Emilia Clarke, the English actress best known for her transformative portrayal of Daenerys Targaryen in Game of Thrones, has evolved from a rising star to a prominent figure in Hollywood. Over the years, Clarke has captivated audiences not just with her undeniable talent, but with her perseverance, grace, and activism. Yet, behind the persona of “The Mother of Dragons” lies a woman deeply inspired by those she considers her role models. In a world where influence and inspiration are essential components of growth, Emilia Clarke’s journey serves as a case study in how the right mentors, icons, and values can shape a career and life.
This article delves into the people and ideals that have influenced Clarke—from her close-knit family and acting idols to female empowerment icons and survivors of personal trauma. It’s an exploration of how Emilia Clarke’s career and personal mission have been defined by the people she admires, a true reflection of her character in an industry often defined by facades.
1. Family Support and Upbringing
The story of Emilia Clarke is one rooted in familial bonds. Clarke grew up in Berkshire, England, in what she often describes as a supportive and loving environment. Her mother, Jennifer Clarke, a successful businesswoman, played a critical role in shaping her resilience. Clarke often speaks about how her mother’s tenacity and work ethic inspired her own approach to her career. “She taught me how to hold my ground and push through the difficulties,” Emilia once remarked in an interview. “Whenever I felt like giving up, I would hear my mum’s voice in my head reminding me to keep going.”
Emilia’s father, Peter Clarke, a theater sound engineer, provided her with a firsthand look at the performing arts from an early age. Growing up around the theater, Emilia was exposed to the creative energy that would eventually draw her into acting. While her father passed away in 2016, his influence remains a cornerstone in her life. Emilia credits him with teaching her the importance of storytelling and the beauty of live performance. In an industry where external validation can often cloud the reason for pursuing one’s craft, Clarke’s upbringing instilled in her a deep sense of passion for the art form itself, rather than the fame and recognition that can come with it.
2. Acting Mentors and Influences
Every artist needs a muse, and for Emilia Clarke, that came in the form of legendary actresses who had already paved the way in Hollywood. From the beginning, Clarke’s admiration for Audrey Hepburn was no secret. Hepburn, an actress known not only for her roles in films like Breakfast at Tiffany’s and Roman Holiday, but also for her humanitarian work, became a role model for Clarke, especially in how she balanced her acting career with her charitable endeavors. Clarke once stated, “Audrey had that mix of grace, strength, and vulnerability that I aspire to bring to my characters.”
Another influence on Clarke’s craft has been Cate Blanchett, whose versatile performances and commanding on-screen presence have left a significant mark on her. Clarke has often spoken about how Blanchett’s ability to fully immerse herself into characters, whether in a fantasy epic like Lord of the Rings or a biographical drama like Elizabeth, has inspired her approach to acting. The idea that one can transform completely and still bring emotional authenticity to every role is something Clarke has carried into her own performances. This chameleonic ability has been one of the defining traits of her acting, especially in a career that transitioned so quickly from relative obscurity to global fame.
3. Female Empowerment Icons
While acting idols laid the foundation for Clarke’s professional path, her sense of purpose as a woman in the industry was shaped by contemporary female empowerment figures. Clarke is outspoken about gender equality and has consistently used her platform to address issues such as equal pay and representation for women in film and television. In this regard, she looks to icons like Emma Watson, who has championed gender equality through her work with UN Women and the HeForShe campaign.
Like Watson, Clarke has recognized the importance of leveraging her celebrity status to address systemic issues. At the height of her Game of Thrones fame, she publicly called out the entertainment industry for its gender disparities, particularly regarding pay equity. “I worked hard, just as hard as any of my male co-stars,” Clarke once said in an interview, “yet the pay gap was glaring.” Through her advocacy, Clarke aligns herself with other modern icons who use their visibility for change.
Beyond Emma Watson, Clarke has spoken of her admiration for feminist activists such as Malala Yousafzai and Michelle Obama. These women, in their diverse ways, exemplify the strength and determination Clarke strives to embody in both her career and personal life. “These are women who push boundaries, break glass ceilings, and don’t apologize for demanding what they deserve,” Clarke said in an interview. “I want to be part of that.”
4. Personal Struggles and Triumphs
The public knows Emilia Clarke as a successful actress, but her personal journey has been far from smooth. At the age of 24, shortly after she had begun filming Game of Thrones, Clarke suffered from a life-threatening brain aneurysm. This was followed by another aneurysm in 2013, both of which required extensive surgeries and a long recovery. Clarke has been open about how these experiences nearly derailed her career and how they impacted her mental health.
However, like many individuals who have faced severe health challenges, Clarke found solace and inspiration in the stories of others who had overcome personal adversities. Oprah Winfrey, a media mogul and one of the most influential figures in modern culture, became a source of strength for Clarke during these difficult times. “Oprah’s openness about her struggles, whether personal or professional, made me realize I wasn’t alone in facing obstacles,” Clarke shared.
Winfrey’s philosophy of resilience and self-compassion resonated with Clarke as she worked through the physical and emotional trauma of her surgeries. In the years following her recovery, Clarke used her platform to raise awareness about brain injuries and launched SameYou, a charity dedicated to providing treatment for those recovering from brain injuries and strokes. This commitment to using her struggles as a springboard for activism demonstrates Clarke’s belief in turning personal pain into purpose—a lesson undoubtedly influenced by figures like Oprah Winfrey.
5. Social Justice and Advocacy
Emilia Clarke’s philanthropic journey doesn’t stop with her work on brain injury awareness. Over the past few years, she has expanded her activism to include social justice and humanitarian work. Clarke has been inspired by the likes of Angelina Jolie, whose tireless efforts as a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador have shone a light on the plight of refugees around the world. Jolie’s ability to navigate both her demanding film career and her work in humanitarianism has had a profound impact on Clarke, who has sought to find a similar balance.
In 2019, Clarke became an ambassador for the Royal College of Nursing in the UK, advocating for the rights and well-being of nurses, particularly in light of the global pandemic. Her dedication to this cause reflects the lessons she has learned from role models like Jolie, who use their fame not as a means of self-promotion, but as a tool for real-world change.
Clarke has also been involved in environmental activism, aligning with figures like Jane Goodall, whose conservation work has garnered global attention. Inspired by Goodall’s decades-long commitment to wildlife preservation, Clarke has spoken about her desire to use her influence to promote sustainability within the entertainment industry. From supporting eco-friendly fashion designers to advocating for greener film production practices, Clarke has been vocal about the need for the industry to play its part in addressing climate change.
Conclusion
Emilia Clarke’s life and career serve as a testament to the power of influence. From her supportive family to acting idols like Audrey Hepburn and Cate Blanchett, and feminist icons such as Emma Watson and Malala Yousafzai, Clarke’s path has been shaped by the women and men she admires. Through personal struggles, she has drawn strength from individuals like Oprah Winfrey and has turned her challenges into a platform for advocacy, much like Angelina Jolie and Jane Goodall.
In a world where Hollywood often prioritizes individualism and personal success, Emilia Clarke stands out as someone who understands the significance of role models in shaping not just a career but a life of purpose. As her journey continues to unfold, Clarke remains committed to the values she holds dear, a reflection of those who have inspired her along the way. Just as Daenerys Targaryen sought to change the world in Game of Thrones, Clarke is determined to leave her mark on the real world—fueled by the people who have influenced her.
