Emilia Clarke, the beloved actress known for her portrayal of Daenerys Targaryen in the epic fantasy series “Game of Thrones,” has candidly shared her harrowing experience of suffering two life-threatening brain aneurysms while filming the show. In a recent interview, Clarke revealed that she deeply feared being fired from the production due to her health challenges.

Emilia Clarke, the beloved actress known for her portrayal of Daenerys Targaryen in the epic fantasy series “Game of Thrones,” has candidly shared her harrowing experience of suffering two life-threatening brain aneurysms while filming the show. In a recent interview, Clarke revealed that she deeply feared being fired from the production due to her health challenges. After enduring two brain surgeries and a lengthy recovery process, Clarke was determined to return to the set of “Game of Thrones” and fulfill her commitments to the character she had grown to love. However, she harbored a nagging concern that her health issues might jeopardize her position on the show. Clarke recalled, “I remember talking to my manager at the time and saying, ‘Is it possible that I’m ever going to be fired, that they’re just going to give me the boot now?’ Because I didn’t feel like I could do my job anymore. I felt like I was a burden.” Despite her fears, the production team and her fellow cast members rallied around her and provided unwavering support. Clarke was deeply touched by their compassion and determination to work with her through her difficult time. “I was so scared I was going to die. I was so petrified that I was going to die,” Clarke said. “But at the same time, I had to keep playing Daenerys, and the show was so important to me. It was a constant battle.” Clarke’s resilience and determination ultimately prevailed. She not only returned to her role in “Game of Thrones” but also used her platform to raise awareness about the importance of brain health and to encourage others who have faced similar challenges to never give up hope. Her story is a testament to the indomitable spirit that can emerge in the face of adversity and the transformative power of love and support.Emilia Clarke, known for her iconic role in “Game of Thrones,” has shared the challenges she faced with health problems while balancing her career.Emilia Clarke, known for her iconic role in “Game of Thrones,” has shared the challenges she faced with health problems while balancing her career. In 2011, Clarke suffered a subarachnoid hemorrhage caused by a ruptured aneurysm, resulting in emergency surgery and a month-long hospital stay. Despite these setbacks, she returned to work, driven by the fear of losing her job. In 2013, Clarke underwent a second, more severe aneurysm surgery that resulted in a difficult recovery. She experienced concerns about potential cognitive and sensory losses, adding to her anxiety about maintaining her career. Eight years after her first aneurysm, Clarke shared her experiences in an essay for The New Yorker, detailing the physical and emotional toll they had taken on her. This revelation prompted her to establish the SameYou Foundation, which provides treatment and support for those recovering from brain injuries and strokes. In 2024, Clarke’s foundation partnered with Big Issue Recruit to expand its reach and provide support to survivors and their families. She emphasized the importance of overcoming the insecurities and loneliness often associated with chronic conditions, particularly in the workplace. Despite the challenges she has faced, Clarke remains determined to use her experiences to help others navigate similar journeys and break down barriers for those living with brain injuries.Emilia Clarke has revealed she feared being fired from ‘Game of Thrones’ after suffering a brain aneurysm. The actress, who played Daenerys Targaryen in the hit HBO series, said she was “terrified” she would lose her job after she was diagnosed with the life-threatening condition in 2019. Speaking to The Sunday Times, Clarke said: “I remember being in the hospital and being like, ‘I’m going to lose my job. I’m going to lose my job. I’m going to lose my job.’ And then you get to a point where you’re like, ‘Well, this is who you are now. You have a brain injury. You’re not going to be the same as you were before.'” Clarke underwent two brain surgeries and spent months recovering from the aneurysm. She said that she was “lucky to be alive” and that the experience had changed her perspective on life. “It’s a cliche, but it’s true: you only get one life. And it’s not promised to you,” she said. “So you have to make the most of it.” Clarke’s return to ‘Game of Thrones’ for its final season was met with praise from critics and fans alike. The actress said that she was “proud” of her work on the show, but that she was also ready to move on. “I’m so grateful for the time I had on ‘Game of Thrones,'” she said. “But I’m also excited to see what’s next.”