Emilia Clarke, known for her role as Daenerys Targaryen on Game of Thrones, recently opened up about experiencing two brain injuries during her time on the show. The first incident occurred in February 2011 when she suffered a brain hemorrhage shortly after the premiere of the first season. This was followed by another brain bleed in 2013. Clarke revealed that the brain injuries made her insecure about her abilities and feared being fired from her job due to the altered sense of self caused by the injuries. She only confided in a few people at work about her condition, which occurred between filming seasons.
Returning to set just weeks after her first brain bleed, Clarke was worried about experiencing another incident due to the stress and pressure of working on such a high-profile production. Despite these fears, she pushed through and continued her work on the show. She shared her feelings at the time, stating that if she was going to die, she would rather do it on live TV. The actress first shared details of her brain injuries in an essay for The New Yorker in March 2019, just before the final season of Game of Thrones premiered. She described the diagnosis of her aneurysm as life-threatening and the urgent surgery required to seal off the aneurysm to prevent a fatal second bleed.
Following her surgery for her first brain injury, Clarke suffered from aphasia and struggled to remember her name. The second injury occurred in 2013 after filming season 3 of Game of Thrones, requiring a procedure to treat a growth on the other side of her brain. Despite being promised a straightforward operation, she awoke from the surgery in excruciating pain as the procedure had failed. Doctors informed her that her chances of surviving were slim without another surgery, this time requiring access to her brain through her skull. The recovery from the second injury was even more painful than the first, leaving Clarke with pieces of titanium in her skull and a scar that curves from her scalp to her ear.
The actress reflected on the impact of the brain injuries on her sense of self and emotional well-being, particularly in a high-pressure work environment. She admitted to feeling insecure about her abilities and feared being fired due to her condition. Despite these challenges, she continued to work on Game of Thrones and shared her experiences with the public through her essay and interviews. Clarke’s openness about her struggles with brain injuries has helped raise awareness about the potential life-threatening consequences of such conditions, as well as the importance of seeking urgent medical treatment in such cases.
Overall, Emilia Clarke’s revelation about her brain injuries during her time on Game of Thrones sheds light on the physical and emotional toll of such conditions. Her courage in sharing her story has sparked conversations about the importance of mental and physical health in the workplace, as well as the need for support and understanding for individuals facing medical challenges. Clarke’s resilience in continuing her work despite her struggles serves as an inspiration to others facing similar obstacles, highlighting the importance of perseverance and seeking help when needed. Her openness about her experiences serves as a reminder of the strength and determination required to overcome adversity and thrive in the face of adversity.
