Emilia Clarke, known for her role in “Game of Thrones,” has faced significant health challenges in the form of two brain aneurysms. These occurred during the early seasons of the hit series, causing Clarke to feel pressure to continue working despite her health struggles. She feared being fired due to her condition affecting her ability to perform her job. Despite these fears, Clarke pushed through and continued working, recognizing the impact her job had on her career trajectory.
The first aneurysm occurred in 2011 after the first season of “Game of Thrones,” resulting in emergency surgery and a difficult recovery period. Clarke described feeling a severe headache and fatigue before being rushed to the hospital for treatment. Following this incident, doctors discovered a second aneurysm on the other side of her brain, which posed a potential threat in the future. Despite these challenges, Clarke persevered and continued working on the show and other projects.
In 2013, while wrapping up Season 3 of “Game of Thrones,” Clarke discovered that the second aneurysm had doubled in size. This led to another surgery, which unfortunately failed, requiring a more invasive procedure through her skull. Clarke experienced a more challenging recovery process, with concerns about potential cognitive or sensory losses. Despite these setbacks, Clarke maintained a positive attitude and continued to focus on her career and recovery.
After eight years of dealing with her health struggles, Clarke opened up about her experiences in a 2019 essay titled “A Battle for My Life.” In this essay, she detailed the physical and emotional toll of her aneurysms and the recovery process she underwent. Clarke also shared her decision to become involved in charity work, founding the SameYou foundation to support individuals recovering from brain injuries and stroke. She expressed gratitude for the support she received during her recovery, acknowledging the impact of her family, friends, and healthcare providers.
In a 2024 interview with Big Issue, Clarke discussed how her foundation had partnered with Big Issue Recruit to provide support to survivors and their families. She spoke about the challenges of returning to the workforce after a brain injury, emphasizing the impact on one’s sense of self and confidence. Clarke shared her personal experience of feeling isolated and alone due to her condition, highlighting the importance of overcoming these feelings through support and advocacy efforts. By expanding the reach of her foundation, Clarke aims to help others facing similar challenges and empower them on their road to recovery.
Overall, Emilia Clarke’s journey through health struggles and recovery exemplifies resilience, determination, and the importance of support networks. Despite facing significant obstacles, Clarke has used her platform to raise awareness about brain injuries and provide resources for survivors. Through her advocacy work and foundation, she continues to make a positive impact on the lives of individuals recovering from similar conditions.
