"That character has changed my life": When Gwendoline Christie opened up about how her Game of Thrones role left a big impact

HBO’s Game of Thrones reinvented television rules. Based on George RR Martin’s novels, the fantasy series, which premiered in 2011, depicts the intrinsic and brutal political tale of the fictional land of Westeros. Other than the elaborate tales of a fictional land, the series also gave many characters who have ruled the hearts of the fans ever since.

One such character is Brienne of Tarth, played by Gwendoline Christie. Her role as a powerful female warrior, among men who were quick to dismiss women and their existence, was among the many female characters in Game of Thrones that impressed. It's not just the fans who wholeheartedly accepted Christie’s character, but the actress, too, has shared in the past how the character changed her life as a whole.

In an interview with The Guardian, Gwendoline Christie shared:

"That character has changed my life. I feel emotional. I feel emoji."

Asked to describe which emoji, she replied:

"Tears straight down, and the scream."

Game of Thrones: Gwendoline Christie on the impact playing Brienne of Tarth had on her life

Christie’s character was first introduced in Game of Thrones Season 2. As the show progressed, the character showed different sides of her. One moment, she would be fighting with men and bears alike, and in the other, she would show her vulnerability and apprehensions, making her one of the most humane characters. Her unlikely friendship with Jamie Lannister, which became a huge part of the latter's character arc, was also a highlight of her storyline.

While talking to The Guardian, Christie shared that the Game of Thrones character made her a global star and changed her life forever. She said when her character was introduced, she thought Brienne might get overlooked, but was surprised by how the audience reacted to her role.

She said:

"No one was more surprised than me that people liked my character. I just assumed that, because she wasn’t a conventionally attractive woman, people wouldn’t get behind her. I’m overwhelmed that they did."

Christie has also talked about getting over her own shortcomings and gaining confidence. According to Metro, she told The Guardian’s Weekend magazine,

"I knew I had to overcome the things that I was uncomfortable with, like my androgyny, my height, my physical strength, feeling like an outsider, being told I was an outsider. It’s definitely given me more confidence."

With her unconventional role impressing the global audience, Gwendoline Christie proved that things that do not follow the norm and are unique can also be relatable and win over the audience.

Her words to The Guardian suggest as much:

"They’ve learned the lesson that we need to see some different things in entertainment, and that people need to feel represented. Instead you support people. You support new people you believe in. There’s no point dishing out the negativity. Everyone’s only human."

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