Even if it's been years since the hit series Game of Thrones last aired, people still find themselves talking about different aspects of the show. It was indeed one of a kind during its time, and everyone who watched it ended up encouraging friends or family members to watch it too. This instantly catapulted Game of Thrones into cult-classic TV territory. Whether it's the costume, set design, or world-building, people seem to have been smitten with the series from the beginning. Despite the poorly received last season, the show kept its ratings through the roof during its eight-year run. With almost a decade run, the show has made the cast great fortune.
Notably, the actors who portrayed iconic characters still enjoy the fruits of their success, earning themselves numerous awards and gaining offers and roles to star in their movies or other TV shows. Curious to see which celebs got their big break after starring in Game of Thrones? Read more to find out!
10 Jason Momoa
Jason Momoa had a very colorful career before getting a role in the Game of Thrones franchise. He's been an actor since the 1990s, landing a role in the television series Baywatch Hawaii, which lasted for three years. Years after that, Jason made headlines when he was cast opposite Emilia Clarke as Khal Drogo, the powerful leader of the Dothraki people. Though his role in the show was brief, it made enough waves for him to get noticed and eventually cast as the titular hero in Aquaman.
9 Sophie Turner
English-American actress Sophie Turner made her acting debut on Game of Thrones at just 14 years old. Her portrayal of Sansa Stark, the beautiful second child of the Stark family, earned her a Primetime Emmy Award nomination and a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination. The show also opened up new roles for her, even getting the lead in X-Men: Apocalypse and Dark Phoenix as Jean Grey. She's currently starring in another TV show, The Staircase, as one of the main leads.
8 Gwendoline Christie
Before she was Brienne of Tarth, Gwendoline Christie was a stage actress. Her theatrical credits include a performance as the Queen in Shakespeare's Cymbeline, alongside fellow British actor Tom Hiddleston, and Mag Wildwood in Breakfast at Tiffany's. She made her on-screen debut in 2007 for a short film and eventually got cast four years later as warrior and fan favorite Brienne of Tarth. Because of her portrayal of the lovable character, Gwendoline was offered numerous roles, including getting cast as Lucifer in The Sandman.
7 Kristian Nairn
Kristian Nairn's first acting role was in Game of Thrones, where he played Hodor, the slow-witted stable boy for the Starks at Winterfell. Before getting cast in the show, Kristian was a DJ and used to be a resident DJ in a gay club in Belfast. A little while after his role and the show ended, Kristian continued to pursue his love of music. He went on a tour as a DJ, using musical themes and costumes from the show itself, even getting the chance to be a DJ during the BlizzCon 2016 and 2018 festivities.
6 Alfie Allen
Alfie Allen had his first big break after being cast in Game of Thrones. Before he was released, Alfie's first acting appearance was in a TV comedy in 1998. He and his sister, British singer Lily Allen, also appeared in the 1998 film Elizabeth. His portrayal of Theon Greyjoy, proud and cocky heir of House Greyjoy, earned him millions of fans and a Primetime Emmy Award nomination. After the show's success, he starred opposite Hollywood actor Keanu Reeves in John Wick and earned a role in the Oscar-nominated movie Jojo Rabbit.
5 Isaac Hempstead Wright
Another actor who had their first big acting break on Game of Thrones is British actor Isaac Hempstead Wright. Before getting one of the lead roles, Isaac started acting in commercials. After getting the role of Bran Stark, the three-eyed raven, and son of Eddard and Catelyn Stark, Isaac earned two Screen Actors Guild Awards nominations. The show's success opened up new roles for Isaac, eventually getting his film debut in the horror movie, The Awakening, and voice acted as Eggs in the animated fantasy-comedy film, The Boxtrolls.
4 Kit Harington
English actor Kit Harington rose to fame by playing another fan favorite in the show. Before getting the role, Kit made his professional acting debut as the lead in the West End play War Horse in 2009. His portrayal of Jon Snow, a very prominent character in Game of Thrones, earned him international recognition and numerous awards, including a Golden Globe and an Emmy Awards. After being pushed into the spotlight, Kit went on to star in the BBC drama Gunpowder as the lead role and joined the MCU in the film Eternals.
3 Richard Madden
Scottish actor Richard Madden made his acting debut at just 11 years old. He also began performing as a theater actor while still a student at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. Richard rose to fame after being cast as Robb Stark, heir to Winterfell and eldest of the Stark children. His performance in the show earned him a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination. It also opened up new roles for him, including getting cast as Prince Kit in the 2015 remake of Cinderella and as the lead role in the critically-acclaimed TV series Bodyguard, for which he earned a Golden Globe Award.
2 Peter Dinklage
Another fan favorite – both on the show and in real life – is Peter Dinklage. A very talented actor from the beginning of the first season, his portrayal of intelligent tactician Tyrion Lannister earned him numerous awards, including the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series he won four times. He also bagged a Golden Globe Award and a Screen Actors Guild Award for the role of Tyrion. After the show's success, Peter went on to star in the Oscar-nominated film, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri.
1 Emilia Clarke
After starring in minor roles on TV and in movies, Emilia Clarke suddenly got catapulted into fame because of her role as Daenerys Targaryen – the mother of dragons and breaker of chains. Emilia's portrayal of Daenerys earned her critical acclaim, with people praising her acting prowess and riveting performance on the show. She also became one of the highest-paid actors on TV while filming Game of Thrones. She earned herself an Emmy nomination, and won a BAFTA Britannia Award in 2018. She focused on acting for films after the show ended.