Emilia Clarke Opens Up About Fearing Death ‘on Live TV’ Amid Brain Surgeries: ‘It Alters Your Sense of Self’

Emilia Clarke, best known for her iconic role as Daenerys Targaryen in Game of Thrones, has courageously shared the harrowing impact her brain aneurysms had on both her life and career. Through a series of candid interviews and personal essays, Clarke reveals the profound physical, psychological, and professional challenges she faced—alongside a powerful journey of recovery and advocacy.

A Timeline of Trauma and Survival

Clarke’s ordeal began in 2011, shortly after filming the first season of Game of Thrones. While working out at the gym, she suffered a ruptured brain aneurysm that caused a stroke and subarachnoid hemorrhage, forcing emergency brain surgery. In a revealing 2019 essay for The New Yorker, Clarke described the terrifying sensation of an “elastic band squeezing her brain” and the violent illness that followed. Just two weeks after surgery, she developed aphasia, struggling even to remember her own name—a devastating blow for an actress whose craft depends on communication.

In 2013, Clarke faced a second aneurysm and subsequent surgery. In a 2022 interview on BBC One’s Sunday Morning, she spoke of scans that showed parts of her brain were “missing,” yet she was still able to speak and live a seemingly normal life—a testament to her remarkable resilience.

The Fear of Dying ‘on Live TV’

Clarke has also opened up about the intense fear she experienced, not just for her health, but for her career. In a June 2024 interview with The Big Issue, she admitted fearing she might die during a live television appearance amid her health struggles. This anxiety was compounded by worries about losing her role on Game of Thrones. “The first fear we all had was: ‘Oh my God, am I going to get fired? Am I going to get fired because they think I’m not capable of completing the job?’” Clarke told Women’s Health Magazine.

Altered Sense of Self

Beyond the physical challenges, Clarke revealed the profound psychological impact her brain injuries had on her identity. “When you have a brain injury, because it alters your sense of self on such a dramatic level, all of the insecurities you have going into the workplace quadruple overnight,” she shared in The Big Issue. Her New Yorker essay gave raw insight into moments of despair when she felt “lost” without the ability to communicate and even asked medical staff to let her die during her darkest hours. Yet, in interviews over time, Clarke reframed her survival as a “superpower,” highlighting a transformative journey of healing.

Advocacy and Recovery

Clarke’s recovery is extraordinary, especially given the grim statistics surrounding brain aneurysms. With survival rates ranging from 30-40% and many survivors facing permanent brain damage, her return to a flourishing career—starring in major films like Terminator Genisys and Solo: A Star Wars Story—stands as a testament to her strength.

In 2019, Clarke co-founded the charity SameYou with her mother Jennifer, focusing on mental health recovery for brain injury survivors. This initiative reflects her commitment to helping others navigate the difficult path she once faced, aiming to reduce the isolation many feel after such trauma. She continues to advocate for this cause, recently partnering with The Big Issue Recruit to expand awareness and support.

Public Support

Clarke’s openness has been met with widespread admiration and empathy. Social media platforms like X have highlighted her story, with accounts such as @nowthisimpact and @BuzzFeed sharing her inspiring journey of survival and advocacy, further amplifying the conversation around brain injuries and recovery.

Emilia Clarke’s courageous vulnerability not only sheds light on the realities of living with brain trauma but also inspires a broader understanding of resilience, identity, and the power of hope in the face of adversity.