Drama School Doors Slammed Shut—Until Fate (and a Broken Leg) Changed Emilia Clarke’s Life Forever

Before conquering the world as Daenerys Targaryen on HBO’s Game of Thrones, Emilia Clarke’s journey was marked by obstacles, uncertainty, and an early taste of rejection. In 2005, the aspiring actress faced a major setback when she was turned down by the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA)—a blow that could have easily ended her dreams of an acting career.

But Clarke’s story is one of perseverance. Rather than accept defeat, she pressed on, applying to other elite drama schools including LAMDA and Guildhall, though to no avail. Taking a year to regroup, Clarke worked, traveled, and refused to let go of her ambitions. Her persistence finally paid off in 2006 when Drama Centre London—a renowned but notoriously intense institution—offered her a place, reportedly after another student dropped out due to injury. In interviews, Clarke has laughed about “getting in because someone broke a leg,” a twist of fate that would change her life.

Drama Centre London, affectionately nicknamed “Trauma Center” by students for its rigorous and emotionally demanding training, had a reputation for shaping some of Britain’s finest actors. Its alumni list reads like a who’s who of contemporary film and television: Pierce Brosnan, Tom Hardy, Michael Fassbender, Gwendoline Christie, and Colin Firth, to name a few. During Clarke’s tenure from 2006 to her graduation in 2009, the school was still widely respected and offered an education deeply rooted in the Method, Stanislavski, and other intensive acting techniques.

Despite the school’s eventual closure in 2022—following an unfavorable review citing academic shortcomings—its legacy during Clarke’s time was one of uncompromising artistic standards. The demanding curriculum and international connections gave students a breadth of experience, from residencies in Moscow to ancient Greek theatre immersion in Epidaurus, Greece.

Clarke’s determination to train as an actor despite repeated rejections laid the groundwork for her breakout moment. Shortly after graduating, she landed her first TV role with a guest spot on BBC’s Doctors in 2009. Two years later, she rocketed to global fame as Daenerys in Game of Thrones, the role that would define her career and make her a household name. The skills honed at Drama Centre London continued to serve her as she took on major roles in Me Before You, Solo: A Star Wars Story, and Last Christmas.

Emilia Clarke’s rise is a testament to the power of resilience in an unpredictable industry. Her story is a reminder that rejection is not the end—it can be the beginning of something extraordinary, provided you keep fighting for your chance to shine.