The actress, known for her portrayal of Daenerys Targaryen in 'Game of Thrones', reveals her fears of being fired from the show after suffering two brain hemorrhages.
- Jun 10, 2024
AceShowbiz - In a candid interview with the Big Issue, Emilia Clarke, the beloved actress behind Daenerys Targaryen in "Game of Thrones", has shared her experiences and fears after suffering two brain hemorrhages.
Following the first hemorrhage in 2011, Clarke struggled with insecurities and a deep sense of shame, worrying about the impact on her role in the smash-hit HBO series. "The first fear we all had was, 'Oh my God, am I going to get fired? Am I going to get fired because they think I'm not capable of completing the job?' " she said.
After a second hemorrhage in 2013, Clarke faced aphasia, impairing her ability to speak. She feared for her place in the show, which centered on language and communication. "Without it, I was lost," she recalled.
Amidst the uncertainty, Clarke drew strength from her determination. "I wasn't afraid of dying. I was afraid of being fired!" she said. "I decided: 'This is not something that's going to define me' ... I always think you can fix it. It hurts, it's scary, but then you can do anything."
Clarke's resilience led her to co-found SameYou, a charity dedicated to supporting brain injury survivors. In collaboration with Big Issue Recruit, SameYou aims to provide job coaches for brain injury survivors returning to work.
A survey by Big Issue Recruit found that 37% of brain injury survivors who had returned to work did not feel ready to do so. Financial pressure and a lack of adequate support were significant factors.
Clarke's story highlights the challenges faced by brain injury survivors in returning to work. By partnering with Big Issue Recruit, SameYou aims to bolster support for this often-overlooked group and create a clearer pathway to employment.
