Game of Thrones cast: What these 5 stars were doing before the show

Game of Thrones | Image Via: HBO Entertainment
Game of Thrones | Image Via: HBO Entertainment

Game of Thrones is a show that became the defining factor in the careers of many actors. To say that this show catapulted the careers of these actors overnight would be an understatement. Game of Thrones was the show that changed the scenario of TV shows completely.

From bringing in movie-like budgets for each episode to bringing the fantasy world of George R. R. Martin to life, the show remains an icon even today. Names like Daenerys, Jon Snow, Tyrion, and so many more became household names, and the corresponding actors of these roles became global phenomena.


The completely different lives of these five Game of Thrones cast members before the series happened

1) Rory McCann

"Tornado" Opening Night Gala - Glasgow Film Festival - Source: Getty
"Tornado" Opening Night Gala - Glasgow Film Festival - Source: Getty

Living “literally in a tent” and “stealing food occasionally”, Rory McCann’s life definitely was not easy before his life changed with this series. His performance as Sandor Clegane, aka The Hound, was truly an achievement, as it catapulted his career completely.

From being homeless to getting multiple projects right after his appearance in the series, his life truly changed through Game of Thrones. Though he did some projects before this series, they did not work well for him, which led him to live in a tent.


2) Kristian Nairn

Hustler Club Las Vegas Presents Rave Of Thrones Comic Con Party With Kristian Nairn - Source: Getty
Hustler Club Las Vegas Presents Rave Of Thrones Comic Con Party With Kristian Nairn - Source: Getty

The beloved character of Hodor brought to life by the very talented Kristian Narin was his first acting role, yet it is truly remarkable how deftly he handled it. Before getting his acting break with this series, he was a DJ.

Though he still continues to work as a DJ sometimes, his acting career took a completely different turn after his performance as Hodor. Working is multiple projects and even getting lead roles, his success knew no bounds.


3) Gwendoline Christie

Givenchy: Outside Arrivals - Paris Fashion Week - Womenswear Spring/Summer 2026 - Source: Getty
Givenchy: Outside Arrivals - Paris Fashion Week - Womenswear Spring/Summer 2026 - Source: Getty

From being a dog walker to becoming a warrior in the series, Gwendoline Christie’s journey in the entertainment world is truly worth appreciating. Her height often became a hindrance in her path to success. Yet she remained adamant in proving herself with her talent in acting. Before getting her breakthrough in Game of Thrones, Gwendoline Christie worked as Simon Callow's dog sitter and assistant.

Right after her performance in the series, she became a sensation in the entertainment industry. She kept on getting more and more projects where she proved her versatility. In recent years, she appeared as Larissa Weems in Wednesday. Her character quickly became a fan favourite. It is truly remarkable to see how Game of Thrones became the show that recognised talent. It became a platform for rising stars.


4) Emilia Clarke

Vogue World: London At Theatre Royal Drury Lane, The Rotunda Bar Sponsored By Don Julio - Source: Getty
Vogue World: London At Theatre Royal Drury Lane, The Rotunda Bar Sponsored By Don Julio - Source: Getty

Her previous roles before Game of Thrones were much smaller ones, through which she hardly received any recognition. “Working six jobs to pay the rent” definitely does not sound anywhere close to the level of success she has reached now, after the success of the series.

Her performance in the series will forever remain an iconic one. She won the hearts of millions of fans all around the world. Emilia Clarke will undoubtedly be recognised for bringing life to the character of Daenerys. Her contribution played a vital role in bringing the immense success that the show boasts.


5) Nathalie Emmanuel

"Frankenstein" Red Carpet - The 82nd Venice International Film Festival - Source: Getty
"Frankenstein" Red Carpet - The 82nd Venice International Film Festival - Source: Getty

She was a minimum wage worker in retail, “trying to get every shift” that she could. Nathalie Emmanuel’s life definitely showed how hard work eventually pays off. She bagged the role of Missandei and never had to look back.

It became her propelling factor, pushing her towards success. Now, she is the lead of multiple TV shows and has even done many movies.


For more such interesting pieces, stay tuned to Soap Central.

Edited by KOUSHIKI ROY