'Game of Thrones' star Emilia Clarke feared death and job loss while battling brain aneurysms

In a recent interview with Big Issue, Game of Thrones star Emilia Clarke who portrayed the role of Daenerys Targaryen, revealed how she feared being fired from the show after suffering two brain aneurysms in 2011 and 2013.

Speaking to the publication Clarke discussed how the incidents affected her during the time. She pointed out that not only had the injury made her more insecure but it also made her afraid of losing her job. She said:

"When you have a brain injury, because it alters your sense of self on such a dramatic level, all of the insecurities you have going into the workplace quadruple overnight. The first fear we all had was: ‘Oh my God, am I going to get fired? Am I going to get fired because they think I’m not capable of completing the job?’”

Additionally, Clarke also feared death while filming Game of Thrones due to the intensity of work and work-related stress. She recollects thinking to herself while filming for the show:

"Well, if I’m going to die, I better die on live TV.”

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How did suffering two brain aneurysms during Game of Thrones affect Emilia Clarke's life?

Emilia Clarke revealed in the latest issue of Big Issue that suffering two brain aneurysms at the peak of her career had completely changed her outlook towards life. Not only did the injury make her more insecure and less confident, but it also instilled a fear of death in her. Talking about her experiences the Game of Thrones alumnus said:

"Having a chronic condition that diminishes your confidence in this one thing you feel is your reason to live is so debilitating and so lonely. One of the biggest things I felt with a brain injury was profoundly alone. That is what we’re trying to overcome.”

Clarke also added that suffering the injuries made her feel that she would not be able to act again, which was something she did not want. The thought of not appearing on screen ever again disturbed her so much that she remembers asking the medical staff "to let her die."

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How is Game of Thrones star Emilia Clarke trying to spread awareness about brain-related injuries?

Emilia Clarke and her mother founded the charity SameYou in 2019, six years after the Game of Thrones star suffered her last brain aneurysm. The charity was set up to facilitate better recovery for those suffering brain injuries. Besides aiding those in need, the charity also aims at creating awareness and fostering change.

In 2023 the Game of Thrones actor and her mother were honored with MBEs( Member of the Order of the British Empire) for their charity's contributions in the field of rehabilitating brain injury survivors.

By 2023, the SameYou charity had successfully conducted an online campaign called Neurorehabilitation Online, rehabilitating almost 1,000 patients. All of the patients included in the programme had reported life-changing results.

In 2024, the SameYou continues to work towards providing rehabilitation to people recovering from the debilitating effects of brain injuries. In a recent post by SameYou's official Instagram handle, the charity highlighted why offering proper assistance to those suffering brain injuries is important.

It revealed that based on an extensive survey comprising 300 respondents it found that:

"1 in 5 survivors who returned to work rated the support they received from their employers as ‘Poor’ and over 50% of survivors had to make some changes to either their role, their employer or the hours on returning to work, as a result of their brain injury."

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If you are someone who requires assistance due to brain-related injuries, reach out to @sameyouorg on Instagram.