If you’re a Game of Thrones fan, you’re likely familiar with the fierce and determined character of Daenerys Targaryen. But did you know that the actress who brought Daenerys to life, Emilia Clarke, has shown that same courage in her own life? Emilia has not only faced hardships on screen, but in real life as well, surviving two brain aneurysms and bravely battling life-threatening situations.
In 2011, Emilia’s career was skyrocketing as the first season of Game of Thrones concluded. Little did she know that a devastating ordeal awaited her. One day, while at the gym in North London, she was struck by an excruciating headache. Exhausted and struggling to even put on her sneakers, she felt as if her brain was being squeezed. Despite the pain, she tried to push through, but thankfully her trainer insisted she take a break. Shortly after, she became violently ill, realizing that something was seriously wrong.
Following a detailed brain scan, Emilia received a heartbreaking diagnosis: she had suffered from a subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), a type of stroke caused by bleeding in the area surrounding the brain. An aneurysm was identified as the culprit. Shockingly, one in three people with this condition do not survive, making urgent treatment imperative to prevent further damage. Without hesitation, Emilia underwent a grueling three-hour surgery, but her battle was far from over.
Just two years later, in 2013, disaster struck again. This time, the surgery to address a second brain aneurysm did not go as planned. Waking up in excruciating pain, Emilia learned that a massive bleed had occurred, leaving her with minimal chances of survival without immediate intervention. A second operation was necessary, requiring her skull to be opened. The recovery process was even more painful than before.
Remarkably, Emilia’s resilience shines through all the hardships. Despite losing a significant portion of her brain function, she leads a normal life with no visible consequences from the surgeries. Her ability to speak and her remarkable strength are truly astounding. We are grateful that Emilia survived these life-threatening ordeals and we continue to hope for her ongoing strength and well-being.
