Emilia Clarke has opened up about the emotional cost of surviving two brain hemorrhages while filming "Game of Thrones," revealing that she once feared death was still pursuing her. The actress, best known for her role as Daenerys Targaryen in the HBO series, also addressed long-standing salary rumors, the backlash to the show's finale, her post-franchise career, and her hopes for a second season of "Ponies."
Emilia Clarke's Brain Hemorrhage Recovery
In a new interview with Variety, Clarke shared that her health crisis left her deeply shaken long after the surgeries concluded. "For a number of years, I felt that I had cheated death, and it was coming to get me," she said. "I truly felt like I had done something wrong, and I shouldn't be here." Clarke suffered her first brain hemorrhage after wrapping Season 1 of "Game of Thrones" and a second after Season 3. In 2019, she launched SameYou, a charity focused on brain injury recovery. "I know what it feels like to leave hospital and not know where to turn," she added.
Game of Thrones Finale and Career Reflections
Clarke also spoke about the final season of "Game of Thrones," in which Daenerys is killed by Jon Snow just as she reaches the Iron Throne. She admitted she was "absolutely livid" about the character's death. After losing the 2019 Emmy to Jodie Comer, Clarke said she woke up the next morning and decided to change her perspective on success. "I do not like that person," she recalled thinking.
Salary Rumors and Film Projects
Clarke denied reports that the main "Game of Thrones" cast earned $300,000 per episode. "We didn't earn that much. Can you imagine? I'd have been driving a couple of Porsches!" she joked. She also reflected on the mixed reactions to "Terminator Genisys," "Solo: A Star Wars Movie," and "Secret Invasion." "'Star Wars'? They didn't like it. 'Terminator'? That should never have happened. But these were jobs I said yes to," she explained. Her upcoming film "Next Life" will premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival. She also stars in Prime Video's "Criminal" and Peacock's "Ponies," whose team is hoping for a second season. Clarke said she feels lucky to be on "the other side" of "Game of Thrones" now.
