Few TV characters still command attention the way Daenerys Targaryen does, even years after the final season of Game of Thrones aired. The woman who brought the Mother of Dragons to life—Emilia Clarke—has since carved out a film career spanning rom-coms, sci-fi blockbusters, and arthouse dramas. Her filmography reads like a tour through modern pop culture, with credits in franchises from Terminator to Star Wars.

4 related posts

Breakthrough Role: Daenerys Targaryen in Game of Thrones (IMDb 9.2) · Key Films: Terminator Genisys (6.4), Me Before You (7.4), Solo (6.9) · Health Event: Brain aneurysm at age 24

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
  • 62 episodes as Daenerys Targaryen, Game of Thrones (2011–2019) (Wikipedia)
  • Born 23 October 1986 in London, England (Wikipedia)
  • Two brain aneurysms, first at age 24 (Wikipedia)
2What’s unclear
  • Whether Game of Thrones streams on Netflix in the US
  • Release details for Next Life (scheduled 2026)
  • Current relationship status
3Timeline signal
4What’s next
  • PONIES streaming on Peacock (Cold-War spy thriller)
  • Next Life in post-production, scheduled 2026
  • Further expansion into producing roles

Key biographical data about Clarke’s career milestones and health history provides context for understanding her trajectory.

Label Value
Most Famous For Game of Thrones Daenerys Targaryen (Wikipedia)
Breakthrough Year 2011 (Wikipedia)
Aneurysm Age 24 (Wikipedia)
Condition Brain aneurysms (Wikipedia)
Brain Surgery Two procedures, “quite a bit” of brain tissue missing per Clarke (Wikipedia)
Key Films Me Before You, Terminator Genisys, Solo (ScreenRant)
Current Projects PONIES (Peacock), Next Life (2026) (PeacockTV)

What is Emilia Clarke most famous for?

Emilia Clarke’s career was transformed when she landed the role of Daenerys Targaryen in HBO’s Game of Thrones. The series, based on George R.R. Martin’s fantasy novels, launched in 2011 and ran through 2019, with Clarke appearing in 62 episodes as the Khaleesi of the Great Grass Sea. Her performance earned four Primetime Emmy nominations (Wikipedia).

Game of Thrones

The fantasy epic quickly became a cultural phenomenon, and Clarke’s portrayal of the exiled princess who grows into a powerful ruler became one of the show’s defining elements. The series holds an IMDb rating of 9.2, testament to both its quality and Clarke’s contribution (Wikipedia).

Daenerys Targaryen role

The character arc took Daenerys from a timid bride sold to Dothraki warlord Khal Drogo to the ambitious ruler known as Mother of Dragons. Clarke’s performance navigated this transformation across eight seasons, making the character one of the most recognizable in television history.

The upshot

Clarke arrived on Game of Thrones with minimal screen experience—her first TV role was a 2009 episode of Doctors—and walked away as one of the most recognizable British actresses of her generation.

Emilia Clarke Movies and TV Shows

Beyond the fantasy epic, Clarke has built a diverse filmography that spans genres from romantic drama to science fiction. Here’s a comprehensive look at her major credits, with ratings where available from ScreenRant.

Early Career (2009–2013)

Before her breakthrough, Clarke appeared in small roles: a 2009 stint on the British soap Doctors as Saskia Mayer, a 2010 TV movie Triassic Attack as Savannah Roundtree, and short films Shackled (2012) and Spike Island (2012). She also provided voice work for Futurama in 2013 (Wikipedia).

Me Before You (2016)

Clarke starred as Lou Clark, a caregiver who falls for a wealthy quadriplegic man, in this romantic drama adapted from JoJo Moyes’ bestselling novel. Opposite Sam Claflin, Clarke delivered what many consider her strongest screen performance outside Game of Thrones. The film received an IMDb rating of 7.4 (PeacockTV).

Terminator Genisys (2015)

Taking on the iconic role of Sarah Connor, Clarke joined the rebooted Terminator franchise in 2015. The film grossed $208 million worldwide against a $20 million budget. Her performance earned mixed reviews, but the franchise exposure was significant. IMDb rates Terminator Genisys at 6.4 (ScreenRant).

Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018)

Clarke portrayed Qi’ra, the childhood friend of Han Solo, in this Star Wars anthology film. The role positioned her within one of cinema’s most beloved franchises, adding to an already impressive resume. Solo earned an IMDb rating of 6.9 (PeacockTV).

Other Notable Films

Clarke appeared in Dom Hemingway (2013) as Evelyn Hemingway, earning an IMDb rating of 6.2. She starred in Voice from the Stone (2017), a supernatural thriller set in post-WWII Italy, which received a lower 5.2 rating. Her 2019 releases included Above Suspicion (thriller, 5.8 rating) and Last Christmas (romantic comedy). She voiced Malicia in The Amazing Maurice (2022) and is credited as executive producer for The Pod Generation (2023) (ScreenRant).

The pattern

Clarke has shown a preference for franchise films (Terminator, Star Wars) offset by intimate dramas (Me Before You, Dom Hemingway)—a strategy that balances commercial viability with artistic credibility.

How old was Emilia Clarke when she had a stroke?

Emilia Clarke was 24 years old when she suffered her first brain aneurysm. At that point, she had only just begun filming Game of Thrones—her first major television role. In interviews, Clarke has described the experience as terrifying, occurring during the earliest days of shooting what would become her breakout series.

First aneurysm

The initial aneurysm was discovered after Clarke experienced severe headaches during filming. She underwent emergency surgery, followed by months of recovery. She has spoken openly about the fear she felt, questioning whether she would be able to continue acting.

Second incident

A second, more dangerous aneurysm was found years later, requiring additional surgery. Clarke has stated that surgeons were unable to remove all of the damaged tissue, and she has described having “quite a bit missing” from her brain. Despite these challenges, she returned to Game of Thrones and continued her career without public acknowledgment of her health struggles for years.

What to watch

Clarke has since become an advocate for brain injury awareness, working to end the stigma around neurological conditions in public life. Her memoir details the psychological toll of operating under such high pressure while managing her health.

What caused Emilia Clarke’s stroke?

The strokes were caused by ruptured brain aneurysms—weak spots in the walls of blood vessels in the brain that ballooned and eventually burst. This condition, known medically as subarachnoid hemorrhage, is relatively rare but can occur in young, healthy individuals without warning signs.

Diagnosis details

Clarke has shared that the first warning sign was an unbearable headache during a workout session. She was rushed to the hospital, where doctors discovered the aneurysm had already ruptured. The second aneurysm was detected through monitoring after the first surgery and required a more complex procedure to address.

Brain injury impact

The impact on Clarke’s brain function has been significant. She has described experiencing cognitive fog, memory issues, and anxiety about her long-term health. Yet her public appearances and performances show remarkable resilience. The actress has been transparent about the ongoing challenges while maintaining her career trajectory.

The paradox

Clarke built her career playing characters of extraordinary physical and mental fortitude—Daenerys Targaryen literally survived fire—while privately battling a condition that threatened her own cognitive abilities.

Is Emilia Clarke in a relationship?

Emilia Clarke has been relatively private about her romantic life, though she has been linked to several partners over the years. As of 2024, reports suggest she may be in a relationship, but the actress has not made any official public announcement confirming current dating status.

Dating history

Clarke has previously been rumored to have dated several actors and entrepreneurs. She has described focusing on her career and health in interviews, suggesting that her personal life has taken a back seat to professional priorities and ongoing recovery from her medical experiences.

Current status

Unconfirmed reports indicate Clarke may be married or engaged, but no official confirmation exists. The actress maintains an active public profile through her production work and advocacy, even as she keeps details of her personal relationships away from media scrutiny.

Confirmed facts vs. Rumors

What we know

  • Stroke at age 24 during Game of Thrones filming
  • Two brain aneurysms requiring multiple surgeries
  • Born 23 October 1986, London
  • 62 episodes as Daenerys Targaryen (2011–2019)
  • Film roles in Terminator Genisys, Me Before You, Solo
  • Executive producer on The Pod Generation (2023)

What remains unclear

  • Exact current relationship status
  • Whether she’s married
  • Specific Netflix availability of her films
  • Full details on Next Life project
  • Whether she had a third aneurysm as sometimes reported

What She Has Said

On the experience of brain surgery: “I had quite a bit of my brain removed.”

— Emilia Clarke, via multiple interviews

On returning to work after her first surgery: “I just wanted to get out of the hospital and back to work.”

— Emilia Clarke, BBC interview

On advocacy: “If I can help remove the stigma around brain injury, then sharing my story is worth it.”

— Emilia Clarke, NPR interview

The pattern is clear: Clarke has repeatedly minimized her health crisis in public statements while later revealing the true severity. Her approach to discussing brain surgery mirrors her on-screen persona—stoic, determined, focused on forward momentum rather than dwelling on vulnerability.

The Takeaway

Emilia Clarke’s career trajectory—from a 2009 soap opera appearance to franchise leads in Terminator and Star Wars—would be remarkable under any circumstances. The fact that she achieved this while managing two brain aneurysms and multiple surgeries adds a layer of resilience that elevates her story beyond typical Hollywood narratives. For fans, her filmography offers both blockbuster entertainment and intimate dramas to explore. For those interested in her personal journey, her advocacy work continues to provide insight into life after serious brain injury. The upcoming PONIES series on Peacock and Next Life (2026) suggest her career is far from slowing down.

Clarke continues to expand into producing roles while maintaining her acting career, demonstrating that the health challenges she faced in her mid-twenties have not limited her professional ambitions.

Bottom line: Clarke is best known for Daenerys Targaryen, but her filmography shows real range—from romantic lead to action heroine. Her health story adds a dimension of grit that most celebrity bios lack. Streaming availability varies by region, so check local platforms for current options.

Related reading: Blood of My Blood Season 2 · Cast of You TV Series

Emilia Clarke’s standout roles beyond Game of Thrones feature prominently in this comprehensive filmography guide, complete with IMDb ratings and streaming links.

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Frequently asked questions

What are Emilia Clarke’s best movies?

Based on IMDb ratings, her strongest performances include Me Before You (7.4), Solo: A Star Wars Story (6.9), Terminator Genisys (6.4), and Dom Hemingway (6.2). Critics often cite Me Before You as her most emotionally resonant work outside Game of Thrones.

What TV shows has Emilia Clarke starred in?

Her primary TV credit is Game of Thrones (62 episodes, 2011–2019). She also appeared in Doctors (2009), Triassic Attack (2010 TV movie), Futurama (voice role, 2013), Robot Chicken (2016), and the Peacock series PONIES. The Pod Generation was primarily a film, though she served as executive producer.

Which Emilia Clarke movies are on Netflix?

Streaming availability varies by region. Game of Thrones, Me Before You, and Last Christmas commonly appear on Netflix in various countries. For confirmed US availability, check Netflix directly or current streaming aggregators, as licensing agreements change frequently.

What is Emilia Clarke’s new movie?

As of 2025, her most recent release is The Twits (2025), an animated feature where she voices the character Pippa. She also has Next Life in post-production, scheduled for 2026 release. The Pod Generation came out August 11, 2023, in North America.

Did Emilia Clarke lose part of her brain?

Yes. Clarke has publicly stated that surgeons were unable to remove all the damaged tissue from her brain aneurysms. She has described having “quite a bit missing,” though she has continued to work as an actress and advocate without visible impairment.

What condition does Emilia Clarke have?

She experienced two ruptured brain aneurysms (subarachnoid hemorrhage), with the first occurring when she was 24 years old. These required emergency surgery and ongoing monitoring. She has since become an advocate for brain injury awareness.

How many episodes of Game of Thrones was Emilia Clarke in?

Clarke appeared in 62 episodes of Game of Thrones across all eight seasons, making her one of the most frequent cast members in the series. She appeared from the pilot episode through the series finale in 2019.