7 Actors Who Were in Game of Thrones Before They Were Famous

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The hit series Game of Thrones, with its sprawling cast, was brimming with talent both upfront and behind the scenes. This rich talent pool propelled numerous actors into the limelight throughout its eight-season run from 2011 to 2019. Notable stars like Emilia Clarke, Kit Harrington, Peter Dinklage, Lena Headey, and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau delivered standout performances in Game of Thrones, while some supporting and guest roles were played by actors who later achieved even greater fame. Emerging talents were given the chance to shine on a major TV platform, as the exposure provided by Game of Thrones laid the foundation for their subsequent rise to stardom.

These seven performers were seen on Game of Thrones long before they gained the popularity they enjoy now.

1) Pedro Pascal

Pedro Pascal gained recognition from his role in Game of Thrones, but he has since soared to even greater heights of fame. In Season 4, Pascal played Prince Oberyn Martell, captivating audiences with just seven episodes. The cunning and eloquent Dornishman arrived in King’s Landing with a hidden agenda for vengeance against his sister’s murderer. Tragically, Prince Oberyn met his end in a duel against Gregor Clegane (Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson), also known as The Mountain, who brutally crushed the Red Viper’s skull when his guard slipped. With his intense charisma and captivating screen presence, Prince Oberyn swiftly became a beloved character on Game of Thrones. Pascal’s magnetic allure and calm demeanor made him the scene-stealer in every appearance, and he stood out amongst the series’ guest actors.

Due to his outstanding portrayal in “Game of Thrones,” Pascal subsequently secured main roles in highly acclaimed television shows like “Narcos,” “Star Wars: The Mandalorian,” and “The Last of Us.” Furthermore, Pascal is poised to take on the role of Reed Richards/Mr. Fantastic within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, beginning with “The Fantastic Four: First Steps.” Pascal’s popularity has soared in Hollywood, with his career trajectory tracing back to “Game of Thrones.

2) Bella Ramsey

In a similar vein to how Blaise Pascal gained prominence through his work, Bella Ramsey found her big break with “Game of Thrones”, a role that paved the way for her rise in popularity. At the start of her acting career, Ramsey portrayed Lyanna Mormont, Lady of Bear Island, across nine episodes spread across seasons 6, 7, and 8 of “Game of Thrones”. Her character, a formidable leader despite her youth, often stole the spotlight during negotiations with the Starks and their allies. Following “Game of Thrones”, Ramsey landed a role in “The Last of Us”, which has earned her two Emmy nominations to date. With a promising future, it’s expected that TV and film viewers will continue to see Bella Ramsey on their screens for many years.

3) Joseph Quinn

Joseph Quinn made a brief appearance on the popular series Game of Thrones, but since he was only featured in one episode, many fans may not remember that he was part of the show. In Season 7, Episode 4, titled “The Spoils of War,” Quinn played Koner, a Stark soldier stationed at Winterfell when Arya Stark (Maisie Williams) arrived to search for her siblings. It’s exciting to spot Quinn in Game of Thrones, especially considering his current fame from hit shows like Stranger Things, movies such as Gladiator II and A Quiet Place: Day One. The talented actor is continuing to rise, with plans to collaborate with Pascal in the upcoming film The Fantastic Four: First Steps, where he will portray Johnny Storm/Human Torch. Although his role on Game of Thrones may have been overlooked by some, Quinn’s recent success in TV and movie projects has solidified him as an up-and-coming star.

4) Hannah Waddingham

Prior to Hannah Waddingham gaining recognition from shows like Ted Lasso and The Fall Guy, she held a lesser role in Game of Thrones. In Seasons 5 and 6, Waddingham portrayed Septa Unella, making appearances in eight episodes. A devotee of the High Sparrow (Jonathan Pryce), Unella took part in Cersei’s (Lena Headey) arrest and conviction. Subsequently, she spent a significant amount of time monitoring Margaery Tyrell within King’s Landing. Although Unella didn’t perish on-screen, it’s speculated that Cersei arranged for her death at the hands of The Mountain during Game of Thrones‘ Season 6 finale. Waddingham wasn’t widely recognized during her time on Game of Thrones, but her skill was eventually unveiled in other projects due to the excellent exposure she received.

5) Jessica Henwick

Jessica Henwick’s remarkable career started with a minor role on Game of Thrones, where she played Nymeria Sand, one of Prince Oberyn’s daughters, or the Sand Snakes, across Seasons 5, 6, and 7. Despite appearing in only eight episodes, Nymeria was crucial to the storyline. She joined her siblings in avenging Ellaria Sand (Indira Varma) against the Lannisters after Prince Oberyn’s demise and took part in the rebellion against Prince Doran (Alexander Siddig). Regrettably, Nymeria met her end at the hands of Euron Greyjoy (Pilou Asbæk) during the conflict with the Iron Fleet in Season 7.

In a stellar performance, Henwick showcases her skills as an elite Dornish fighter, a role that catapulted her into future appearances on Marvel’s Iron Fist, Luke Cage, and The Defenders series. She has also secured supporting roles in prominent films like Glass Onion and The Matrix Resurrections. Now set to star in Apple TV+’s Silo, Henwick is poised for continued success in the Hollywood scene. Much like her fellow actors on this list, Henwick can trace her career back to Game of Thrones.

6) Ed Skrein

Among Ed Skrein’s early acting ventures was a stint on the hit series ‘Game of Thrones’. He portrayed the mercenary Daario Naharis from the Second Sons, first appearing in the final three episodes of Season 3 when his group initially encountered Daenerys Targaryen (played by Emilia Clarke). Skrein’s role as Daario didn’t extend into Seasons 4 through 7, as he was succeeded by Michiel Huisman. Despite his short-lived ‘Game of Thrones’ spell, Skrein effectively demonstrated the ability to breathe life into strong and captivating characters in this role. This exposure laid the groundwork for Skrein’s subsequent roles in ‘Deadpool’, ‘Maleficent: Mistress of Evil’, the ‘Rebel Moon’ films, and ‘Jurassic World Rebirth’. Although it’s unfortunate that Skrein didn’t continue with Daario, his career has thrived nonetheless.

7) Hannah John-Kamen

As a devoted fan, I was thrilled to discover that Hannah John-Kamen, who plays Ava Starr/Ghost in Ant-Man and the Wasp and future Thunderbolts, once graced our screens as Ornela in Game of Thrones before her MCU fame. In Season 6, she appeared in two episodes, conversing with Daenerys about her past at the Temple of the Dosh Khaleen. This conversation takes place before Daenerys emerges unscathed from the temple. A quick glimpse at John-Kamen’s performance is a fascinating detail to catch while revisiting Game of Thrones, showcasing her undeniable acting talent. From Game of Thrones to Star Wars and now the MCU, John-Kamen has left her mark on some of the most iconic entertainment franchises in history, an incredible accomplishment for any actor.

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2025-07-21 23:41