Emilia Clarke is an English actress who became a global star as Daenerys Targaryen, the Mother of Dragons, on HBO’s Game of Thrones. Since the series ended, she has headlined romantic dramas, blockbusters, and stage productions — while using her platform for brain-injury advocacy through her charity SameYou.
Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|—|—|
| Full Name | Emilia Isobel Euphemia Rose Clarke |
| Age | 39 (born October 23, 1986) |
| Birthplace | London, England |
| Nationality | British |
| Profession | Actress |
| Known For | Daenerys Targaryen in Game of Thrones |
| Estimated Net Worth | $20 million (estimate) |
| Marital Status | Not publicly confirmed |
Emilia Clarke Net Worth
Emilia Clarke’s net worth is estimated at $20 million as of 2026. The bulk comes from Game of Thrones, where her per-episode salary reportedly reached around $500,000 in the final seasons, plus film salaries (Me Before You, Solo: A Star Wars Story, Terminator Genisys), stage work, and endorsement deals including Clinique and Dolce & Gabbana. As with all celebrity wealth figures, this is an estimate.
How Emilia Clarke Makes Money
Television salaries — led by eight seasons of Game of Thrones — form the foundation. Film roles added seven-figure paydays, and her West End and Broadway stage work (Breakfast at Tiffany’s, The Seagull) contributed. High-profile endorsements and her production interests round out her income.
Early Life and Education
Emilia Isobel Euphemia Rose Clarke was born October 23, 1986, in London and raised in Berkshire, England. Her father was a theatre sound engineer, which sparked her love of acting. She studied at the Drama Centre London, graduating in 2009, and worked odd jobs between early stage roles.
Career
Clarke’s breakthrough came in 2011 when she was cast as Daenerys Targaryen in Game of Thrones, a role that earned her four Emmy nominations across the show’s run. Film highlights include Terminator Genisys (2015) as Sarah Connor, Me Before You (2016), and Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018) as Qi’ra. She made her Broadway debut in Breakfast at Tiffany’s (2013) and returned to the West End in The Seagull (2022). She joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe in Secret Invasion (2023).
Achievements
- Four-time Emmy nominee for Game of Thrones
- Lead of one of TV’s biggest global phenomena
- Me Before You grossed over $200 million worldwide
- Founder of the SameYou brain-injury charity
- MBE recipient for charitable services (2024)
Assets & Lifestyle
Clarke owns property in London and previously owned a home in Los Angeles, which she sold in 2020. She is known for a relatively grounded lifestyle and extensive charity work rather than flashy spending.
Personal Life
Clarke is famously private about relationships. She survived two life-threatening brain aneurysms in 2011 and 2013, an experience she revealed publicly in 2019 and which inspired her SameYou charity supporting brain-injury recovery.
Interesting Facts
- She was working as a caterer when cast in Game of Thrones.
- She earned four Emmy nominations for playing Daenerys.
- She survived two brain aneurysms early in her Thrones fame.
- She founded SameYou to support brain-injury recovery.
- She was appointed MBE in 2024.
- Her Solo character Qi’ra was a fan-favorite addition to Star Wars.
- She turned down Fifty Shades of Grey, citing nudity concerns.
- She is a skilled mimic known for impressions on talk shows.
- Her eyebrows have their own fan following.
- She made her Broadway debut as Holly Golightly.
- She is godmother to co-star Kit Harington’s child (widely reported).
- She once worked six jobs simultaneously as a struggling actress.
FAQs
What is Emilia Clarke’s net worth?
Estimated at $20 million from Game of Thrones, films, and endorsements.
How old is Emilia Clarke?
Born October 23, 1986 — she is 39 as of 2026.
What is Emilia Clarke famous for?
Playing Daenerys Targaryen on HBO’s Game of Thrones.
Did Emilia Clarke have brain aneurysms?
Yes — two, in 2011 and 2013, which she survived and later spoke about publicly.
What is SameYou?
Her charity supporting people recovering from brain injuries and stroke.
Is Emilia Clarke married?
Her relationship status has not been publicly confirmed.
What movies has Emilia Clarke been in?
Terminator Genisys, Me Before You, Solo: A Star Wars Story, Last Christmas.
Was Emilia Clarke in Marvel?
Yes — she appeared in Disney+’s Secret Invasion (2023).
Where is Emilia Clarke from?
London, England; raised in Berkshire.
Did Emilia Clarke win an Emmy?
She was nominated four times but did not win.
Sources & Verification
Career details are drawn from HBO records, major press interviews, and awards databases. Net worth is an estimate. See her Wikipedia page for filmography.
More leading-lady fortunes: Scarlett Johansson, Charlize Theron, Sydney Sweeney, Salma Hayek, and Bella Hadid.