From the icy shores of Westeros to the sizzling sands of Essos, it's hard to believe that almost a decade has passed since we first entered the world of George R.R. Martin's "A Song of Ice and Fire" through the television adaptation, "Game of Thrones". The medieval fantasy drama left an indelible mark on popular culture, and its sprawling ensemble cast became global superstars. Let's take a look at where some of our favorite actors from the show find themselves now, both career-wise and physically. Spoilers ahead!
**The Kings and Queens of Westeros**
Then & Now: The Lannisters
The Lannister family, with their signature blond locks and scheming minds, played a significant role in the game of thrones. Led by the cunning and imposing Charles Dance as Tywin Lannister, the family's seated at the top of the power pyramid.
Charles Dance, who played the patriarch Tywin, has had a steady flow of work since the show's end. He reprised his role in the prequel series "House of the Dragon", set to air in 2022. Meanwhile, his co-star and on-screen son, Peter Dinklage, has become a household name as Tyrion Lannister, the sharp-tongued and beloved Imp. Dinklage has taken on more prominent roles, including starring in "My Dinner with Herve" and "Game Night".
Lena Headey as Cersei Lannister
Lena Headey, who channeled the cold, calculating Cersei with remarkable intensity, has since ventured into directing, helming episodes of supernatural drama "The Purge" and action series "Fighting Season". Her most notable acting gig post-"Thrones" was lending her voice to the English dub of Japanese anime "Castlevania".
Headey has been open about her struggles with mental health, using her platform to raise awareness about depression and anxiety. In 2021, she launched a mental health podcast, "Happy Mum, Happy Baby", focusing on open and honest conversations about motherhood and mental well-being.
Natalie Dormer as Margaery Tyrell
Natalie Dormer, who played the cunning and charismatic Margaery Tyrell, has taken on a mix of television and film roles since her time on the show. She starred in "The Professor and the Madman" alongside Mel Gibson and Sean Penn, and appeared in the drama series "Picnic at Hanging Rock". More recently, Dormer has been cast in the upcoming "Venom: Let There Be Carnage", slated for release in 2021.
Dormer has also become a prominent advocate for female empowerment, frequently speaking out about industry issues and gender parity. She co-founded the production company " screenplay Collective" in 2018, aiming to support and invest in female-driven stories.
Then & Now: The Starks of Winterfell
The Starks, with their humble honesty and unwavering loyalty, were the heart of "Game of Thrones". Nebbish turned warrior, Kit Harington, who played Jon Snow, has since become a formidable presence on both small and silver screens, nabbing roles in films like "The Death and Life of John F. Donovan" and "Gunpowder Milkshake". He also appears in the Apple TV+ series "See" and is set to star in the limited series "The English" for BBC One.
Family matriarch and everybody's favorite mom, Alfie Allen (Theon Greyjoy) has credited his time on "Thrones" for helping him overcome his teenage struggles with addiction. Since then, he's portrayed real-life soccer villain "Midfielder Divine" in Amazon's "The English Game" and joined the cast of "Wasted", a dark comedy based on the novel by enfrentóor mayoian's "Pig".
Sophie Turner as Sansa Stark
Sophie Turner, who played Sansa Stark with heart-wrenching realism, has since become a high-profile actress with significant roles in films like "Josie" and "Heavy". She also reprised her role as Sansa in the "Game of Thrones" prequel series "House of the Dragon". Off-screen, Turner has been candid about her struggles with mental health and became an ambassador for the mental health charity "W Dann" in 2020.
In 2019, Turner married her "Thrones" co-star Joe Jonas from the band Jonas Brothers, with whom she shares a daughter named Willa. The coupling added a touch of real-life romance to the fantastical world of Westeros.
As we bid farewell to our favorite actors and their iconic characters, we can't help but wonder what thrilling and unexpected journeys await them next. From icy shores to elsewhere in the universe, one thing is certain: we'll be watching. With the upcoming sequel series "House of the Dragon" and spin-offs in the works, the world of George R.R. Martin's "A Song of Ice and Fire" is far from forgotten. So, keep your eyes peeled, because the game is still very much ongoing.