In the world of television, few shows have had the cultural impact of Game of Thrones. A sprawling epic that captured the imaginations of millions, the series brought to life a world of dragons, intrigue, and power struggles. At the center of this narrative stood Emilia Clarke, who embodied one of the most iconic characters in TV history—Daenerys Targaryen, the Mother of Dragons. Recently, in a revealing 60 Minutes interview, Clarke opened up about her transformative journey with the series. She shared personal stories, spoke candidly about the physical and emotional toll of her role, and reflected on the profound impact Game of Thrones had on her career.

Clarke’s interview was a rare, intimate window into the making of the legendary show, shedding light on the realities of filming, the friendships she forged on set, and the legacy that will last long after the final credits rolled. What emerged from the conversation was a deep sense of gratitude and reflection, as well as an understanding of the immense challenges that came with portraying one of the most beloved—and ultimately tragic—characters in the show’s history.

The Reality of Filming Flying Dragons

One of the most visually stunning aspects of Game of Thrones is the presence of dragons—massive, fire-breathing creatures that are central to the storyline. For Daenerys, these dragons were not just her companions; they were symbols of power, destiny, and ultimately, her downfall. Clarke’s portrayal of Daenerys riding Drogon, the largest of the three dragons, presented a unique set of challenges for the actress. In the 60 Minutes interview, Clarke discussed the technical aspects of filming these scenes, which required her to perform alongside creatures that didn’t exist in the physical world.

For many of the scenes involving Drogon, the dragon was created using cutting-edge CGI technology. Clarke explained that, for the most part, she was not interacting with a real dragon, but instead performing against a green screen or with mechanical rigs. “It was like a giant, complicated mechanical bull,” she said. The rigs, which simulated the motion of flying, required Clarke to be harnessed in a way that allowed her to mimic the motions of a rider in the air. For hours on end, she would be strapped into a harness, often with a mechanical device moving her up and down, simulating the dragon’s flight.

“It’s one thing to act like you’re on a horse,” Clarke said, “but when you’re on a dragon, it’s a whole other thing. The motion was so alien to the body—it was like nothing I had ever experienced.” She laughed at the absurdity of it all, admitting that the first time she tried to ride Drogon, she spent more time trying to stay on the rig than actually performing. The technical demands were not just physical; they were psychological as well. Clarke had to imagine her character’s deep connection to these creatures, even though they weren’t physically present on set.

However, it wasn’t just the mechanics of flying that made these scenes challenging—it was the sheer physicality of it. “You don’t realize how much your body is in motion until you’re hanging on for dear life,” Clarke confessed. But despite the difficulties, she expressed immense admiration for the special effects and visual teams who worked tirelessly to make the dragons feel as real as possible. The final product was nothing short of spectacular. Drogon’s fiery breath, his fierce wings, and the sense of power that emanated from him were all testament to the painstaking effort put into the series’ groundbreaking visual effects.

The Emotional and Physical Toll of the Role

While riding dragons was one of the more exciting aspects of the role, Clarke also revealed the immense emotional and physical toll that portraying Daenerys took on her. As the show progressed, Daenerys’ journey became darker and more complex. Clarke had to navigate through the extreme highs and lows of the character’s emotional arc, especially in the final seasons, as Daenerys transitioned from a compassionate, idealistic ruler to someone who would make the ultimate sacrifice for the throne.

The most challenging aspect of the role, Clarke revealed, was dealing with the weight of the character’s internal conflicts. “Daenerys had this incredible drive, this belief in her destiny, but that belief was always at odds with her humanity,” she explained. As Daenerys’ arc veered toward its tragic conclusion, Clarke had to portray the tension between these opposing forces. It wasn’t just a physical challenge, but a deep emotional one.

The pressure of playing such a complex character was overwhelming at times. Clarke spoke about the pressure she felt to get it right, particularly during the more intense, emotional scenes. “There were days when I’d be in tears on set, not just for Daenerys, but because I was physically exhausted. It was taxing, to say the least,” she confessed. In fact, Clarke even suffered from a condition known as “burnout” during the final seasons. She had to take extra care of her mental and physical health in order to keep up with the grueling demands of the role.

Despite these challenges, Clarke expressed a deep connection to Daenerys. “Daenerys changed my life,” she said, referring not only to the impact the character had on her career but also on her personal growth as an actor. The role forced her to expand her range, to embody a character who was both fiercely determined and painfully vulnerable. “I think I’ll always carry parts of Daenerys with me,” she said, reflecting on the way the character shaped her approach to acting.

Working with the Cast and Crew

One of the most heartwarming aspects of Clarke’s interview was her reflections on the camaraderie and support she experienced while working with her Game of Thrones castmates. While the show was known for its sprawling ensemble, it was clear that Clarke developed deep bonds with her co-stars over the years. She spoke fondly of the “family” atmosphere on set, particularly the sense of mutual respect and support that existed between the actors and the crew.

Clarke highlighted her strong friendships with other key cast members, including Kit Harington, who played Jon Snow, and Peter Dinklage, who portrayed Tyrion Lannister. She described how, during the more difficult filming days, these relationships were invaluable. “We were all in it together,” Clarke said. “No matter how tired we were or how difficult the scenes were, we supported each other.” She noted that the long hours and often harsh conditions only made the bond between the cast and crew stronger.

The dynamic on set was not just about professional collaboration—it was also about creating a space where everyone could thrive. Clarke talked about the importance of humor, how laughter often helped her through the toughest scenes. “There’s something about the absurdity of what we were doing—acting like we’re surrounded by dragons, fighting the undead, and then we’d have a break and laugh about it. It kept us grounded.”

Her affection for the Game of Thrones family was evident throughout the interview. She credited the show’s cast and crew for creating an environment where she felt both challenged and supported, and where everyone was working toward a common goal: to bring the fantastical world of Westeros to life in the most authentic way possible.

The Legacy of Game of Thrones and Daenerys

As the interview drew to a close, Clarke reflected on the lasting legacy of Game of Thrones—both in terms of its impact on her career and its cultural significance. She acknowledged that her portrayal of Daenerys was a turning point in her acting journey. “It’s hard to imagine anything topping Game of Thrones, honestly,” she said, with a hint of nostalgia. “It changed everything for me.”

The series had not only propelled Clarke into the international spotlight but had also cemented her as one of the most talented actresses of her generation. Clarke’s portrayal of Daenerys, with her fierce determination, vulnerability, and eventual tragic fall, left a lasting impression on fans around the world. As one of the breakout stars of the show, Clarke’s performance transformed her career, leading to new opportunities in film and television.

However, Clarke also acknowledged the bittersweet nature of saying goodbye to the character. “Daenerys was a part of me for so long, it was strange to leave her behind,” she said. “But in a way, it felt like it was time. Her journey was complete.”

Despite the mixed reactions to the show’s final season, Clarke emphasized the significance of Daenerys’ story and how it resonated with audiences on a global scale. “What’s incredible is the way Game of Thrones brought people together, from every corner of the world. The fact that so many people were invested in this character and in this story—it’s something that I’ll never take for granted.”

Conclusion: A Journey to Remember

Emilia Clarke’s 60 Minutes interview offered a rare glimpse behind the scenes of Game of Thrones, revealing not only the technical challenges and triumphs of the series but also the emotional journey of one of its biggest stars. From the exhausting physical demands of riding dragons to the deep personal connection she had with Daenerys, Clarke’s insights into her time on the show were both enlightening and deeply personal.

As she moves on to new projects and continues to shape her career, Clarke’s legacy as Daenerys Targaryen will undoubtedly remain a defining part of her journey. The world of Westeros may have come to an end, but for Clarke, the memories and lessons she took from playing Daenerys will stay with her for a lifetime.