Emilia Clarke Reveals the Actors Who Shaped Her Craft—The Surprising Mentors You Didn’t Expect

Emilia Clarke’s rise to fame as Daenerys Targaryen on Game of Thrones introduced her to a stellar ensemble cast and unique challenges that helped her grow as an actor. Throughout her career, she’s shared the screen with some of the industry’s most respected talents, building both professional relationships and personal friendships. While Clarke hasn’t always explicitly outlined who taught her what, her reflections on her co-stars hint at valuable lessons and influences.

Kit Harington: A Parallel Journey

Among the many actors Clarke worked with on Game of Thrones, Kit Harington (Jon Snow) stands out. Starting the show in their early 20s, the two stars experienced similar career arcs, growing into their roles and navigating the highs and lows of international fame. Clarke has frequently praised Harington’s approach to his craft, as well as his humor and dedication on set.

In interviews, she’s described their bond as one of mutual understanding. “We kind of grew up together on that show,” Clarke said in one interview. “There’s something comforting about having someone who’s going through the same whirlwind as you.” While she hasn’t specifically outlined acting techniques she adopted from Harington, their shared experience of maturing into serious, high-pressure roles likely influenced how Clarke handled her own performances.

Jason Momoa: Early Mentorship

In the show’s first season, Clarke worked closely with Jason Momoa (Khal Drogo), who played her formidable yet ultimately tender husband. Their collaboration included some of Clarke’s most challenging scenes—intense, intimate moments that could easily have been overwhelming for a young actor just starting her career.

Clarke has openly discussed how Momoa supported her during these sequences, ensuring she felt comfortable and protected on set. “Jason really took care of me,” she once said. “He set a tone of respect and safety that was so important.” Though she hasn’t directly cited specific acting techniques learned from Momoa, his kindness and professionalism helped establish a foundation of trust and confidence early in her career.

Peter Dinklage: The Master of Subtlety

When Daenerys’ storyline began to intertwine with Tyrion Lannister’s in later seasons, Clarke found herself working alongside Peter Dinklage, whose nuanced, Emmy-winning portrayal of Tyrion had already earned widespread acclaim. Clarke often described Dinklage as “the cool kid” on set and praised his wit and charm, but it’s his command of dialogue-heavy scenes and his ability to convey complex emotions with a glance that likely left a lasting impression.

While Clarke hasn’t explicitly stated that Dinklage taught her particular techniques, it’s easy to imagine that observing his masterful handling of dialogue and subtle, layered performances provided a rich learning environment. For an actor still honing her craft, Dinklage’s on-set presence would have been an invaluable resource.

Beyond Westeros: Learning on Other Sets

Outside of Game of Thrones, Clarke’s experiences varied widely. On Me Before You, her chemistry with co-star Sam Claflin created a fun and supportive set atmosphere. While their pranks and lighthearted interactions might not have taught Clarke serious acting lessons, they contributed to her understanding of creating genuine on-screen connections.

Her time on Terminator Genisys alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger was less about mentorship and more about adapting to the pressures of a major franchise production. Although she hasn’t mentioned specific learning moments from Schwarzenegger, working in a high-stakes environment like the Terminator franchise undoubtedly honed her ability to handle blockbuster-scale projects.

What Clarke Took Away

Emilia Clarke’s career has been shaped by a mix of supportive mentors, inspiring co-stars, and challenging environments. Kit Harington’s parallel journey, Jason Momoa’s early guidance, and Peter Dinklage’s subtle mastery all contributed to her development as an actor, even if she doesn’t always spell out the lessons she learned. Combined with her own talent and drive, these relationships helped Clarke grow from a newcomer to one of the most recognizable faces in modern television.