“That’s how I earned my living”: Emilia Clarke Making Millions from Game of Thrones Doesn’t Come Close to How Series Literally Changed the Life of a Real-Life Adult Star
While Game of Thrones brought many stars like Emilia Clarke from relative obscurity to the limelight, it also saved this actress from a dark path.
Actress Emilia Clarke went from relative obscurity to her character inspiring many parents to name their children Daenerys when she starred in the HBO series Game of Thrones. The actress became one of the leading stars of the ensemble fantasy drama and is arguably one of the most popular characters in modern pop culture.
However, the show is credited with not only having given a new level of stardom to actors like Clarke and Kit Harington but also giving a new lease of life to other supporting actors. One such example is Josephine Gillan. The actress reportedly featured in adult films before playing Marei in the show.
Many Actors Apart From Emilia Clarke Got A Life Because Of Game of Thrones
The term Khaleesi has become almost as popular as any of the monumental pop culture characters in modern media. Emilia Clarke portrayed the Khaleesi a.k.a Daenerys Targaryen in the show Game of Thrones. The Mother of Dragons quickly became a fan-favorite, and Clarke became a star from relative obscurity.
From having done only a few commercials and a badly reviewed Syfy Network film to being reportedly paid $1.1 million per episode in the final season of Game of Thrones, Clarke came a long way (via Celebrity Net Worth). However, she is not the only success story of the show.
Josephine Gillan, who is known for playing the pr*stitute Marei in the show, was reportedly an adult film star in real life before auditioning for the show. She said to the Daily Mail,
They were looking for young women with natural b*easts and no tattoos, who didn’t mind being filmed n*ked. So I immediately sent in a picture. They wrote back that they wanted me and I was thrilled because it was an amazing opportunity to do some proper acting. But I had no idea how much it would change my life.
Gillan reportedly had a tough childhood and was sent to foster care at the age of 12.
Josephine Gillan Made Her First Appearance As A Pr*stitute In Petyr Baelish’s Brothel
Josephine Gillan had her first appearance in the second season of Game of Thrones. The actress played the pr*stitute Marei and is seen in Lord Petyr Baelish’s brothel. Gillan went on to reprise her role in subsequent seasons of the show, including the final season.
Gillan mentioned that she required little direction as she had played similar roles in X-rated films in the past. She said,
They didn’t need to show me how to do anything because that’s how I earned my living.
The actress mentioned that the role encouraged her to pursue serious acting roles and saved her from a dark path. Other adult film stars have also been featured in the show, including actress Samantha Bentley and Sibel Kekilli.
Game of Thrones is currently available to stream on Max.
