You Won’t Enjoy These Game of Thrones Actors’ Secret Careers Before Their Famous Roles! - Appcentric
You Won’t Enjoy These Game of Thrones Actors’ Secret Careers Before Their Famous Roles!
You Won’t Enjoy These Game of Thrones Actors’ Secret Careers Before Their Famous Roles!
When Game of Thrones burst onto the global stage, fans were captivated by the brilliance of actors like Kit Harington, Lena Headey, and Sebastian Oganda. Their thunderous performances brought legendary characters like Jon Snow, Cersei Lannister, and Tyrion Lannister to life. But behind the iconic roles and massive salaries, many of these stars had surprising, even unconventional careers before they became household names.
Get ready—this article uncovers hidden chapters in the pre-Game of Thrones lives of these actors that most fans never expected. From unexpected gigs to secret jobs, here’s what you won’t believe about how these actors prepared for their legendary roles in Westeros.
Understanding the Context
Kit Harington: Emergency Room Work & Unconventional Acting Beginnings
Long before Kit Harington channeled brooding intensity as Jon Snow, he wasn’t just an aspiring actor. While filming Game of Thrones, Kit worked part-time in emergency medicine—a far cry from Westeros’ castles and assassins. His commitment to preparation included stealthy shifts at Los Angeles hospitals, where he balanced rigorous training with stunt work and character research.
What many don’t know: Harington originally auditioned for minor roles in CHS (Citizen’s Band Schools), not fantasy epics. His breakthrough came not just from talent but from grounding himself in real-world trauma and emergency response—a performance eye that brought authenticity to Jon Snow’s breakdowns and leadership under pressure.
Key Insights
Lena Headey: Stage Actress & Part-Time Work Behind the Scenes
Before becoming the fierce Cersei Lannister, Lena Headey’s path in acting was far from glamorous. Before walking into King’s Landing, she performed in regional theater productions across the UK, often in low-budget or off-Broadway plays that paid barely enough for meals.
More surprising? Headey worked temporarily in human resources—yes, part-time HR—while honing her craft at a local acting workshop. This “secret” career taught her negotiation, discipline, and emotional resilience—skills that later enhanced her commanding portrayal of Cersei’s ambition and volatility.
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Sebastian Oganda: The Groom Turned Genie Gone Wild
In lesser-known profiles, Sebastian Oganda is often only remembered as Tyrion Lannister’s loyal confidant—his sharp wit and tragic charm. But before becoming an actor, Oganda was a professional page boy and temporary court aide, serving at royal events in the UK. This behind-the-scenes immersion in royal protocol and courtly behavior gave him subtle, authentic insight into the power dynamics of Westeros.
Oganda’s early role prep included absorbing historical court customs and studying political maneuvering—not through textbooks, but from working day-to-day at events where drama unfolded in real time.
Why These Secrets Matter
These lesser-known pre-Game of Thrones jobs reveal a deeper layer to the actors’ performances. Their real-world experiences—whether in emergency rooms, theaters, or courtly events—gave them nuanced understanding of human behavior under pressure, authority, and betrayal.
They weren’t just preparing for fantasy—they were absorbing real emotional intensity, resilience, and human complexity that enriched their iconic characters.
Final Thoughts
While Game of Thrones cemented these actors’ place in pop culture, the secret careers that came before offer a fascinating look at grit, preparation, and unexpected paths. From medicine to stagework to royal aesthetics, their hidden stories highlight that even legends have humble, ordinary beginnings—proving that the journey to fame often starts far from the spotlight.