THEN AND NOW: The cast of 'Game of Thrones' before they became HBO stars

Andrew LaSaneMay 5, 2020, 19:33 IST

Emilia Clarke had a few small roles prior to starring on "Game of Thrones."BBC, Helen Sloan/HBO

HBO's "Game of Thrones" aired from 2011 to 2019, and it helped many actors further their careers.
Jerome Flynn, who played Bronn, and Kristian Nairn, who played Hodor, both have a background in music.
Other actors, like Sean Bean, Peter Dinklage, and Lena Headey, had appeared in a number of projects before landing a spot on the hit HBO series.
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You don't have to be a "Game of Thrones" fan to recognize some of the stars from the popular series.

The HBO show, which aired from 2011 to 2019, has catapulted many actors from its large cast into superstardom.

Although some of the stars, like Sophie Turner and Maisie Williams, were just entering the entertainment industry when the series first aired, others were already decades into their careers.

Here's what 18 "Game of Thrones" cast members were doing before the HBO show aired.

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Before Michelle Fairley was cast as the Stark matriarch, Catelyn, she appeared in a few other projects.

Michelle Fairley in "Hidden Agenda." HBO Video

Richard Madden, who played Robb Stark, was no stranger to TV shows before he appeared on "Game of Thrones."

Richard Madden on "Hope Springs." BBC One

Rory McCann is best known as Sandor "The Hound" Clegane, but he's been acting for decades.

Rory McCann in "Hot Fuzz." Universal Pictures

Before playing Ned Stark on "Game of Thrones," Sean Bean appeared in another famous fantasy series.

Sean Bean as Boromir. New Line Cinema

Ever-loyal Jorah Mormont was played by Scottish actor Iain Glen, whose first major role was on the 1988 series "The Fear."

Iain Glen on "The Fear." Euston Films

Before Liam Cunningham played trusted counsel Ser Davos on "Game of Thrones," he had acted in numerous projects.

Liam Cunningham in "Dog Soldiers." Kismet Entertainment Group

Playing Bran Stark was Isaac Hempstead Wright's first big break.

Isaac Hempstead Wright in "The Awakening." StudioCanal UK

Nikolaj Coster-Waldau played sister-loving swordsman Jaime Lannister, but this wasn't the Danish actor's first role.

Nikolaj Coster-Waldau in "Nattevagten (Nightwatch)." Thura Film

Actress Natalie Dormer played Margaery Tyrell on the series, but that wasn't her first experience with noble houses.

Natalie Dormer in the film "Casanova." Touchstone Pictures/"Casanova"

Gwendoline Christie, who played Brienne of Tarth, also has a background in theater.

Gwendoline Christie in "The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus." Infinity Features Entertainment

Veteran actor Charles Dance was famous long before he played Tywin Lannister.

Charles Dance in "The Golden Child." Paramount Home Video

Kit Harington's first TV role was as the brooding bastard and reluctant leader Jon Snow.

Kit Harington in "Silent Hill: Revelation." Open Road Films

Before playing Bronn on "Game of Thrones," Jerome Flynn was a musician and TV star.

Jerome Flynn on "Soldier, Soldier." Central Independent Television

Before holding the door as Hodor, Kristian Nairn was not an actor at all.

Kristian Nairn is still a DJ. Ethan Miller/Getty

Jason Momoa, also known as Khal Drogo, was a model before he became an actor.

Jason Momoa on "Baywatch." NBC

Before mothering dragons and burning cities to the ground as Daenerys Targaryen, Emilia Clarke starred in shorts and TV movies.

Emilia Clarke on "Doctors." BBC

Lena Headey is best known as the ruthless Cersei Lannister, but her first professional acting credit was in 1992.

Lena Headey on "The Sarah Connor Chronicles." Fox

Long before he drank and knew things as Tyrion Lannister, Peter Dinklage appeared in a number of films.

Peter Dinklage in "Living in Oblivion." Lemon Sky Productions

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