by Emilia Clarke will forever be known for her iconic portrayal of Daenerys Targaryen on the global phenomenon TV series Game of Thrones. Her steely gaze and empowering persona as the Mother of Dragons captivated viewers for 8 seasons. However, in 2018, Emilia took on a very different role that showcased her immense talent and versatility as an actress. She starred as the lovable and quirky Louisa Clark in the film adaptation of Jojo Moyes’ bestselling romance novel Me Before You.
Embodying the spirit of Louisa, a small-town girl who becomes caretaker for the brooding Will Traynor, was a welcome change for Emilia after years of playing the intense Khaleesi. But her journey to winning the highly coveted role was not an easy one. She had to overcome many challenges and setbacks along the way. However, through her characteristic determination, talent and infectious positivity, Emilia triumphed over every obstacle. She poured her heart and soul into becoming Louisa and delivered a performance that enchanted critics and audiences alike.
From Near-Paralyzing Brain Surgeries to Landing the Role of a Lifetime
In the early years of Game of Thrones, Emilia had to grapple with unimaginable adversity. She secretly underwent two successive brain aneurysm surgeries, the second of which nearly paralyzed her. She recalls, “The surgery had gone well, but I lost a lot of blood and nearly died. I was unable to recall my own name, let alone act.” After the harrowing ordeal, she had to relearn basic skills through intensive occupational therapy.
While still recovering, she was back on the Game of Thrones set pushing herself to portray Daenerys again. She was determined not to let her physical challenges hamper her burgeoning career. Her iron spirit pulled her through and she continued to deliver outstanding performances despite ongoing health issues like feeling faint on set and battling chronic pain.
After finally wrapping up Game of Thrones in 2018, Emilia was eager to try something totally different. She says, “I was completely depleted and ready to try my hand at a romantic role.” The Me Before You books had captured her heart years ago and she deeply desired to play the sympathetic Louisa. However, the film’s team was initially hesitant to cast such a globally famous actress as a small-town caregiver.
Emilia convinced them she had the authenticity and depth to make Louisa a household name. She notes, “I wanted to step into Louisa’s shoes so keenly. Her joyful spirit connected with me deeply.” While Emilia’s health was still fragile, she threw herself relentlessly into preparing for the demanding role. She spent time visiting physical rehabilitation clinics to understand what daily life was like for people with disabilities. She also worked closely with a dialect coach to adopt Louisa’s regional British accent and speech patterns.
The film’s director, Thea Sharrock recalls, “Emilia approached every scene with such care, humanity and commitment. It was clear how much it meant to become Louisa.” All of Emilia’s preparation paid off tremendously. When Me Before You released in 2016, her heartwarming and humorous portrayal charmed critics and moviegoers globally. Sharrock marvels, “She gave an exquisite, career-defining performance.” Audiences finally saw Emilia in a whole new light beyond her steely Targaryen persona.
Capturing the Essence of Jojo Moyes’ Lovable Heroine
So what did Emilia Clarke do to so convincingly transform into the film’s bright-eyed protagonist? Firstly, she spent countless hours analyzing Louisa’s character to capture her spirit. She says:
“Louisa leapt off the pages for me. Her constant cheerfulness conceals her vulnerabilities and struggles. I adored her vivacity, humor and inner strength. Playing her was such a joy.”
Emilia clearly understood that though Louisa appears perpetually upbeat, she shoulders immense responsibility caring for Will who becomes a quadriplegic after an accident. Louisa must keep his spirits up through their evolving friendship.
To portray Louisa’s subtle complexities, Emilia deliberately crafted this version of a British accent – lighter and more playful than her regal Daenerys tone. She explains, “I wanted Louisa’s voice to reflect her personality – sweet, compassionate and down-to-earth.”
Emilia also worked with a movement coach to embody Louisa’s physicality – “We designed how she walks quickly with little strides and hops on the furniture full of bubbly energy.”
The actress drew heavily from her own life to connect emotionally with Louisa’s journey. “I imagined myself living in a small town, taking care of someone day and night and falling for them.” She adds, “Louisa treasures the small joys, like diving into puddles. That childlike joy resonated with me.”
Having suffered through intense health scares herself, Emilia was also able to portray Louisa’s empathy and fortitude while caring for Will with subtle touches. Sharrock says:
“The scenes of feeding and dressing Will are so intimate. Emilia brought real tenderness to them.”
Finally, Emilia’s naturally warm, funny and optimistic personality shines through in her smiling scenes where Louisa teases Will to uplift his mood. Emilia muses, “Louisa felt like an extension of my true self.”
The Universal Themes That Made Me Before You a Global Phenomenon
At its core, Me Before You is a beautiful, heartrending romance between two people from vastly different worlds. But it explores many universal themes that resonated deeply with global audiences.
Firstly, Louisa and Will show the life-changing power of human connection. Though they clash initially, their earnest, non-judgmental friendship transforms them both profoundly.
The film also sensitively tackles the right to dignity and choice for disabled individuals when Will decides to end his own life. Emilia notes, “It asks difficult questions about what it means to truly live.”
Me Before You also depicts class divides affectingly through the romance between working-class Louisa and wealthy Will. Clarke says, “Louisa crosses social boundaries and broadens her own horizons.”
Above all, the story celebrates embracing joy regardless of life’s circumstances. Emilia muses:
“Will teaches Louisa to live boldly and seek adventure beyond her small town. That seizing the day ethos inspires viewers.”
These universal themes, brought vividly to life by Emilia’s moving performance, made Me Before You strike a chord globally. It grossed over $200 million worldwide. Audiences from vastly different backgrounds connected with the life-affirming messages.
For Emilia, the film’s global impact was incredibly fulfilling:
“So many people wrote to me sharing how deeply moved and uplifted they felt. That will always be my proudest achievement.”
Breaking Typecasting Barriers with Her Portrayal
For most viewers worldwide, Emilia Clarke will always be the iconic Mother of Dragons. But by showcasing her versatility as Louisa, she proved her acting chops went far beyond one famous role. Me Before You broke the typecasting curse that haunts so many television stars.
The most common praise for Emilia’s performance was how she brought such humility, warmth and nuance to Louisa in contrast with her bold Game of Thrones persona. Critics hailed her “radiant screen presence” and “irresistible charm.”
Her compelling performance made Emilia a household name beyond just fantasy fans. She credits Me Before You for opening up her career:
“I will always be grateful that Thea took a chance on me. Playing Louisa allowed me to break free of Daenerys’ shadow.”
Since Me Before You, Emilia has chosen a diverse range of character-driven indie films like Above Suspicion and Last Christmas. She notes:
“Period dramas and romantic films are where my heart lies. The experiences with Louisa gave me the courage to pursue those genres.”
Now Emilia is universally recognized as a versatile actress, equally adept at portraying intensity, humor, vulnerability and strength. Her triumph over typecasting barriers is an inspiration to television actors everywhere.
Emilia’s Personal Connection to Jojo Moyes’ Uplifting Story
Like many fans worldwide, Jojo Moyes’ story held special meaning for Emilia long before the film. She first read Me Before You when recovering from her initial brain aneurysm surgery in 2012. Still unable to even remember her name then, she found the book’saffirming messages about living boldly deeply cathartic.
She says: “It resonated with me while I learned to rewrite my own story in the face of trauma.” Louisa’s boundless spirit despite adversity inspired Emilia tremendously during her darkest days.
So when the opportunity arose to actually embody the character who had uplifted her so much, Emilia felt it was destiny. She told Moyes emotionally:
“Your novel nurtured me through my healing journey. It will be my honor to bring Louisa to life.”
Beyond just portraying Louisa on-screen authentically, Emilia wanted to share the character’s uplifting worldview with audiences. She says:
“After facing death so young, I knew life must be seized with both hands. I hoped Louisa’s lust for life would inspire viewers too.”
True enough, the film moved viewers globally with its life-affirming ethos. For Emilia, the process of becoming Louisa healed her both professionally and personally. It reminded her that human connections and living joyfully are what matter most.
Why Emilia’s Portrayal of Louisa Matters
Emilia Clarke’s heartfelt portrayal of Louisa Clark matters because she powerfully brings to life a character who resonates with millions of readers worldwide. Fans passionately championed her casting because they knew she would capture Louisa’s effervescent spirit.
Her performance stays true to everything that makes Lou so beloved – her humor, compassion, resilience and zest for life. Emilia perfectly embodies both the character’s kid-like goofiness and deep inner strength.
Seeing their fictional role model vividly brought to screen with such emotional authenticity was incredibly cathartic for fans. It reaffirmed the novel’s uplifting messages they connected deeply with.
Moreover, Emilia’s profound real-life struggles with health issues gave her portrayal even greater poignancy. Having faced adversity like Louisa, Emilia infused the role with a relatable humanity beyond just acting.
With her breakout performance, Emilia proved her outstanding versatility beyond Game of Thrones. She opened the door to more complex, character-driven roles that are her true passion.
Most importantly, her joyful portrayal inspired millions to embrace life’s moments regardless of hardship. Emilia concludes:
“If my role as Louisa moved people and brought them some comfort, then that is everything.”
