Why Emilia Clarke Believes Family Is the Key to Her Strength and Happiness

Emilia Clarke, best known for her iconic role as Daenerys Targaryen in Game of Thrones, has built a career on emotional depth and resilience, both on screen and in her personal life. As of 2025, Clarke continues to emphasize that family is the core of her strength and happiness. From her early years growing up in Oxfordshire to her battles with health crises, Clarke’s unwavering belief in the importance of family has been a constant guiding force. This article delves into why family holds such paramount importance for Clarke, drawing from her words, actions, and personal experiences.

A Strong Family Foundation

Born on October 23, 1986, in London, Emilia Clarke’s early life was heavily influenced by her family. Her father, Peter Clarke, worked as a theatre sound engineer, and her mother, Jennifer Dodd Clarke, is a businesswoman and philanthropist, dedicating herself to causes like The Anima Foundation. Clarke’s older brother, Bennett, also works in the entertainment industry, and it was through him that Clarke’s connection to the world of theatre was first sparked. Her love for the arts began at a young age, and her family’s unwavering support has been fundamental in her pursuit of acting.

In various interviews, Clarke has shared how her family has shaped her core values. From an early age, her parents emphasized the importance of education, helping her secure a spot at Drama Centre London. Despite financial difficulties, they prioritized education and the pursuit of her dreams, which Clarke has always cherished. This support not only set her on a path to stardom but also instilled in her a deep appreciation for family values, which she continues to prioritize in her personal and professional life.

Emotional Fulfillment: Family as the Heart of Happiness

In a 2018 interview with Vanity Fair, Clarke opened up about how her family provides her with the most emotional support and happiness. “My mum, my brother, my dad, and I would sit around a table, and my happiest place was just discussing stuff. I really value intelligence. I am one of the few people who really likes their family. I just like hanging out with them,” she said, reflecting on the fulfilling and supportive environment her family provides. For Clarke, these family gatherings represent not just joy, but emotional security—something that is particularly precious given her high-profile career and public life.

Further highlighting the emotional stability that her family brings, Clarke shared in an interview with Violet Grey that “friends and family are everything” to her. She acknowledged that her loved ones are the source of her true strength, describing them as “what makes me feel powerful.” This sentiment is especially poignant when considering the challenges Clarke has faced in her personal life, including surviving two brain aneurysms in 2011 and 2013. Through these trials, her family has been a constant source of support, reinforcing their central role in her resilience.

Inspiration and Life Lessons from Family

Clarke’s family has not only provided emotional support but has also been a source of inspiration throughout her life and career. Her mother’s work with the Anima Foundation, helping young people in Ghana, and her father’s career in theatre, have set a powerful example of resilience, dedication, and service. In her Vanity Fair interview, Clarke noted that she values intelligence—a trait her family emphasized throughout her upbringing. She also shared the impactful story of her maternal grandmother, who had to hide her Indian ethnicity to fit in with society. Clarke described her grandmother’s experience as a “history of fighters,” illustrating how the resilience of her family members continues to influence her own approach to challenges in her career and personal life.

Her family’s sacrifices and support for her education—sending her to private schools and encouraging her passion for acting—have been instrumental in her success. Clarke’s commitment to family values, alongside her dedication to her craft, reflects her belief in the importance of personal fulfillment through the love and encouragement of those closest to her.

Building Her Own Family Legacy

Clarke’s reverence for her family is not limited to the past. She has often expressed her desire to create a similar family dynamic in her own life. In a quote shared with PictureQuotes, she stated, “You come from a happy family; you want to create a happy family.” This desire to build a family grounded in love, support, and mutual respect echoes the lessons Clarke learned growing up and demonstrates how she seeks to replicate the joy she found in her own upbringing.

The emphasis on family as a cornerstone of personal happiness also underscores her approach to relationships and future aspirations. For Clarke, family is not just about shared bloodlines—it is a core foundation for emotional fulfillment and future stability. This viewpoint extends to her professional life as well, where Clarke has often leaned on her family for support. During her time on Game of Thrones, Clarke famously arranged for her brother, Bennett, to work on the show’s theatre department, ensuring she had family nearby to alleviate the isolation she sometimes felt on set. This decision highlights her deep need for familial connections, even in the midst of a demanding and fast-paced career.

Family: A Guiding Force in Professional Life

Throughout her career, Clarke has repeatedly underscored that her family’s role extends beyond just personal support—it also influences her professional outlook. In interviews, Clarke has often noted how much she values working with people she trusts and who have her best interests at heart. This belief stems from her upbringing, where collaboration and support were central to her family dynamic. Clarke’s openness to collaboration, whether it be with her co-stars or her team, reflects her core belief that the most meaningful work comes when you are surrounded by people who have your back—just like her family does.

Conclusion: The Heart of Emilia Clarke’s Strength

For Emilia Clarke, family is more than just a word—it is the lifeblood that sustains her both personally and professionally. From her early upbringing in Oxfordshire to her battles with health issues, family has been a consistent source of strength, inspiration, and guidance. Clarke’s unwavering belief in the importance of family informs not only her approach to life but also her perspective on success and fulfillment. In a world that often prioritizes fame and external achievements, Clarke’s story serves as a poignant reminder that the true foundation of happiness lies in the support and love of those closest to us.