Behind the Camera with the Clarke Siblings: How Emilia Clarke and Her Brother Bennett Shared a Game of Thrones Legacy

While Emilia Clarke’s unforgettable portrayal of Daenerys Targaryen helped cement Game of Thrones as a pop culture phenomenon, few fans realize that her journey through Westeros was shared—quietly and professionally—by someone even closer to home: her older brother, Bennett Clarke.

Bennett, part of the Game of Thrones camera department, worked behind the scenes of the series throughout its eight-season run. His presence on set placed the Clarke siblings in a rare position—simultaneously working on one of the most ambitious productions in television history, but in very different roles.

Emilia, born October 23, 1986, in London, rose to international fame as the fierce and complex “Mother of Dragons.” But long before the Game of Thrones pilot was shot, she was immersed in the entertainment world through her family roots. Their father, Peter Roderick Clarke, was a respected theatre sound engineer, and that technical inclination seems to have continued with Bennett, who chose a path behind the camera instead of in front of it.

In a 2019 interview on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Emilia revealed that Bennett worked on the set, often stationed on units filming nearby. She jokingly admitted to asking him not to be present during her more intimate scenes, laughing, “There are some things you don’t need to see your sibling doing on set.” Her comment not only offered fans a glimpse into their personal relationship, but also confirmed the proximity and overlap in their professional lives.

Bennett’s role as a camera crew member involved technical duties critical to capturing the show’s cinematic aesthetic. Whether it was operating rigs, assisting with scene composition, or supporting directors of photography on location shoots, he contributed to the visual foundation of a show known for its grand scale and breathtaking visuals. And while Emilia was often the centerpiece of those scenes, the idea that her brother may have helped frame them adds a poetic dimension to their shared legacy.

Their connection is a rare example of familial collaboration in an industry where most siblings operate on separate creative planes. The behind-the-scenes bond hints at shared values, a deep work ethic, and an upbringing steeped in both art and discipline. In a show defined by loyalty and legacy, the Clarke siblings quietly mirrored those same themes in real life.

Emilia’s openness about her brother’s role also speaks to her grounded personality. Despite her rise to global fame, she has consistently highlighted her family’s influence and support, crediting their presence—both emotionally and, in Bennett’s case, physically on set—as part of her success.

While Game of Thrones concluded in 2019, the Clarke siblings’ shared experience on the series remains a compelling story of how family and craft can intersect in unexpected ways. Emilia may have lit up the screen as a queen, but behind the camera, her brother helped bring that world to life—one shot at a time.