by As Game of Thrones fans, we all know Emilia Clarke as the powerful and inspirational Daenerys Targaryen. But before she landed that career-making role, Clarke was full of self-doubt and insecurity about her acting abilities. In a vulnerable new interview, Clarke opened up about how an encouraging encounter with Jennifer Lawrence early in her career gave her the confidence she needed to ace her Game of Thrones audition.
Clarke shares that she met Lawrence at an industry party shortly before her pivotal GoT audition. While Clarke was totally starstruck to meet the actress who had just been nominated for her first Oscar for Winter’s Bone, she was blown away by how down-to-earth and genuine Lawrence was.
As someone who was relatively unknown at the time, Clarke assumed Lawrence would brush her off. But instead, Lawrence’s warm, friendly energy put Clarke instantly at ease. When Clarke nervously shared that she had a major audition coming up that she didn’t think she had a chance of booking, Lawrence offered heartfelt words of reassurance.
“She was just so normal and so down-to-earth. She was like, ‘Don’t worry about it. You’re going to be great,’” Clarke recalled. According to the British actress, Lawrence’s encouragement gave her the boost of confidence she needed to feel relaxed and do her best work at the audition that would change her life.
Looking back, Clarke says Lawrence’s small but mighty act of kindness that day has stayed with her over the years and shaped her perspective on stardom. “She’s just a really genuine person. She’s someone who cares about other people and who wants to see them succeed,” Clarke commented.
As Lawrence fans, this story makes our hearts sing. It showcases the empathy and quiet generosity Lawrence is known for amongst her inner circle. Despite being in the spotlight from a young age, she’s never let fame eclipse her down-to-earth values or kindness.
In fact, supporting other women is second nature to Lawrence. Over the years, she’s become famous for celebrating her female co-stars and collaborators in interviews. She’s quick to hype up their talents and share inside jokes, making it clear there’s no cattiness or competition between them.
Based on Clarke’s recollections, Lawrence was exhibiting that same sisterly spirit of championing another girl long before she was a household name. It seems she knew Clarke was on the cusp of major success and wanted to uplift her. That’s our JLaw!
As Clarke sees it, that one conversation served as a masterclass in confidence building from someone who knows the challenges of the industry inside out. Having a seasoned actress like Lawrence take her under her wing, even briefly, helped Clarke drown out her doubts and own her skillset.
No wonder Clarke looks back on their encounter so fondly; it’s clear Lawrence’s casual vote of confidence gave her career trajectory a much-needed push. It’s amazing to think one small gesture of assurance could empower Clarke to fully inhabit Daenerys and the strength we love in the character.
Looking at Clarke’s remarkable GoT journey now with its complex emotional arcs, daring action sequences, and multiple Emmy nods, it’s hard to believe she ever questioned whether she had what it took. But even the most talented performers have moments of uncertainty starting out.
Luckily, Lawrence saw Clarke’s burgeoning talent and courage and knew she just needed a little boost to see it in herself. As Clarke tells it, Lawrence’s mentorship came at exactly the right moment when she was overwhelmed and intimidated about jumping into the biggest opportunity of her career.
It just goes to show that sometimes, all it takes is one nugget of wisdom from someone you admire to rewrite your whole outlook. Those simple words of validation from Lawrence clearly had an exponential effect on Clarke, giving her the last bit of confidence she needed to make Daenerys come alive and connect with millions of viewers.
Fans are truly touched learning about this full-circle moment between two fantasy franchise superstars. It’s crazy to think that without Lawrence’s vote of confidence all those years ago, Clarke might not have brought Daenerys to life in the groundbreaking, iconic way she did.
Looking back, it seems almost destined the two would have crossed paths right before Clarke’s star-making role. While we as fans are grateful for all the incredible entertainment both actresses have provided us over the years, it’s special to get a glimpse behind-the-scenes of their supportive friendship.
Moments like this humanize our idols and remind us that even the most seasoned performers face rejection and doubt at times. But with champions like Lawrence in your corner, impossible dreams become within reach. This story is a reminder to always lift up fellow performers and creatives and be part of each other’s villages, because our words have power.
It’s no surprise Clarke still thinks fondly on her encouraging encounter with Lawrence years later. That wide-eyed newcomer who doubted she was leading lady material has certainly come a long way thanks to the wisdom imparted at just the right time. Seeing Clarke now embracing her talents and starring in blockbusters, the growth is undeniable.
Knowing Lawrence played even a small role in nurturing Clarke’s confidence and self-belief makes us appreciate both actresses that much more. We love seeing two women support each other in reaching their potential.
Of course, Lawrence is no stranger to hyping up her peers. She even famously gushed about meeting Clarke at the Oscars in 2018, fangirling over getting to meet the Mother of Dragons herself. Clearly the mutual appreciation society between these two is still going strong years later!
This heartwarming story is a reminder of how empowering it can be to have someone whose work you admire recognize your talents and reassure you of your own capabilities. Though Clarke is now an acclaimed actress in her own right, she has never forgotten Lawrence’s kindness.
That’s the wonderful thing about women supporting women in Hollywood – the chain reaction of self-confidence and joy it creates. Seeing Clarke and Lawrence’s early friendship makes us excited to see what other female stars they’ll inspire next with their illustrious careers and sisterly bond.
