal of Susan Smith in ‘Above Suspicion’ (2019) and Katarina “Kate” Andrich in ‘Last Christmas’ (2019).
In recent years, Clarke lent her voice to the animation film ‘The Amazing Maurice’ in 2022. She also starred in and served as an executive producer for ‘The Pod Generation’ in 2023.
Emilia Clarke’s Television Career
Emilia Clarke’s television career kicked off with a small part in the British soap opera ‘Doctors’ in 2009. She then starred in the 2010 television film ‘Triassic Attack’ as Savannah Roundtree. However, her breakthrough role came in 2011 when she was cast as Daenerys Targaryen in the critically acclaimed HBO fantasy series ‘Game of Thrones’. Her portrayal of Daenerys, over eight seasons from 2011 to 2019, earned her worldwide recognition and multiple award nominations.
In addition to ‘Game of Thrones’, Clarke lent her voice to various television roles, including Marianne in ‘Futurama’ (2013), Bridget in ‘Robot Chicken’ (2016), and Lumpy in ‘Animals’ (2017). She also voiced the character Doyle in an episode of ‘Thunderbirds Are Go’ in 2017.
Clarke made a cameo appearance on ‘Saturday Night Live’ in 2019 during Kit Harington’s monologue. In 2023, she secured a main role in the Disney+ series ‘Secret Invasion’, set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This shows her continual relevance and versatility as an actress in the evolving television landscape.
Emilia Clarke’s Relationship History
Seth MacFarlane
Emilia Clarke was linked to Seth MacFarlane, the creator of Family Guy, American Dad, Ted and The Orville, in 2012. The pair briefly dated, but their relationship was short-lived due to the challenges of dating in the public eye. Emilia opened up about the experience in an interview with Glamour, expressing her discomfort with strangers giving her love-life advice.
Charlie McDowell
Emilia Clarke was also romantically involved with film director Charlie McDowell. The pair started dating in 2018, but their relationship ended quietly in 2019. The relationship was first hinted at when Emilia shared a cryptic Instagram post of a sandy beach with two shadows in the bottom left corner on her 32nd birthday. Internet sleuths soon discovered Charlie McDowell had shared the same post on his account. However, the romance didn’t last long, as Charlie unfollowed Emilia on Instagram and went on to marry actress Lily Collins in 2021.
Co-star Dating Rumors
Throughout her time on Game of Thrones, fans speculated about potential romances between Emilia and her co-stars, including Jason Momoa and Kit Harington. However, these rumors were never confirmed, and both actors went on to have relationships with other people.
Current Relationship Status
As of now, Emilia Clarke appears to be single. The star has not been linked with anyone for quite some time, at least not since she broke it off with Charlie in 2019. Emilia is known for keeping her personal life private, and her current relationship status remains unconfirmed.
Emilia Clarke’s Current Boyfriend
As of the latest reports, Emilia Clarke, the renowned actress best known for her role as Daenerys Targaryen in the hit series “Game of Thrones,” appears to be single. After her previous relationship with film director Charlie McDowell ended in 2019, Emilia has not been publicly linked to anyone else. Despite the numerous rumors and speculations about her love life, especially given her high-profile role in “Game of Thrones,” Emilia has chosen to keep her personal life private. Therefore, any information about Emilia Clarke’s current boyfriend remains unconfirmed.
Is Emilia Clarke Married?
Emilia Clarke is not married. The British actress, who has captivated audiences with her performances in “Game of Thrones” and other projects, has had a few notable relationships in the past, but none have led to marriage. Her most recent known relationship was with Charlie McDowell, which ended in 2019. Since then, there have been no reports or confirmations of Emilia Clarke being married or engaged.
Emilia Clarke’s Husband
As of the most recent updates, Emilia Clarke does not have a husband. The talented actress, who has become a household name thanks to her role in “Game of Thrones,” is currently not married. Her past relationships, including her notable relationship with Charlie McDowell, have been well-documented, but none have resulted in marriage. Clarke is known for keeping her personal life away from the public eye, and as such, there is no confirmed information about a potential husband.
Emilia Clarke’s Battle with Brain Aneurysms
Emilia Clarke, the acclaimed actress known for her role as Daenerys Targaryen in “Game of Thrones,” suffered two life-threatening brain aneurysms while working on the series. The first aneurysm occurred in 2011 when Clarke was at the gym. She experienced an intense headache, which she described as feeling like an elastic band squeezing her brain. This was followed by vomiting and a significant worsening of the pain.
The Diagnosis and Treatment
Clarke was diagnosed with a subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), a type of hemorrhagic stroke caused by bleeding in the space between the skull and the brain. This was the result of a cerebral aneurysm (brain aneurysm) that had burst. The aneurysm is essentially a weakening of the blood vessel wall that turns into a small balloon. If this aneurysm ruptures, it causes an SAH.
Clarke underwent minimally invasive brain surgery to treat the aneurysm. However, in 2013, she had to have another surgery when growth on the other side of her brain had doubled in size.
The Recovery Process
Clarke’s recovery process was challenging. She experienced severe symptoms, including intense head pain, nausea, vomiting, and difficulty moving. Despite the complications, Clarke made a remarkable recovery. She is part of a small minority of people who can survive and recover from such a severe brain injury.
However, the ordeal did result in some permanent changes. Clarke revealed that there are parts of her brain that are no longer usable due to the damage caused by the aneurysms. Despite this, she has managed to live her life completely normally without any significant repercussions.
The Impact and Awareness
Clarke’s experience has raised awareness about brain aneurysms, a condition that affects about 6 million Americans. Her story highlights the importance of seeking immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms such as severe and sudden headaches, nausea, vomiting, or difficulty moving.
Emilia Clarke’s Weight Loss Journey
Emilia Clarke, the British actress best known for her role as Daenerys Targaryen in “Game of Thrones,” has been open about her approach to weight loss and maintaining her physique. She has admitted that she used to diet before her role in “Game of Thrones” and has gone through different phases in her dieting. She has said that there was a time when she gained a little weight but lost 20 pounds to maintain her physique.
Emilia Clarke’s Diet
Emilia’s approach to dieting has evolved over time. She has said that she no longer needs to force herself to diet and work out as it’s not good for her health and life. Emilia admitted that she was happy with her body and size, so she started eating whatever she wanted.
After the series ended, she became more conscious about her health. She has no specific diet but still keeps her body in shape with organic food. She revealed that she followed the recipes of her trainer James Duigan from his book “Clean and Lean.” In short, Emilia followed a simple and healthy food routine:
- Emilia used to avoid processed food more and eat fruits and vegetables more often.
- She used to eat lots of protein, as her trainer James Duigan advised her to consume lots of fish, chicken, and nuts.
- She used extra virgin olive oil in cooking.
- She used to drink a lot of water.
- She tried to go for walks during her free time.
Emilia Clarke’s Workout Plan
Emilia started her weight loss journey by joining the gym and working out. She used to go for a power walk every day. Her exercise schedule also included ballet exercises and strength training.
- Emilia said that she tried to do different workouts in the gym each day because it was fun for her. And that way, she managed to get rid of stress and anxiety while exercising in the gym.
- She used to do light weightlifting and body weight exercises.
- She also did a lot of cardio exercises like jump roping, jogging, and running on the treadmill.
- Emilia also did yoga, stretching, and meditation in the gym.
- The star also loves to do horseback riding and kickboxing.
Emilia Clarke’s Weight Loss Transformation
Emilia Clarke’s weight loss has put her in the spotlight, and she has garnered a huge fan base. She is losing weight due to her passion for health and fitness. She loves to keep herself fit and healthy. The star blonde always wears a healthy smile on her face.
Emilia Clarke Awards & Recognition
Emilia Clarke, an English actress, has an impressive list of awards and nominations to her name. She first appeared on the screen in a minor role in the BBC One series Doctors in 2009, but her breakthrough came when she was cast as Daenerys Targaryen in the HBO series Game of Thrones in 2010. This role earned her three nominations for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series (2013, 2015, and 2016) and one for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series in 2019.
Clarke also won the Saturn Award for Best Actress on Television in 2019. Alongside her Game of Thrones cast members, she received the Empire Hero Award in 2015 and seven nominations for the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series.
Clarke’s film roles have also been recognized. For her performance in the 2015 science fiction action film Terminator Genisys, she received a nomination for the Teen Choice Award for Choice Female Summer Movie Star. Her role in the 2016 romantic drama film Me Before You, alongside Sam Claflin, earned them nominations for a MTV Movie & TV Award and Teen Choice Award. In 2018, she was nominated for Favorite Butt-Kicker at the Kids’ Choice Awards for her role in Solo: A Star Wars Story.
In addition to her acting accolades, Clarke has been recognized for her influence and charitable work. Time magazine listed her as one of the 100 most influential people in the world in the “Artist” category in 2019. She also won the Britannia Award for British Artist of the Year in 2018. For her charity work, particularly with her charity SameYou and the Royal College of Nursing, she won the Shorty Do Good Award for Best Comedy Video in 2019.
Emilia Clarke Net Worth 2023
Emilia Clarke, the English actress best known for her Emmy-nominated role as Daenerys Targaryen in the hit series “Game of Thrones,” has an estimated net worth of $20 million as of 2023. Clarke’s wealth primarily stems from her successful acting career, which includes notable roles in films such as “Terminator Genisys” (2015), “Solo: A Star Wars Story” (2018), and “Last Christmas” (2019).
Her performance in “Game of Thrones” significantly contributed to her net worth, with her per-episode salary reaching $1.1 million in the final two seasons. Clarke’s total earnings from the entire run of “Game of Thrones” likely exceed $30 million before taxes. In addition to her acting career, Clarke is also recognized for her charity work, particularly her organization, SameYou, which supports young people who have suffered from strokes or brain injuries.
Emilia Clarke’s Social Media Influence
Emilia Clarke, renowned for her role in “Game of Thrones”, boasts a significant social media following. With 28 million followers on Instagram, Clarke’s influence extends beyond the screen, reaching millions of fans worldwide. Her social media presence is a testament to her global popularity and influence in the entertainment industry.
Through her social media platforms, Emilia Clarke provides fans with a glimpse into her life and career. From behind-the-scenes shots to personal moments, Clarke’s posts allow fans to connect with her on a more personal level, fostering a strong online community around her persona.
Emilia Clarke’s social media is not just about entertainment. She often uses her platform to advocate for causes close to her heart, showcasing her charity work and raising awareness on important issues. This aspect of her online presence underscores her commitment to making a positive impact in the world, further endearing her to her fans.
FAQs
Who were Emilia Clarke’s parents?
Emilia Clarke’s father was Peter Clarke, a theatre sound engineer, and her mother is Jennifer Clarke, the director of the charity The Anima Foundation.
How did Emilia Clarke’s father influence her career?
Emilia Clarke’s father’s work in the theatre industry played a significant role in inspiring her passion for acting from a young age. He nurtured her talent and supported her in pursuing her acting career.
What is Emilia Clarke’s nationality and ethnicity?
Emilia Clarke is British and holds British nationality. Her ethnicity is Caucasian, which contributes to her distinct on-screen presence.
How old is Emilia Clarke?
Emilia Clarke was born on October 23, 1986, and as of 2023, she is 36 years old.
What is Emilia Clarke’s height?
Emilia Clarke is 5 feet 2 inches (1.57 meters) tall. While she may not be the tallest actress in Hollywood, her talent and charisma have made her a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.
Who has Emilia Clarke dated in the past?
Emilia Clarke was linked to Seth MacFarlane in 2012 and had a brief relationship with film director Charlie McDowell from 2018 to 2019.
Were there any romantic relationships between Emilia Clarke and her Game of Thrones co-stars?
There were rumors about potential romances between Emilia Clarke and her co-stars, such as Jason Momoa and Kit Harington, but these rumors were never confirmed.
What is Emilia Clarke’s current relationship status?
Emilia Clarke appears to be single as of now. She has not been publicly linked to anyone since her relationship with Charlie McDowell ended in 2019.
Is Emilia Clarke married?
No, Emilia Clarke is not married. Despite her notable relationships in the past, she has not been reported to be married or engaged.
Does Emilia Clarke have a husband?
As of the most recent updates, Emilia Clarke does not have a husband. There is no confirmed information about a potential husband in her personal life.