History of Emilia Clarke in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 25, 2026

Emilia Clarke is a British actress renowned for her portrayal of Daenerys Targaryen in the HBO series *Game of Thrones*, earning her four Primetime Emmy Award nominations. Beyond this iconic role, she has appeared in prominent films such as *Terminator: Genisys* as Sarah Connor, *Solo: A Star Wars Story* as Qi'ra, and starred in romantic dramas including *Me Before You* and *Last Christmas*. Her career showcases versatility across various genres, establishing her as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

February 2011: Suffered a subarachnoid haemorrhage

In February 2011, Clarke revealed that she had suffered a subarachnoid haemorrhage caused by a ruptured aneurysm.

2011: Suffered first brain aneurysm

In February 2011, Emilia Clarke suffered a subarachnoid haemorrhage caused by a ruptured aneurysm. She underwent urgent endovascular coiling surgery and subsequently suffered from aphasia.

2012: Relationship with Seth MacFarlane

From 2012 to 2013, Emilia Clarke was in a relationship with Seth MacFarlane.

2013: End of relationship with Seth MacFarlane

From 2012 to 2013, Emilia Clarke was in a relationship with Seth MacFarlane.

2013: Second Aneurysm Surgically Treated

In 2013, Emilia Clarke had a second aneurysm surgically treated.

2016: Purchased house in Venice Beach

In 2016, Emilia Clarke purchased a house in the Venice Beach neighborhood of Los Angeles.

2016: Death of her father

In 2016, Emilia Clarke's father, who was an important figure in her life, died due to cancer.

August 2017: Became a Patron of Open Door

In August 2017, Emilia Clarke became a patron of Open Door, a nonprofit organization that helps young people gain access to drama school auditions.

February 2018: Introduced Award Recipients at London's Centrepoint Awards

In February 2018, Emilia Clarke introduced the award recipients at London's Centrepoint Awards, which celebrates the courage shown by homeless young people.

April 2018: Named Ambassador to the Royal College of Nursing (RCN)

In April 2018, Emilia Clarke was named the sole ambassador to the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), pledging to advocate for greater investment in nursing and address misconceptions, and tackle issues affecting the profession.

August 2018: Featured in "Leading Lady Parts"

In August 2018, Emilia Clarke, along with other actresses, featured in the short film "Leading Lady Parts", which addressed gender inequality in the film industry casting process.

Loading Video...

2018: Dated Charlie McDowell

From 2018 to 2019, Emilia Clarke dated Charlie McDowell.

2018: Received BAFTA Britannia Award

In 2018, Emilia Clarke received the BAFTA Britannia Award for British Artist of the Year and was invited to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

September 2019: Co-hosted YouTube Live Stream for SameYou

On 26 September 2019, Emilia Clarke co-hosted a YouTube live stream with Jacksepticeye, raising over £200,000 for her charity, SameYou.

2019: End of relationship with Charlie McDowell

From 2018 to 2019, Emilia Clarke dated Charlie McDowell.

2019: Revealed brain aneurysms and launched SameYou charity

In 2019, Emilia Clarke revealed the brain aneurysms she suffered in 2011 and 2013, and launched her own charity named SameYou to broaden neurorehabilitation access for young people.

2019: Named one of Time's 100 Most Influential People and won Shorty Award

In 2019, Emilia Clarke was named one of Time magazine's 100 most influential people and won a Shorty Award for a video made to raise awareness for her charity SameYou and the Royal College of Nursing.

2019: Nominated for Primetime Emmy Award

In 2019, Emilia Clarke was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her role in Game of Thrones.

Loading Video...

April 2020: Began fundraiser for SameYou's COVID-19 fund

In April 2020, Emilia Clarke began a fundraiser to help raise funds for her charity's COVID-19 fund, supporting both the Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and the University College Hospital in London.

September 2020: Virtual Reading of Private Lives

In September 2020, Emilia Clarke participated in a virtual reading of the play Private Lives by Noël Coward, with funds raised supporting those in the theatre industry struggling financially due to the pandemic.

December 2020: Sold house in Venice Beach

In December 2020, Emilia Clarke sold her house in the Venice Beach neighborhood of Los Angeles.

2020: Presented with Public Leadership in Neurology Award

In 2020, Emilia Clarke was presented with the Public Leadership in Neurology award by the American Brain Foundation for her efforts in raising awareness about neurorehabilitation.

2023: Named Actress of the Year and awarded Hollywood Rising-Star Award

In 2023, Emilia Clarke was named actress of the year at the Harper's Bazaar Women of the Year Awards and awarded the Hollywood Rising-Star Award by the Deauville American Film Festival.

February 2024: Made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)

In February 2024, Emilia Clarke and her mother, Jennifer Susan Dodd Clarke, were both made Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for their role in the creation of SameYou, and she was invested with the Insignia on 21 February 2024 at Windsor Castle by the Prince of Wales.

August 2025: Featured in Two Crazy Creatures dragon poem

In August 2025, Emilia Clarke was featured for her upcoming 40th birthday in the Two Crazy Creatures dragon poem printed by UK publication Urban Pigs Press.