Game of Thrones Star Emilia Clarke Survived Two Brain Aneurysms—And Lost More Than She Expected!

Emilia Clarke, beloved for her role as Daenerys Targaryen in Game of Thrones, has revealed the extraordinary challenges she has faced after surviving two life-threatening brain aneurysms. The actress, now 38, spoke candidly about the impact the aneurysms have had on her body, admitting that scans show “quite a bit” of her brain is missing due to the damage caused by the ruptures.

The first aneurysm struck when Clarke was just 22 years old, and the second followed in 2013. A brain aneurysm occurs when a weakened blood vessel in the brain bulges and can burst, causing a life-threatening brain hemorrhage. Clarke described the pain and fear she felt during the first episode, recalling excruciating pain, vomiting, and loss of consciousness. As a way to stay conscious, she found herself repeating her Game of Thrones lines, holding onto the familiar words to keep her focused.

Speaking to the BBC’s Sophie Raworth, Clarke shared her disbelief at her ability to lead a normal life despite the trauma. “The amount of my brain that is no longer usable – it’s remarkable that I am able to speak, sometimes articulately, and live my life completely normally with absolutely no repercussions,” she said. She expressed gratitude for being part of the “really, really, really small minority of people that can survive” such a devastating event.

Clarke went on to explain that the brain can adapt when it loses a part of itself, as blood reroutes to other areas, but the lost portion is forever gone. She added that the fact she can still remember her lines for her iconic role is particularly remarkable, given the extent of the damage.

Throughout her recovery, Clarke has credited her role as Daenerys Targaryen for providing her with a sense of purpose. In a previous interview, she explained how the demanding nature of the Game of Thrones set helped her navigate the emotional and physical toll of her health battles. “It was incredibly useful to have the show to sweep me up and give me that purpose,” she said.

In a 2019 interview with CBS Sunday Morning, Clarke shared photos from her hospital recovery and spoke about how her work on Game of Thrones helped her stay optimistic, particularly after the second aneurysm. She recalled how playing a powerful character like Daenerys—walking through fire and speaking to large crowds—allowed her to focus on something outside of her own mortality. “You go on the set and you play a badass character, and you walk through fire… And that became the thing that just saved me from considering my own mortality.”

Clarke’s courage in the face of such life-altering circumstances is a testament to her strength and resilience. Despite the trauma, she continues to inspire others with her unwavering ability to persevere and find purpose through her work.