by As a diehard fan of Emilia Clarke, her inspiring story of persevering through financial hardship right before landing her star-making role as Daenerys Targaryen on Game of Thrones has always resonated with me.
Like many actors, Emilia struggled to make ends meet after graduating from drama school in 2009. As we now know, her big break was just around the corner in 2010 when she was cast as the Mother of Dragons. However, in the year before the show premiered, Emilia found herself completely broke, taking on odd jobs and even considering waitressing at Hooters just to pay the bills.
Looking back, it’s unbelievable to imagine that the globally adored Queen of Dragons was nearly penniless and starving only a short time beforeclaiming her throne in Westeros and becoming a household name. Emilia has recounted harrowing stories of showing up to auditions just to score a free meal. As a fan, it’s equal parts heartbreaking and motivating to know that even myfavorite actress faced rejection and poverty while staying devoted to her craft.
Though she had landed small roles in 2009 like a commercial for Samaritans and an episode of Doctors, Emilia struggled to book consistent, paid work as an actress. She had the training, talent and dedication, but couldn’t seem to catch her big break. While active in theater at drama school, Emilia only had minor television credits to her name.
Right after graduation, with barely any acting jobs coming in, Emilia found herself falling deeper into a financial hole. She was running out of money from student loans and reached the point where she couldn’t even pay rent on her London apartment.
Getting evicted numerous times was just the tip of the iceberg. Emilia found herself completely broke, sometimes even scraping together coins just to buy a McDonald’s cheeseburger. She had to ask friends and family for loans to help cover basic necessities. It was such a dire situation that she almost became desperate enough to pursue waitressing, even going as far as considering a job at Hooters.
On top of it all, Emilia faced unimaginable personal hardship during this time period. Her beloved father was diagnosed with cancer, which understandably made focusing on her career even more difficult. She had to take time off from auditions and odd jobs to be present with her family during her dad’s treatments.
Making matters worse, she then had to find a way to help pay his growing medical bills. Even in her darkest financial hour, Emilia selflessly put family first and persevered through the tremendous stress and sadness stemming from her father’s illness.
As a fan, I truly admire how Emilia never lost sight of her goals. Though landing roles was a constant struggle, she continued to train and audition relentlessly. She knew she had a gift to share with the world and just needed the right breakthrough role.
Against all odds, that coveted role came in 2010 when Emilia’s magical audition for Game of Thrones changed everything. She manifested the job of a lifetime as Daenerys Stormborn. From being completely broke and doubting if she could even provide for herself, Emilia was now landing a career-making gig with one of the most lucrative salaries in television.
Practically overnight, her finances changed from famine to feast. As the face of the global phenomenon Game of Thrones, Emilia would come to earn around $1.1 million per episode by the end of the series. And that’s not even including backend profits and other lucrative deals. No longer worrying about rent or affording food, she found herself financially set for life.
While Emilia certainly isn’t defined by her wealth and success, her rags-to-riches story is undeniably astonishing. As a devoted fan who has followed her career from the early days, I will never take for granted how close we came to not having her grace our screens as the iconic Dragon Queen.
Had HBO not cast her in Game of Thrones, Emilia’s immense talents may have never been fully recognized. It’s painful to imagine an alternate reality deprived of her legendary Dany. But thankfully, Emilia manifested her destiny right on the brink of financial ruin.
Beyond Game of Thrones, Emilia has gone on to star in blockbusters like Terminator Genisys, Solo: A Star Wars Story, and Me Before You. However, Dany will forever be the role us fans associate with Emilia’s ascent to fame and fortune. Her powerful performance shaped the zeitgeist for 10 years and will continue inspiring people for generations.
While fame and money can fade, Emilia’s legacy is cemented in the history books. Her success story gives hope to every actor struggling to catch a break. Emilia proved that perseverance pays off in the end. She may have hit rock bottom financially beforeGame of Thrones, but now she shines bright as a beacon of strength and resilience.
Rather than get jaded by years of rejection, Emilia stayed humble and grateful when her tide turned. Her warmth and generosity of spirit continue touching lives even with her A-list status. Despite unimaginable wealth, she chooses to live modestly and give back to important causes like health organizations and human rights groups.
Looking back on the decade with Game of Thrones, it strikes me how Emilia could have thrown in the towel at any moment. Had she given up acting and taken that Hooters job, we never would have experienced her brilliance. The entertainment world is so much richer thanks to her perseverance and inner light.
Today, Emilia stands tall as a global sensation and an inspiration to never stop chasing dreams. Her belief in herself changed the course of her life and brought magic into all our lives. As a devoted fan since those early struggling days, it brings me such joy and pride to have witnessed Emilia’s incredible journey. She gives hope that after the long night, a bright new day will come again.
