What The “Game Of Thrones” Cast Looks Like In Real Life
Watching our favorite characters on the popular TV show is nothing short but a wild roller coaster ride, you just never know what you’re going to get. Which is why it’s so intriguing to see the characters as their normal selves in the real world. Check out these unreal, but very real, photos of what the cast looks like in real life.
Thanks to George R. R. Martin penning A Song of Ice and Fire, we have one of the greatest fantasy drama television series out there. 2011 is when the first season aired and the eighth and final season is supposed to reach our screens in 2019. I know it’s a long time to watch but loyal fans know that the wait is so worth it.
For those not familiar with (I mean, who are you?), here’s a little background for you. Set in the fictional continents of Westeros and Essos, is filled with various plot lines and a huge ensemble cast (and when you’re reading the books, all those characters can get hard to keep track of!) but it primarily centers on three primary story arcs. The first arc follows the Iron Throne of the Seven Kingdoms and the intricate web of alliances and intense conflicts among the ruling noble families either salivating to claim the throne or fighting for independence from the throne. The second arc is more focused on the last descendant of the realm’s deposed ruling dynasty, exiled and plotting a return to the throne. Finally the third story arc is centered on the longstanding brotherhood which is charged with defending the realm against all ancient threats of the fierce peoples and mythical creatures that exist in the far north, and the impending winter which threatens the realm.
Peter Dinklage, Sean Bean, Kit Harington, Jack Gleeson, Mark Addy, Michelle Fairley, Emilia Clarke, Lena Headey, Maisie Williams – these are just some of the extraordinary cast members who bring our favorite, and not so favorite, characters alive on our television screens. The series and various cast members have gone on to win some impressive awards and accolades. What makes the series really stand out, apart from the nudity, is its acting, complex characters, story, scope, and production values.
With so much buzz following this series, fans are always intrigued to see what their favorite characters look like off-screen. And trust us, you’ll be surprised by a number of these!
Isaac Hempstead-Wright
Oh, hey, Bran, you looking super adorable! We’re so glad that Isaac hasn’t suffered the same tragedies that Bran has. On another note, I would love to get those eyeglass frames online like right now.
Isaac Hempstead Wright
Rory McCann
Holy moly. What in the world are my eyes seeing?! It’s like Jekyll and Hyde IRL. Looks like Sandor found his happy place by ditching the armor and going for a traditional suit minus all the killing.
Rory McCann
Carice van Houten
Ahem, Carice is drop dead gorgeous on and off screen for sure! Plus she looks a lot less vindictive and pure evil when she ditches her revealing red dresses and just stops pressuring people to murder their own daughters for the lord and all that jazz.
Carice Van Houten
Nikolaj Coster-Waldau
Hellooooooo, Jamie. You lookin’ fine. Whether it’s a suit and tie (fine, bow tie in this case) or a beat up leather jacket, this is one good looking man. I might just have to hire a private investigator so I can strike up a cute “accidental” meet up. What? I’m just sayin’.
Nikolaj Coster Waldau
Mark Addy
Long before he was king, he was actually Fred Flintstone! And after that he was adorable Roland from A Knight’s Tale. Could this guy get any cuter?
Mark Addy
Natalie Dormer
Margaery Tyrell is a beauty to watch onscreen. And Natalie herself is gorgeous and talented, which is not surprising as she’s considered one of most popular supporting characters in the entire series. We totally get it.
Natalie Dormer
Jack Gleeson
When you play an evil villain, like the worst of the worst, it’s hard to you as anything but. We just can’t look at Jack and not see Joffrey. And boy would we like to give this horrible king a dose of his own medicine!
Jack Gleeson
Peter Dinklage
If you don’t think that Tyrion is the BEST character in the entire series then there’s something wrong with you. Sorry not sorry. And he’s also the coolest guy in real life, no joke.
Peter Dinklage
Maisie Williams
Arya, is that you? Uhh hell yeah! Because of her headstrong and independent attitude, Ayra is often mistaken for a boy and man do we love her. But we’re pretty sure Maisie doesn’t have the gender issue pop up.
Maisie Williams
Kit Harrington
On and off screen, Kit slash Jon is one handsome fella. And while the life of Jon Snow may be a tragic and hard one, the life of Kit Harrington seems to be a great one headed for bigger and better things.
Kit Harrington
Sibel Kekilli
Okay so on and off screen, there’s really not much of a difference when it comes to looks. But personality wise, there’s a huge difference. For instance, Sibel would never ever betray her love like she stupidly did with Tyrion. For shame, girl, for shame.
Sibel Kekilli
Rose Leslie
Ygritte! So nice to see you not looking frozen and crazy pale. And have we mentioned how much we love that Ygritte and Jon Snow are getting married in IRL?! Be still my heart!
Rose Leslie
Alfie Allen
For anyone who thinks that Alfie Allen even remotely looks like Draco Malfoy is sadly mistaken. Just because he has bleach blonde hair, doesn’t make him Draco! Anyways, Theon is adorable, let’s leave it at that.
Alfie Allen
Jerome Flynn
Phew, what a relief. Jerone knows the value of good personal hygiene whereas Bronn seems content to walk around in his own filth day in and day out. But hey, either way, this guy is one handsome beast.
Jerome Flynn
Joe Dempsie
Oh, Gendry, you poor tortured soul. We’re so sorry you’re technically a bastard child as you were conceived out of wedlock and your father wants nothing to do with you. Man, that’s one tough pill to swallow. But we’re so glad that Joe doesn’t have any of these issues!
Joe Dempsie
Gwendoline Christine
Hey girl! Brienne may be a fierce fighter and a damn good one but off screen, Gwendoline is a dame. No one can deny that.
Gwendoline Christine
Stephen Dillane
Aww, Stannis looks so calm and chill. The look suits him. He definitely should forget all about being some Lord of the Light and needs to open up his own pastry shop.
Stephen Dillane
Charles Dance
We’re about 99.99% sure we’ve never seen Tywin Lannister look like he’s up to no good. It would just be so out of character for him. Then again, maybe he’s trying to pull one over on us.
Charles Dance
Iain Glen
Looks like Sir Jorah may just be dying his hair. Is it all for Khalessi or it just for his character in general? Who knows!
Iain Glen
Sean Bean
Damn it, Ned. Just go ahead and rip my heart out and freaking stamp all over it. We’re still not over it. And if you didn’t already know his tragic fate, well then you’re welcome because at least you can prepare yourself!
Sean Bean
Richard Madden
From one heartbreak to another. If we talk about Robb for long, we’re afraid the tears will never stop. Here’s what we will say, the man is ridiculously handsome. That is all. We will never forgive Game of Thrones, actually more so George R. R. Martin, for what happened to Robb.
Richard Madden
Aidan Gillen
Petyr has an awesome beard, right? Right. But off screen, Aidan prefers to be clean shaven and hey, either way works for us.
Aidan Gillen
Conleth Hill
Yes, we’re 100% sure that this is the same person. No really. Although it is interesting to see what Vary looks like with hair!
Conleth Hill
Michelle Fairley
Catelyn is forever in our hearts as the proud, strong, kind, and generous wife and mother. She is a true inspiration to many. Off screen too.
Michelle Fairley
Jason Momoa
Khal Drogo is fineeeee. Whoa. I mean we just can’t stop starring at him, on and off screen. Duh. Game of Thrones did an excellent job when they chose to cast him alongside Emilia Clarke.
Jason Momoa
Jonathan Pryce
The High Sparrow was unfortunately defeated by Cersei at the brutal end of season six. However Welsh actor Jonathan Pryce is the man behind the High Sparrow and he looks fifty shades nicer and kinder than his on-screen counterpart.
Jonathan Pryce
Finn Jones
Loras Tyrell, as you remember is Margaery’s brother, who faced the Faith during his tragic trial just before Cersei’s wildfire laid waste to the Sept of Baelor. English actor Finn Jones however continues to smile on through!
Finn Jones
Roger Ashton-Griffiths
This English actor, screenwriter, and film director definitely looks a lot less frightening and jester-like without all that facial hair.
Roger Ashton-Griffiths
Eugene Simon
Ahh, Lancel Lannister really tried, albeit in vain, to stop wildfire from igniting beneath the Sept of Baelor. Eugene Simon, the British actor, who plays the part looks a tad bit different, mainly the hair length really.
Eugene Simon
Hannah Waddingham
English actress Hannah Waddingham plays the extremely strict Septa on Game of Thrones and who knew these blonde locks lurked under her grey habit?
Hannah Waddingham
Hafþór Júlíus “Thor” Björnsson
Meet the Mountain, aka Ser Gregor Clegane, who is played by the Icelandic professional strongman Hafþór Júlíus “Thor” Björnsson. Get this, in real life “Thor” is a 6-foot-9 giant who eats more than 10,000 calories per day. He is truly fit to play the Mountain.
Hafþór Júlíus “Thor” Björnsson
Dean-Charles Chapman
Ahem, it’s the kindhearted boy king himself, Mister Tommen Baratheon who is portrayed by the brilliant English actor Dean-Charles Chapman.
Dean Charles Chapman
Julian Glover
Long before Maester Pycelle was killed by Qyburn’s birds, Julian Glover held a number of different roles. Which include that of General Maximilian Veers in Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back and as the James Bond villain Aristotle Kristatos.
Julian Glover
Nathalie Emmanuel
In the show, Missandei is Daenerys’s most trusted adviser however in the real world, she’s played by the incredibly regal English actress Nathalie Emmanuel.
Nathalie Emmanuel
Jacob Anderson
Look! It’s Grey Worm, the leader of Daenerys’ unsullied troops. Grey Worm is portrayed by the British actor and singer Jacob Anderson and he surely looks different than his character.
Jacob Anderson
Gemma Whelan
Yara Greyjoy in the flesh, folks. Although, she’s played by the brilliant Gemma Whelan, an English actress and comedian. Some would say, she doesn’t resemble her character, right? Right.
Gemma Whelan
Michiel Huisman
Lover boy Daario Naharis is up next of course and the Dutch actor Michael Huisman is just as *ahem* attractive offscreen. Anyone wanting to re-watch Game of Thrones from the beginning now?
Michiel Huisman
Liam Cunningham
Davos Seaworth, aka the Onion Knight, is played by the insanely gifted Irish actor Liam Cunningham, who just so happens to keep his beard a bit more trim in the real world.
Liam Cunningham
Kristofer Hivju
Ah yes, the Norwegian actor Kristofer Hivju does in fact have that extravagant beard in real life, although it’s slightly more tame than the fierce Tormund Giantsbane.
Kristofer Hivju
Owen Teale
Welsh actor Owen Teale, who plays vindictive Ser Alliser Thorne, looks actually rather friendly in real life. Game of Thrones sure knows to nail its casting.
Owen Teale
Iwan Rheon
Welsh actor Iwan Rheon is 100% not as evil as his character, Ramsay Bolton, the despicable heir of House Bolton.
Iwan Rheon
Michael McElhatton
The legendary Irish actor Michael McElhatton surely played the part of sadistic and cold-blooded Roose Bolton to a tee. Hands down.
Michael McElhatton
Art Parkinson
At just age seven, Irish actor Art Parkinson began his career playing Rickon Stark on Game of Thrones, who sadly was just killed by Ramsay Bolton during the Battle of the Bastards. Ugh.
Art Parkinson
Natalia Tena
British actress Natalia Tena also played the beloved Nymphadora Tonks in the Harry Potter film series. While on Game of Thrones, she played the incredible wildling Osha.
Natalia Tena
Daniel Portman
The character of Podrick, Tyrion’s former squire, is portrayed by the dashing Scottish actor Daniel Portman, who looks drastically different offscreen.
Daniel Portman
Faye Marsay
Faye Marsay is the British actress who plays the absolutely terrible Waif on Game of Thrones. Safe to say that offscreen, Faye is more polished.
Faye Marsay
Lena Headey
If Cersei ever chopped her hair off and went for a darker look, it would only make her more fierce and sinister. And that would be so very bad a** of her. But for Cersei to smile? Yeah, not gonna happen.
Lena Headey
Thomas Wlaschiha
Hey-o! Jaqen H’ghar is played the stunning German actor Thomas Wlaschiha who is darn handsome in real life. Like scorching handsome. Game of Thrones sure has an impressive cast!
Thomas Wlaschiha
Sophie Turner
Sansa may not have very many things to smile about but Sophie sure does! And just look at how chic her style is, not bad at all. We’re looking to see what happenes to her character in season eight of Game of Thrones.
Sophie Turner
Emilia Clarke
Blonde or brunette. Short or long hair. We really don’t care! Emilia Clarke is a dreamboat on all counts. Which is why she’s perfect as Daenerys Targaryen and always will be.
Emilia Clarke
