When you think of Emilia Clarke, chances are, one indelible image comes to mind: Daenerys Targaryen, the fierce and powerful “Mother of Dragons” from HBO’s global phenomenon, Game of Thrones. Her portrayal of Daenerys not only catapulted her to international stardom but solidified her as one of the most recognizable faces in Hollywood. Behind the piercing gaze and steely resolve that made her character iconic, Emilia Clarke is a multi-faceted woman who, like all of us, enjoys taking a step back from the pressures of stardom to indulge in her personal hobbies. Though she’s captivated millions with her onscreen performances, her offscreen interests reveal a depth and warmth that might surprise those who only know her as a silver-haired conqueror.

Today, we’ll take a closer look at some of Emilia Clarke’s favorite pastimes that keep her grounded, inspired, and connected to the world around her. From her love of reading to her passion for travel and philanthropy, we explore what makes this actress truly shine beyond the screen.

The Love for Reading: Escaping Into Other Worlds

For an actress who spent years living in a fantastical realm filled with dragons, wars, and ice zombies, it’s fitting that Emilia Clarke is an avid reader. When she’s not commanding armies or navigating the treacherous landscapes of Westeros, she’s often found with her nose buried in a book. Emilia has openly shared her love for reading, particularly in the genres of literary fiction and fantasy, a nod to the worlds she’s inhabited both professionally and personally.

In interviews, Clarke has mentioned how reading offers her an essential escape from the relentless demands of Hollywood. It’s not hard to imagine that the deep, sprawling narratives she encounters on the page provide the same cathartic release and sense of adventure that viewers experience when watching Game of Thrones. Books offer Emilia a way to unwind, giving her mind room to roam while sparking her creativity and introspection.

Clarke’s book choices reflect her desire to engage with complex, character-driven stories. She gravitates toward literary fiction that challenges her perceptions, or fantasy novels that allow her to revisit the genre that brought her fame. Whether it’s reading on long flights between movie sets or curling up at home after a grueling shoot, her love for reading is a constant source of rejuvenation.

“I get lost in books,” Clarke once said in an interview. “They allow me to find pieces of myself I didn’t know existed. After a particularly difficult day on set, there’s nothing better than escaping into a story far removed from reality.”

Perhaps the most telling aspect of her reading habit is how it enriches her acting career. By immersing herself in the lives of characters crafted by some of the world’s best writers, Clarke constantly hones her own ability to embody diverse roles. Her literary explorations continue to fuel her professional life, allowing her to tap into the emotional depth required for her performances.

Painting and Artistic Expression: A Creative Outlet Beyond the Screen

Acting, as Emilia Clarke knows well, is a form of art. But when she’s not portraying larger-than-life characters, she finds solace and expression in a very different medium: painting. Known to be an enthusiastic amateur painter, Clarke often spends her free time working on personal art projects, using the canvas to express the thoughts and emotions she doesn’t always get to showcase on film.

Painting serves as a deeply personal outlet for Emilia. It’s an activity that contrasts with the structured, highly collaborative nature of filmmaking. On the canvas, there are no directors, no scripts, and no take-after-take repetitions—just her brush, her thoughts, and her own pace. This solitary form of expression allows Clarke to explore her creative side without the pressure of performance, where the only audience is herself.

“I’m not a professional by any means,” she’s confessed with a laugh, “but there’s something so freeing about putting paint to canvas. It’s pure expression, no second guessing. I love how it feels.”

This hobby adds another dimension to Emilia’s artistic persona. The transition from acting, where she inhabits someone else’s vision, to painting, where she creates her own, represents a beautiful balance of control and creativity. Painting, for Clarke, is a way to unwind and recharge, much like reading—but with a visual twist. It’s a more tactile, immediate way for her to channel her feelings, and in doing so, it enriches her artistry as an actress.

Her paintings, like her performances, are said to reflect a blend of vulnerability and strength, sometimes whimsical and abstract, sometimes raw and emotional. While she may never showcase these works in a gallery, they are personal treasures that help her stay grounded amidst the whirlwind of fame.

Travel and Adventure: A Heart for Exploration

Emilia Clarke has always had a restless spirit—a desire to see and experience the world beyond the confines of a film set. As an actress who often films in remote and stunning locations, she’s developed a passion for travel that goes beyond work commitments. Whenever her schedule allows, Emilia takes the opportunity to explore new places, seeking adventure and inspiration in the process.

For Clarke, travel isn’t just about relaxation. It’s about discovery, both of the world and of herself. From exploring bustling cities to quiet retreats in nature, she embraces every new experience with the curiosity of a traveler who sees beauty in the unknown. Some of her favorite travel spots include destinations that offer peace and tranquility, places where she can disconnect from the chaos of the entertainment industry and reconnect with herself.

In interviews, Clarke has shared her love for places like Iceland, where she’s filmed for Game of Thrones, but also places like India, known for its spiritual depth and cultural richness. “Travel opens your mind in ways nothing else can,” Clarke has said. “It makes you realize how vast the world is, and how much there is to learn.”

What she values most about her travels is the perspective they provide. In a world where she’s constantly under the spotlight, travel offers her anonymity and the freedom to explore without being the center of attention. It’s during these travels that Clarke finds new ideas, stories, and experiences that fuel her work as both an actress and an artist.

Charity and Philanthropy: Using Her Platform for Good

Perhaps one of the most defining aspects of Emilia Clarke’s offscreen life is her commitment to charity and philanthropy. Unlike some celebrities who focus solely on their careers, Clarke has made it a priority to use her fame to give back to society. Her most prominent cause is brain injury awareness, a subject that hits particularly close to home for the actress.

In 2019, Clarke revealed that she had survived two life-threatening brain aneurysms while working on Game of Thrones. The experience, as she’s recounted, changed her life forever. Motivated by her own recovery, Clarke founded SameYou, a charity dedicated to helping people who have suffered from brain injuries and strokes. Her charity work extends beyond just raising awareness—she actively advocates for improved recovery care for brain injury survivors and is passionate about providing emotional and practical support for those going through what she once endured.

“Surviving those aneurysms was a wake-up call,” Clarke has shared. “It made me realize how fragile life is, and how important it is to help others who might not have the same support or resources that I did.”

Her dedication to SameYou and other charitable endeavors showcases the heart of someone who is not only driven by her own personal success but by a genuine desire to make a positive impact on the world. Clarke’s philanthropy reflects a kind-hearted, empathetic spirit that’s just as fierce as the characters she plays, but in a different way—through her work, she’s not only raising awareness but actively changing lives.

Conclusion: A Star Grounded by Passion and Purpose

Emilia Clarke is more than just a talented actress, known for bringing iconic characters to life. Her offscreen passions—whether it’s losing herself in a book, expressing herself through painting, exploring the far corners of the world, or dedicating her time to charity—reveal a woman who values creativity, personal growth, and giving back to society. These hobbies and passions provide her with the balance necessary to navigate the demanding and often unforgiving world of Hollywood.

In the end, Clarke’s story serves as a reminder to all of us: no matter how busy or successful we become, it’s our passions and hobbies that keep us grounded. They’re the things that make life richer, more meaningful, and ultimately, more fulfilling. Just like Emilia Clarke, we should all take time to explore our own interests—whether that’s through reading, painting, traveling, or giving back to the causes that matter most. After all, it’s in these moments of personal joy that we truly come alive.