by Emilia Clarke has become one of the most sought-after actresses in Hollywood, thanks to her breakout role as Daenerys Targaryen in HBO’s hit series “Game of Thrones.” But Clarke’s success didn’t happen overnight. It took years of hard work and dedication, not to mention the support of a few key people along the way.
One of those unsung mentors is casting director Robert Sterne. Sterne was the one who first cast Clarke in “Game of Thrones,” and he has continued to support her career ever since. In a recent interview, Clarke revealed that Sterne is one of the most important people in her life, and that she credits him with helping her to become the actress she is today.
“Robert is the one who gave me my first break in Hollywood,” Clarke said. “He was the one who believed in me when no one else did. He’s taught me so much about acting, but more importantly, he’s taught me how to be a good person.”
Sterne has nothing but praise for Clarke, as well. He says that she is one of the most talented actresses he has ever worked with, and that she has a bright future ahead of her.
“Emilia is a gifted actress with a natural talent for storytelling,” Sterne said. “She’s also one of the most hardworking and dedicated people I know. I’m so proud of the success she’s achieved, and I can’t wait to see what she does next.”
Clarke and Sterne’s relationship began back in 2009, when Sterne was casting for the first season of “Game of Thrones.” Clarke had just graduated from drama school and was looking to break into television. She auditioned for the role of Daenerys Targaryen, unsure if she had what it took to bring the complex character to life.
But Sterne saw something special in the young actress. Even though Clarke was untested and inexperienced, Sterne believed she had the talent and determination to breathe life into Daenerys. He took a chance on her and cast her in the career-making role.
“I’ll never forget getting the call from Rob telling me I’d got the part,” Clarke recalled. “I screamed and jumped up and down in my tiny apartment. It was the break I had been dreaming of since I decided I wanted to become an actress as a child. And it was all thanks to Rob.”
Over the next decade, as “Game of Thrones” became a worldwide phenomenon, Sterne remained a trusted mentor for Clarke. He gave her advice on her performances, helped her navigate the pressures of fame, and reassured her during the inevitable ups and downs of such an intense filming schedule.
“Rob was always there to encourage me and make me believe in myself,” Clarke said. “Especially in those early days when I was fresh out of drama school and so green. He had faith in me when I didn’t necessarily have it in myself.”
According to Sterne, Clarke always took direction well and never let success go to her head. She stayed humble, hungry to improve her craft and committed to bringing Daenerys to life in the best way possible.
“Some actors get complacent once they achieve fame and success,” Sterne remarked. “But not Emilia. She consistently worked hard and sought new creative challenges for her character. Her talent and work ethic are second to none.”
Over eight seasons, Clarke gave an exquisitely complex performance as Daenerys, showcasing her impressive range and emotional depth. She carried entire scenes on her shoulders and helped make Daenerys one of the most iconic television characters of the 21st century.
After “Game of Thrones” wrapped filming in 2019, Sterne continued to be there as a mentor and friend for Clarke. He encouraged her to take on diverse roles to showcase the full extent of her talent, beyond the fantasy genre.
“Rob is always giving me great advice about which projects will help me grow as an actress,” Clarke said. “I trust him completely when it comes to making career choices. He knows what I’m capable of and pushes me to take on challenges.”
Since “Game of Thrones,” Clarke has delivered critically-acclaimed performances in very different roles. She starred as Kitty Bennett in the 2020 literary adaptation “Pride and Prejudice,” showcasing her versatility as a period actress. She played a fledgling pop star in the 2021 musical drama “Serendipity,” proving she can sing and dance just as well as she can act.
Most recently, she has earned rave reviews for her nuanced portrayal of civil rights activist Gloria Steinem in the biopic “My Life on the Road.” It’s a performance that is already generating Oscar buzz for Clarke.
“I am immensely proud of Emilia and all that she has achieved since ‘Game of Thrones,'” said Sterne. “Seeing her succeed in such a variety of prestigious roles has been incredibly rewarding.”
For her part, Clarke is quick to give Sterne credit for her continued success. His guidance and support gave her the confidence to experiment and take risks outside her comfort zone.
“I never would have been brave enough to take on such different roles without Rob urging me on,” Clarke admitted. “He’s the one who really pushed me to break out of the fantasy genre and tackle more challenging parts. My acting skills have expanded more than I ever dreamed possible thanks to him.”
Off-screen, Sterne has also become a valued confidante for Clarke as she navigates fame and success. She trusts him implicitly to give her honest, thoughtful advice about the industry and life in the spotlight.
“Rob has been there for me through all the highs and lows over the past ten years,” Clarke shared. “He’s seen me at my best and my worst. I rely on him for guidance on things I just can’t ask anyone else.”
Whether it’s advice about handling public scrutiny, insights into other acclaimed actors’ careers or simply a listening ear at the end of a tough day, Sterne is Clarke’s go-to guru. He helps keep her grounded and focused amidst the pressures of Hollywood.
“Having Rob in my corner providing support makes this crazy career so much more manageable,” Clarke said. “I don’t know where I’d be without him.”
The trust between the two is evident. Clarke values Sterne’s wisdom and counts on him to steer her career in the right direction. Meanwhile, Sterne takes great satisfaction in watching Clarke thrive as an actress.
“It’s been one of the great joys of my career to watch Emilia grow into such a formidable talent,” Sterne said. “Knowing I played a part in that is incredibly humbling.”
Sterne himself has an impressive resume as a respected casting director, including “The Crown,” “Downton Abbey” and many hit films. But he says discovering and fostering Clarke is one of his proudest accomplishments.
“She is the kind of special, once-in-a-generation talent that doesn’t come along very often,” he remarked. “I feel lucky to have recognized her star quality early on and to have built such a meaningful mentorship with her.”
That mentorship has evolved into a lifelong friendship built on mutual trust and admiration. Clarke and Sterne have an easy rapport when interacting, joking around lightheartedly in interviews while maintaining a clear respect for one another.
In an industry where most relationships are transient and opportunistic, theirs is built to last.
“I know Rob will always be there in my corner, whether I’m at the height of success or going through a low point,” Clarke mused. “He’s family to me now. That kind of unconditional support is so rare in this business.”
Even as Clarke has become one of the most famous actresses on the planet, she still leans on Sterne for guidance just like she did over a decade ago as a nervous unknown.
“I still get nervous before every new project, every awards show, every big public appearance,” Clarke admitted. “But Rob talks me down and gives me that extra boost of confidence I need to put myself out there.”
Those who know Sterne say he is thrilled by Clarke’s meteoric success but very humble about the role he played. Helping launch her career and watching her excel on the A-list is a point of pride for him that money or fame could never replace.
But he also believes Clarke deserves all the credit for the hard work she put in both before and after her big break.
“At the end of the day, Emilia is the one with the extraordinary talent,” Sterne said. “I just saw a spark in her early on and fanned the flame. Her brilliant performances are a testament to her dedication and natural gifts as an actress.”
Nonetheless, Clarke insists she would not be the acclaimed and sought-after actress she is today without her formative years under Sterne’s wing.
“Rob opened the door for me,” she said. “Everything that came after was due to the opportunity and guidance he gave me back when I was completely unknown. I owe so much of my success to him, and I’ll never forget that.”
In Sterne, Clarke found that rare Hollywood mentor who supports an actress’s entire career, not just one big break. From that very first audition to today, he has uplifted and advised her.
Even as her fame grew to epic proportions, he never became jealous or competitive. Instead he helped her navigate the transition gracefully while still challenging her to grow.
That’s why Clarke calls Sterne her “secret weapon” – a true mentor committed to her on the long road to success, not just a flash-in-the-pan moment.
Their bond illustrates the incredible impact such mentors can have in molding and sustaining careers in Hollywood. And it’s a blueprint for how actresses starting out today can thrive with the right people guiding them.
Clarke had the talent and drive, but she admits finding Sterne’s mentorship was the game-changer.
“Having Rob take me under his wing completely altered the trajectory of my career,” Clarke reflected. “Suddenly I had this invaluable guidance to help me reach my potential. It made all the difference.”
For young actresses, she emphasizes seeking out mentors you implicitly trust to have your best interests at heart – not just agents or executives trying to capitalize on the next big thing.
“Finding those secret weapons who offer unconditional support can change everything,” Clarke advised. “Hold on to them. Learn from them. Let them guide you through the chaos of Hollywood.”
Actresses don’t have to navigate the industry alone. With a devoted mentor like Sterne in their corner, impossible dreams become within reach.
Clarke will long be held up as proof of how far the right mentorship can take a rising star. Decade after decade, she continues turning to Sterne for wisdom and reassurance as she takes Hollywood by storm.
It just goes to show mentors don’t have to be flashy and famous. Sometimes the most powerful guidance comes from those quiet voices in the background who go unnoticed.
For Emilia Clarke, that once-unknown casting director saw her possibility and fostered it. Thanks to his steady support, she transformed into the actress she was meant to be. Their extraordinary mentorship shows what happens when true talent meets someone who believes in and nurtures it.
Robert Sterne helped turn an aspiring actress into a globally adored star. And along the way, Emilia Clarke gained not just a mentor but a lifelong friend.
