Emilia Clarke’s Fears of Losing Game of Thrones Role After Brain Haemorrhage

Emilia Clarke, aged 36, who portrayed the iconic character Daenerys Targaryen in the popular TV series Game of Thrones, recently shared her apprehension about potentially being dismissed from the show following a brain haemorrhage she endured back in 2011.

Known as the “Mother of Dragons” on the HBO adaptation of George R. R. Martin's book series A Song of Ice and Fire, the British actress opened up about being blindsided by the brain bleed shortly after filming the first season, as detailed in a 2019 essay for The New Yorker.

Clarke recounted how she sensed a severe headache looming while preparing to exercise at a gym in north London to alleviate stress related to the Thrones premiere.

Not long after, she collapsed, leading to her hospitalization.

In her own words, she described the diagnosis as swift and dire: a subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), a severe form of stroke resulting from bleeding around the brain.

During a recent conversation with Harper's Bazaar, the Me Before You star reflected on grappling with the diagnosis of this critical brain condition, which proves fatal for a third of patients, and her concern that it might jeopardize the role that ultimately propelled her to international stardom.

Clarke articulated her mindset at the time, stating, “I wasn't scared of death, but rather the possibility of losing my job!

I made up my mind: ‘This won't define me.'

I refused to succumb to self-pity or ‘Why me?

This is unfair.'

My focus was solely on getting back on track,” expressed the Emmy-winning actress.

She also confessed to feeling profound shame and a sense of brokenness post a routine procedure intended to address a subsequent bleed that went awry, fearing that the show's creators might view her as an unreliable hire.

Following the second operation, Clarke grappled with aphasia, a condition affecting one's ability to communicate verbally or comprehend speech.

This was particularly distressing for her given that her occupation heavily relied on language and effective communication.

Reflecting on the ordeal, she shared, “Without my voice, I felt adrift.” In the midst of her vulnerability, Clarke recognized the value of her role, which hinged on linguistic prowess and seamless dialogue.

In a candid moment during the interview, Clarke acknowledged the potential for transforming into an egotistical individual had it not been for her health crises, envisioning herself as an inflated Hollywood personality.

Gratefully, she highlighted the newfound awareness and presence she now embodies, emphasizing her resilience in the face of adversity.

Clarke's perspective on failure has evolved, with a profound belief in the power of overcoming setbacks and embracing challenges head-on.

Moreover, Clarke, a co-founder of the medical charity SameYou dedicated to aiding brain injury survivors, emphasized her commitment to supporting others in similar struggles, underscoring the transformative impact of her experiences on her outlook and priorities.