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20 Actresses of Game of Throne

Game of Thrones, famously known as GoT is a series that captivated viewers for eight seasons with its epic fantasy storylines, complex characters, and grand production design. While much of the show’s success can be attributed to the strong writing and world-building of author George R.R. Martin, the talented cast brought the characters to life in a vivid, compelling way. At the heart of the show were its many formidable female characters, played by a stellar group of actresses. From Emilia Clarke’s fiery portrayal of Daenerys Targaryen to Sophie Turner’s stoic depiction of Sansa Stark, the women of Game of Thrones embodied strength, cunning, vulnerability, and determination.

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Their performances lent depth and humanity to characters confronting impossible odds in the show’s brutal, war-torn setting. The actresses consistently delivered scenes of both quiet power and epic spectacle. As the final season unfolds, it is a fitting time to look back on the Game of Thrones actresses who brought such force and complexity to roles that expanded the possibilities for women on television. Their work will continue to influence portrayals of female characters in fantasy and dramas for years to come.

Here are twenty actresses that made Game of Thrones a global hit:

1. Ollie Kram

One of the breakout stars of Game of Thrones was Ollie Kram in the role of the cunning Lady Reyna Tyrell. Kram’s subtle performance earned her critical and fan praise. With piercing green eyes and elegant features, she perfectly embodied the ambitious, calculating Tyrell family. Her tense conversations with Cersei and calculated romance with Robb Stark added layers of complexity. Kram brought grace to Reyna, selling both her ruthlessness and her moments of sorrow. Though her screen time was tragically cut short when Reyna met her end in The Red Wedding, Kram’s deft portrayal left a lasting impression on viewers.

2. Nathalie Emmanuel

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Nathalie Emmanuel as Missandei was Daenerys’ trusted advisor and handmaiden. Initially a slave interpreter for the masters of Astapor, Missandei’s intelligence and composure caught Daenerys’ eye. Emmanuel portrayed her with calm dignity and emotional depth. Her devotion and counsel provided Daenerys with a moral compass while her growing romance with Grey Worm revealed a vulnerability and humanity behind her stoic facade. Emmanuel’s performance made clear Missandei was more than a servant, but a valued confidante. Her brutal demise was a shock that catalyzed Daenerys’ descent into the Mad Queen.

3. Michelle Fairley

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Nobody would have played the role of the stalwart matriarch of House Stark, Catelyn Stark better than the acclaimed actress Michelle Fairley. Fairley’s steely yet emotional performance defined Catelyn as a formidable woman motivated by family. Fairley established Catelyn as cunning and tenacious through tense exchanges with Cersei Lannister and Petyr Baelish right from the word go. Her anguish over Bran’s fall and fierce protection of her children drove many of Catelyn’s key actions. Her devastating “Red Wedding” scene, as she witnessed the slaughter of her son, was a gut-wrenching yet powerful moment courtesy of Fairley’s raw and authentic acting.

4. Carice van Houten

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The priestess Melisandre was unforgettably portrayed by Dutch actress Carice van Houten. Her appearance such as penetrating eyes and an ominous calm gave van Houten an unbelievable charisma. Her unwavering faith in the Lord of Light drove a complex character, capable of compassionate counsel yet also chilling cruelty. Van Houten navigated Melisandre’s contradictions with seriousness. Her aura of control masked inner doubts that eventually surfaced. Van Houten made Melisandre fascinating with a dynamic personality. Her measured performance kept viewers guessing until the end about Melisandre’s true goals.

5. Rose Leslie

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Rose Leslie as Ygritte brought a fierce spirit and charm to the show. Starting as a prisoner, Ygritte matched her imprisoner, Jon, in will and combat skills. Leslie portrayed Ygritte as tough yet playful, memorably delivering the character’s catchphrase “You know nothing, Jon Snow.” Her chemistry with Kit Harington lit up the screen, most notably in a steamy love scene in a cave. Leslie made Ygritte a fan favorite despite having a limited time on the show. Fans cheered Ygritte taking three arrows to defend Castle Black, and her tragic death in Jon Snow’s arms marked one of the most poignant moments of the series.

6. Emilia Clarke

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Emilia Clarke captured fans’ hearts as the principled Khaleesi and Mother of Dragons as the iconic Daenerys Targaryen. Clarke convincingly portrayed Daenerys’ evolution from a sheltered princess to a powerful queen throughout the series. With regal yet approachable charisma, Clarke made Daenerys complex rulers, capable of both compassion and violence in her quest to claim the Iron Throne. Whether fiercely commanding armies and dragons or showing vulnerability in romantic moments, Clarke’s layered performance humanized the Targaryen conqueror. Her epic speeches and dragon-riding scenes were legendary moments in Clarke’s standout performance that cemented Daenerys as one of television’s most memorable heroines.

7. Roxanne McKee

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Among the actresses that appeared briefly, Roxanne McKee made a striking impression as Doreah, handmaiden to Daenerys Targaryen. Doreah revealed sharper skills in tutoring Daenerys on seduction despite having a tough beginning. McKee brought an enigmatic quality to Doreah, hinting at her tragic past while relishing her insider knowledge. McKee depicted Doreah’s growing influence on Daenerys behind closed doors. Their secretive lessons highlighted Daenerys’ path to empowerment. Even after betrayal led to her banishment, McKee ensured Doreah left her mark through the emergence of Daenerys as a formidable woman and ruler.

8. Gwendoline Christie

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Gwendoline Christie as the noble warrior Brienne of Tarth, brought heart and physicality to the role. Brienne, quite dominant over her peers relied on her combat skills and integrity to overcome prejudice. Christie portrayed her with a quiet dignity as she navigated a hostile world. From pledging herself to Renly to protecting the Stark sisters, Brienne’s loyalty never wavered. Christie conveyed Brienne’s vulnerabilities in rare unguarded moments. Yet whether facing bear pits or the Battle of Winterfell, Brienne proved herself courageous. Brienne embodied virtue in a ruthless world, and Christie’s standout performance made her an icon of noble strength.

9. Maisie Williams

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Arya Stark became the fans’ favorite courtesy of the performances by Maisie Williams. From scrappy young tomboy to hardened assassin, Williams traced Arya’s evolution with power. Her captivating performance showed Arya reconciling trauma, vengeance, and humanity. Arya faced challenges with courage regardless of the weight of the challenge ahead. Williams could convey both her deadly resolve and her yearning for home. Thanks to Williams’ spirited portrayal, Arya emerged as a survivor against all odds.

10. Diana Rigg

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Diana Rigg brought inimitable wit and wisdom to the role of Olenna Tyrell, the cunning matriarch of House Olenna was a force to be reckoned with, as Rigg made evident through pointed line deliveries and knowing expressions. Yet Rigg also showed glimpses of warmth in Olenna’s affection for Margaery and desire to protect her granddaughter. Up until her final moments, when she confessed to poisoning Joffrey, Rigg made Olenna enigmatic. The Queen of Thorns left a lasting impression thanks to Rigg’s captivating presence and performance.

11. Natalie Dormer

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Here is a woman who was dedicated to pursuing power by all means possible: Margaery Tyrell, played by Natalie Dormer. She used her charming beauty to expertly navigate court politics, as Dormer portrayed with delightful cunning. Whether baring her body or baring her claws, Dormer showed Margaery using femininity to her advantage. She also revealed Margaery’s sincerity in scenes with her brother Loras or while manipulating Tommen, adding complex layers to the would-be queen. Dormer’s compelling presence and clever performance made Margaery a player to be reckoned with. Even when confined by the High Sparrow, Margaery remained a force.

12. Sophie Turner

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As Sansa Stark, Sophie Turner transformed from a naive girl to a stoic survivor. Turner vividly expressed Sansa’s dreams of romance curdling into trauma in King’s Landing. Turner shows Sansa’s quiet determination despite being a subject of cruelty at the start. Her glances conveyed wisdom, while brief vulnerabilities revealed her lingering humanity. Despite enduring violence and loss, Turner depicted Sansa growing into a capable leader, one who learned from mentors like Margaery while staying true to her Stark roots. She made Sansa an inspiration, her overcoming adversity embodying the resilience of the North.

13. Lena Headey

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Lena Headey was the perfect actress for the role as she brought a commanding presence and complexity to Cersei Lannister. This ambitious and cunning Queen Regent was ruthlessly charming yet troubled by prophecy. Her pointed stares and clipped tone could signal danger or betray insecurity. Headey navigated Cersei’s contradictions masterfully, conveying her deepest motivations through subtle expressions. Cersei’s devotion toward Jaime and the protectiveness of her children added dimension, even as she committed dark deeds. In the end, Headey ensured Cersei remained relatable despite her malignance.

14. Charlotte Hope

Charlotte Hope portrayed the sadistic Myranda, the kennel master’s daughter, and Ramsay Bolton’s bedwarmer. The actress brought a chilling life to this cunning schemer. She had a devious stare and a falsely sweet smile, projecting her twisted motivations in every scene. Hope cleverly hints at her jealousy towards Sansa, even as she inflicts Ramsay’s psychological games. The relish with which Hope delivered Myranda’s threats underscored her malevolence, culminating in her final bid to kill Sansa. Charlotte Hope’s performance made this minor character a memorably unsettling villain who augmented House Bolton’s horror.

15. Indira Varma

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Indira Varma as Elaria Sand was a fascinating character who brought fiery passion to the series. Initially seeming merely protective of Oberyn in their Dornish court, Varma slowly revealed Elaria’s cunning. After Oberyn’s death, Varma depicted Elaria’s despair curdling to a desire for vengeance, and desire to have political skills. Varma conveyed quiet intensity beneath Elaria’s composed surface with her series of missions. Her poised performance underscored Elaria as a woman biding her time before striking. Though Elaria ultimately made missteps in her quest for justice, Varma ensured she remained a magnetic, incendiary presence until her end.

16. Sibel Kekilli

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Sibel Kekilli brought complexity and emotion to the role of Shae, Tyrion Lannister’s mistress. As a prostitute drawn into Tyrion’s inner circle, Kekilli portrayed Shae as street-smart yet nurturing. Her playful rapport with Tyrion revealed surprising affection, though often tinged with insecurity about their class differences. Kekilli conveyed Shae’s growing jealousy as Tyrion was forced to reject her, culminating in her spurned testimony against him in court. While her betrayal was condemnable, Kekilli’s performance elicited an understanding of the motives of a mistreated woman acting desperately. Even in death, Kekilli ensured Shae remained multifaceted. She was neither an innocent victim nor a devious conspirator, but a tragic figure caught in a dangerous game.

17. Hannah Murray

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As Gilly, the wildling girl rescued by Samwell Tarly, Hannah Murray brought heart and fortitude to the role. Murray showed Gilly’s inner strength through her bond with Sam after being in captivity. Murray skillfully balanced Gilly’s wide-eyed wonder with her protective streak, especially towards baby Sam. From tentatively defending her son, Gilly grew into an advocate for herself and other vulnerable people. Murray conveyed Gilly’s intelligence and empathy beneath her naivete. Through small moments, she created an uplifting character change as Gilly transformed from victim to bold survivor.

18. Ellie Kendrick

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Ellie Kendrick brought the fierce and loyal Meera Reed to life on Game of Thrones. As the daughter of Howland Reed, Meera grew up in the Neck learning survival skills and protecting Bran Stark beyond the Wall. Kendrick portrayed Meera’s grit and determination admirably as she dragged Bran’s sled for months through the snow. Though she left Bran once her task was done, Meera remained beloved by fans for her devotion and skill with a spear. Kendrick’s grounded performance made Meera one of the most memorable supporting characters on the show.

19. Bella Ramsey

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The fierce and commanding presence of fan favorite Lyanna Mormont was brought to life by the talented actress Bella Ramsey. The young Lady of Bear Island refused to back down from anyone, standing up to Stannis Baratheon and Jon Snow alike. Despite her small stature, Ramsey portrayed Lyanna as a bold, uncompromising leader who earned respect from all. One of her favorite moments was when she declared “I don’t plan on knitting by the fire while men fight for me.” Lyanna met her end bravely at the Battle of Winterfell, cementing her legacy as one of the most memorable young heroines in the series.

20. Gemma Whelan

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Theon’s fierce sister Yara, portrayed by Gemma Whelan brought the rebellious energy to life in the series. Whelan portrayed Yara as cunning yet loyal, willing to risk her life to rescue Theon from Ramsay Bolton’s clutches. As Balon Greyjoy’s daughter and heir, Yara tried claiming the Salt Throne, nearly succeeding before Euron’s interference. Whelan excelled at conveying Yara’s boldness and tenacity.

As Game of Thrones draws to a close, the depth and impact of its female characters is undeniable. The show paved new ground in presenting women as complex leaders, warriors, schemers, and survivors in the high fantasy realm. While the writing provided a strong foundation, the show’s success relied heavily on the talents of its cast. The actresses brought emotion, and humanity to their characters, elevating them as multi-faceted individuals navigating perilous circumstances. Whether gently plotting a political coup or fiercely leading armies into battle, the women of Game of Thrones proved that in any genre, women’s stories are compelling, powerful, and worth telling. As other creators strive to expand the representation of female characters, the Game of Thrones actresses have set a standard of depth and complexity that will be felt for years to come. Their performances will serve as a benchmark for crafting engaging women who will capture viewers’ imaginations and shape future paths for women on the screen.