‘Game of Thrones’ star Emilia Clarke has opened up about the profound impact that surviving two life-threatening brain aneurysms had on her life, revealing that for years she struggled with the feeling that she had somehow ‘cheated death’.
The acclaimed actor shared her experience while accepting an honour at Variety's Power of Women London event, presented by Lifetime. During her emotional speech, Clarke spoke candidly about the psychological and physical challenges she faced after undergoing two major brain surgeries while filming the globally successful fantasy series.
“For a number of years, I felt that I had cheated death, and it was coming to get me,” Clarke said. “I truly felt like I had done something wrong, and I shouldn’t be here. I also thought it ruined my ability to act—which some people might agree with.” Clarke's health struggles began in 2011, shortly after the first season of Game of Thrones aired, when she suffered a brain aneurysm that required emergency surgery. Two years later, in 2013, she underwent a second operation after doctors discovered another aneurysm. Both procedures were life-saving and required lengthy periods of recovery.
The experience ultimately inspired Clarke to establish SameYou, a charity she co-founded with her mother in 2019. The organisation focuses on improving recovery care and rehabilitation services for people who have survived brain injuries and strokes. About the motivation behind the charity, Clarke said she was deeply moved by the stories of countless survivors who reached out to her after she publicly disclosed her health challenges.
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“When I first spoke about my experience, I was overwhelmed by the response,” she said. “Today, we have tens of thousands of survivors in our community saying essentially the same thing: the journey to healing feels like falling off the edge of a cliff without anyone there to catch you.” Through SameYou, Clarke hopes to raise awareness about the often-overlooked difficulties that patients face after leaving hospital care. The charity advocates for better rehabilitation services, emotional support, and access to resources that can help survivors rebuild their lives.
Clarke first publicly revealed her medical struggles in 2019, surprising many fans who were unaware that she had been dealing with such serious health issues while portraying Daenerys Targaryen, the powerful and iconic ‘Mother of Dragons’ in ‘Game of Thrones’. Despite the immense challenges she faced behind the scenes, Clarke continued to deliver one of television's most memorable performances, helping transform the HBO series into a global phenomenon.
At the event, Clarke was honoured alongside fellow actors Emma Corrin, Hannah Waddingham, Suki Waterhouse, and Cynthia Erivo, all recognised for their achievements and contributions beyond the entertainment industry.
Today, Clarke continues to use her platform not only as an internationally celebrated actor but also as an advocate for brain injury survivors, working to ensure that others receive the support and care she believes are essential for recovery.
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