Maisie Williams – Arya Stark

Maisie Williams burst onto our screens as Arya Stark when she was just 14. From her unforgettable tryst with death to her assassination of the Night King, Arya’s character arc was nothing short of legendary. Just when you thought you’d seen it all, she morphed into Wolfsbane in “The New Mutants,” a 2020 film.

Beyond Westeros and mutants, she gave punk a new muse as Pamela “Jordan” Rooke in the TV film “Pistol.” Yet, Maisie’s talents aren’t confined to the screen; she co-founded Daisie in 2019, a digital haven for rising artists. 2023 marked her split from fashion magnate Reuben Selby, but something tells us she’s just getting started.

Sophie Turner – Sansa Stark

Sophie Turner, of the flaming locks and ferocious GoT spirit, took our screens by storm as Sansa Stark, sparking a career more illustrious than a Targaryen family reunion. Nailing seven SAG nominations and an Emmy nod along the way, she’s the queen we chose; no dragons needed.

Post-GoT, she’s shape-shifted into roles like Jean Grey in “Dark Phoenix” and turned comedy on its head in Netflix’s “Do Revenge.” The HBO prodigal daughter returned mightily in “The Staircase.” Off-screen, she’s navigated the role of a lifetime: Mrs. Joe Jonas. Their 2019 wedding featured Maisie Williams as the MOH, and they became parents to two mini divas.

Gwendoline Christie – Brienne of Tarth

Cast as the valiant Brienne of Tarth in “Game of Thrones,” Gwendoline Christie swept the audience off their feet and snagged an Emmy nomination to boot. She transitioned faster than you can say “Winter is Coming” into big-budget flicks like “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” and “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2.”

After captivating Westeros, she conquered Tinseltown with gems like “Our Friend” and “The Personal History of David Copperfield.” But wait, there’s more! She mesmerized as a shapeshifting star in “Wednesday” and embodied the devilish ‘Lucifer Morningstar’ in Netflix’s “Sandman.” And in the midst of it all, she found love with fashion designer Giles Deacon.

Lino Facioli – Robin Arryn

At the tender age of 11, Lino Facioli swooped into our lives as Robin Arryn in the iconic series “Game of Thrones.” Though his screen time counted a mere nine appearances, his grand finale entrance was the pop culture jolt no one knew they needed. He went from being the kid we giggled at to the grown-up we all did a double-take on.

In 2014, he set the Brazilian excelled in his role in the Brazilian film “O Menino no Espelho.” And if you’re scrolling through Netflix, you might spot him as ‘Dex Thompson,’ the brainiac in “S*x Education.” It’s safe to say that Lino’s journey has only kicked off.

Lena Headey – Cersei Lannister

Lena Headey, the exceptional actress, had us all gripping our remotes as the devious Cersei Lannister, racking up five Emmy nominations and seven nods from the Screen Actors Guild. But she’s not just a one-hit wonder; she’s also lent her vocal prowess to animated gems like “Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” and “Infinity Train.”

Lena married actor Marc Menchaca in 2022, adding a touch of real-life romance to her already exciting reel life. Not just a queen of drama, she is also the queen of her household, parenting son Wylie and daughter Teddy. These days, she’s as busy being a mom as she is being a superstar.

Emilia Clarke – Daenerys Targaryen

Who could’ve predicted that a role as Daenerys Targaryen in “Game of Thrones” would set Emilia Clarke’s career ablaze? With a trophy shelf teeming with nominations from Critics’ Choice Awards, SAG Awards, and the grand Emmys, Emilia has enchanted us in the holiday rom-com “Last Christmas,” kept us on the edge of our seats in “Above Suspicion,” and wowed us in 2023’s “The Pod Generation.”

She also lent her vocal chops to the animated gem “The Amazing Maurice” and even forayed into a faraway galaxy in “Solo: A Star Wars Story.” Her charity, “SameYou,” puts the spotlight on a critical issue—helping young souls recover from strokes and brain injuries.

Isaac Hempstead Wright – Bran Stark

Remember when Isaac Hempstead Wright was just a 12-year-old getting pushed out of windows as Bran Stark in “Game of Thrones?” His performance in the series soared higher than a dragon, earning him a Young Artist Award nod and contributing to four SAG nominations for the ensemble cast. He didn’t just survive the labyrinth of dragons and political intrigue; he thrived.

Life after the Seven Kingdoms looks pretty rad for him. He’s put the psychic visions on hold to get a neuroscience degree. 2021 saw him in “Voyagers,” a film grappling with climate change, interstellar travel, and teenage hormones. Yep, Isaac’s allure isn’t limited to a medieval fantasy; it’s universal.

Michiel Huisman – Daario Naharis

Dutch actor Michiel Huisman appeared as the swashbuckling Daario Naharis in “Game of Thrones.” His charisma was the hit of Westeros, but it was just the opening act. Since bidding adieu to dragons and swords, he’s been ticking off acting challenges like a kid in a cinematic candy store.

He gave us the heebie-jeebies in “The Haunting of Hill House” and engaged in international intrigue in “The Red Sea Diving Resort.” There’s also “The Other Lamb,” “The Last Right,” and even a sprinkle of holiday magic in “A Boy Called Christmas.” Oh, and did we mention he strums a guitar and pens some tunes? Now, that’s what we call range.

Rose Leslie – Ygritte

When Rose Leslie let her arrows fly as Ygritte, the lovably defiant wildling in “Game of Thrones,” fans knew they were in for more than just another starry-eyed character. A SAG Award nod and critical raves later, it was clear Ygritte wasn’t the only one who knew “something” about making a mark.

The fiery Scot didn’t just pack up her bow and arrow post-Westeros. She chilled us to the bone in the horror flick “Honeymoon” and raised legal eyebrows on “The Good Fight.” Oh, and she turned her on-screen love affair with Kit Harington into wedlock in 2018. Talk about method acting!

Richard Madden – Robb Stark

From the snowy landscapes of Westeros as the honorable Robb Stark to the glitzy red carpet of Hollywood, Richard Madden’s journey has been nothing short of spectacular. Once praised for his portrayal of a determined young Stark, Madden’s success story was only beginning.

Fast forward, and he has successfully dodged bullets in “Bodyguard,” which earned him a shiny Golden Globe. Ever versatile, he serenaded us as John Reid in “Rocket Man,” then flaunted superpowers as Ikaris in the superhero flick “Eternals.” Richard’s evolution in the limelight isn’t just about roles but a testament to his unyielding talent and charm. As for his relationships, he loves to keep things private.

Carice van Houten – Melisandre

Melisandre, the flame-haired vixen who had us all gripping our seats in “Game of Thrones.” That’s the magnetic Carice van Houten for you. Long before she was igniting pyres in Westeros, this Dutch diva appeared in films like “Black Book” and “Valkyrie.” After her “Game of Thrones” tenure, Carice didn’t ride off into the sunset.

Instead, she took center stage in the 2019 thriller “Instinct,” which debuted with a bang at the Locarno Film Festival. Then, she kept us captivated with her riveting role in the Dutch series “Red Light.” But the cherry on top? Carice’s 2012 self-titled EP proves that her talents aren’t just confined to the silver screen.

Aidan Gillen – Petyr Baelish (Littlefinger)

Aidan Gillen left such an impression as Petyr Baelish, the scheming, ladder-climbing rogue from “Game of Thrones,” you can almost hear him whispering dark promises. The Irish gem has continued to dazzle even after the dragons and dire wolves said their goodbyes.

Switching gears, he slipped into the shoes of historical greats like James Joyce in “James and Lucia” and the joke-slinging Dave Allen in “Dave Allen at Peace.” He’s also dabbled in organized crime in “Peaky Blinders” and delved into extraterrestrial conspiracies in “Project Blue Book.” Versatile, engaging, and endlessly captivating, Aidan remains an actor you’ll want to keep an eye on; no Three-Eyed Ravens are required.

Conleth Hill – Varys

Conleth Hill stood out as Varys, the crafty spymaster with a sharp tongue. His masterful performance left fans awestruck, transforming a shadowy character into an intricate maze of moral ambiguity and political brilliance. When the snow settled, he dove deeper into the world of make-believe.

Conleth donned a different wig to become Ivan in Donmar Warehouse’s rendition of “The Night of the Iguana.” The stage isn’t unfamiliar terrain for him; he snagged a Laurence Olivier Award nomination for his role in “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” His magnetic pull extends to the silver screen, too, with compelling performances in films like “The Aftermath” and “The Dig.”

John Bradley – Samwell Tarly

John Bradley, the man behind the lovable nerd Samwell Tarly, captured our hearts on “Game of Thrones.” Initially a shy, timid fellow too scared to hold a sword, Sam evolved into a real hero by the series’ end, all thanks to the English actor’s on-point acting chops. Post-“Thrones,” he donned a cloak of a different kind in the TV series “Dracula,” proving that he’s not just a one-hit wonder.

Then, swapping blood-sucking for belly laughs, John teamed up with Pete Davidson in “The King of Staten Island.” Each role showcases a new facet of his talent, leaving us constantly eager for his next act.

Liam Cunningham – Davos Seaworth

Liam Cunningham, the man behind the beloved Davos Seaworth, didn’t just win hearts in Westeros. With a touch of nuance and a dash of honesty, he transformed Davos from a mere knight and advisor to an icon. This stellar portrayal in the early “Game of Thrones” days earned him critical acclaim.

But life post-Westeros? Oh, it’s been a roller-coaster! Liam teamed up with Blake Lively in the pulse-pounding “The Rhythm Section.” Then, he dived deep into drama with “Way Down” in 2020, proving his range. And, if you missed him on the big screen, he popped up in the TV series “Electric Dreams.” Talent just can’t hide.

Jason Momoa – Khal Drogo

Remember when Jason Momoa was just the eye-candy lifeguard saving sunburned tourists? Those days are long gone. Once just a ripple in “Baywatch,” he made waves as Khal Drogo, the brooding Dothraki leader in “Game of Thrones.”

And just when we thought he couldn’t get any wetter, he plunged into the DC pool as “Aquaman,” splashing his way to action stardom in 2018. He swapped swords for zombies with Peter Dinklage in 2020’s “Good Bad & Undead.” Jason ventured into dreamy realms two years later in Netflix’s “Slumberland.” While critics played see-saw on the film, they all agreed: his acting prowess is no snooze-fest!

Stephen Dillane – Stannis Baratheon

Once, a journalist, Stephen Dillane, came into our living rooms as Stannis Baratheon—the brooding royal. He’d also racked up kudos in the series “The Hours” and snagged a Tony Award for his role in “The Real Thing.” Now, just because the Iron Throne went up in smoke doesn’t mean he did. He’s kept the reels rolling, jumping from the silver screen to the small screen without missing a beat.

Whether he’s playing a dictionary wizard in “The Professor and the Madman” or diving into espionage in the TV series “Alex Rider,” he is as adaptable as a chameleon. While Stannis didn’t sit on the throne, Stephen certainly reigns supreme.

Sean Bean – Ned Stark

Sean Bean is the man who brought the honorable Ned Stark to life. He amassed a die-hard following and no shortage of accolades for his early portrayal of Winterfell’s ill-fated patriarch. Just a whiff of that northern British accent and audiences were hooked, and critics dazzled.

Sean has juggled the TV and silver screen like a pro. In “The Frankenstein Chronicles,” he was the show’s magnetic core. Fast-forward to “The Martian,” and he captained spaceships with gravitas. The British actor stole hearts in the prison drama “Time” and shook the earth in the action-packed “Snowpiercer.” He continues to weave his enigmatic spell, proving he’s far more than a one-role wonder.

Kit Harington – Jon Snow

Kit Harington didn’t just stumble into the complex role of Jon Snow; he trained at the prestigious Central School of Speech and Drama in London. His years there sharpened his acting skills and primed him for a role that required brooding looks and intricate layers of emotion.

Later, Kit tangled with legal dilemmas as a smug real estate agent in Netflix’s “Criminal: UK” and swung a Marvel-worthy sword in “Eternals.” More recently, he put a fresh spin on romance in the TV series “Modern Love.” On the personal front, life’s been pretty grand, too: a marriage to co-star Rosie Leslie and a little one to boot.

Charles Dance – Tywin Lannister

If you’re bewitched by Charles Dance’s masterful depiction of the cold-blooded Tywin Lannister,  know that long before ruling the Seven Kingdoms on “Game of Thrones,” this acting virtuoso was earning his chops in the theater and snatching up memorable roles that showcased his incredible range.

Whether he was sharing the screen with Benedict Cumberbatch in the dramatic tapestry of “The Imitation Game” or making brief but impactful appearances in sci-fi hits like “Ghostbusters,” Charles was preparing for world domination—or at least, screen domination. His performances in “The Widow” and “Godzilla: King of the Monsters” continued to lure audiences into a web of emotions.

Rory McCann – Sandor Clegane (The Hound)

Before donning the burnt armor of Sandor Clegane, Rory McCann was nothing short of a jack-of-all-trades. Picture this: a young Scot beautifying bridges with a paintbrush in one hand and crafting quaint gardens with the other. Yep, this fearsome Hound used to be a street performer, too.

When the credits rolled on “Game of Thrones,” Rory didn’t hang up his spurs. Our versatile lad turned gunslinger in “Slow West” then rocked a power-hungry persona in “Jumanji: The Next Level.” And let’s not forget—this guy once jammed on guitar and harmonica for the long-gone band “Thundersoup.” Now, that’s what you call an acting range wider than the Seven Kingdoms!

Jack Gleeson – King Joffrey Baratheon

Jack Gleeson is the man who made us root for a lion to eat him as King Joffrey in “Game of Thrones.” Just 19 and armed with a villainous smirk, he graced our screens, captivating us for four unforgettable years. Then, he hit pause on his acting career, throwing everyone for a loop.

In 2021, he resurfaced in the acting world, but not where you’d expect. He appeared in indie films like “Rebecca’s Boyfriend” and TV shows like “Out of Her Mind.” But that’s not all—Jack’s even wearing the philanthropic hat. Co-founding Dublin-based theater company Collapsing Horse, he proves that life after royalty isn’t so bad after all.

Peter Dinklage – Tyrion Lannister

Remember when Peter Dinklage raised a goblet as Tyrion Lannister and made us all fall under his spell? This guy took the world by storm, not just by conquering the Seven Kingdoms on screen but also by earning a Golden Globe nomination for his role in “Cyrano de Bergerac.” Oh, and who could forget his cameo as Eitri in “Avengers: Infinity War”?

Moreover, this man’s voice has resonated through “Transformers: Rise of the Beasts” and “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes,” captivating ears just as he captivated hearts on-screen. Meanwhile, if you find yourself in San Francisco, don’t miss his lifelike wax doppelgänger at Madame Tussauds.

Nikolaj Coster-Waldau – Jaime Lannister

Nikolaj Coster-Waldau is the two-times Emmy-nominated Danish dynamo who portrayed the morally complex Jaime “Kingslayer” Lannister. It’s not just his chiseled jawline that snags your attention; it’s the range, the guts, the whole acting buffet this guy offers. Before he ever set foot in Westeros, he was flexing his dramatic muscles in movies like “Black Hawk Down” and “Headhunters.”

Post-GOT, his memorable endeavors include gripping titles like “God Is a Bullet,” “Domino,” and “Exit Plan.” The cherry on top? Co-starring with Jennifer Garner in Apple TV+’s miniseries, “The Last Thing He Told Me.” He’s just a down-to-earth family man, sharing the spotlight with his multi-talented wife, Nukâka, and their gifted offspring.

Pedro Pascal – Oberyn Martell

From captivating us as the fierce and charming Oberyn Martell in “Game of Thrones” to earning a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination, Pedro Pascal’s rise in Hollywood has been nothing short of spectacular. From there, he dove into the perilous world of “Narcos” as the infamous Pablo Escobar.

But the galaxy wasn’t too far away as he soon donned the iconic helmet in “The Mandalorian,” gaining heaps of admiration. And who could forget his power-packed performance in “Wonder Woman 1984”? His versatility ensures that he’s not just a fleeting star but a Hollywood staple. Cheers to many more roles, Pedro!

Kristofer Hivju – Tormund Giantsbane

We all know Kristofer Hivju as the bearded bad-boy wildling in “Game of Thrones,” but don’t let the fur and face fuzz fool you. This guy’s as multi-talented as you can imagine. From playing a sidekick to Charlize Theron’s character in “The Fate of the Furious” to playing Michel in “Downhill,” he can own the screen.

Remember him in that rather-forgettable 2013 sci-fi flick, “After Earth,” helmed by twist-master M. Night Shyamalan? Many Thrones fans do not know he’s also a die-hard disc golf enthusiast. When he’s not stealing scenes or hearts, he’s out there promoting frisbee-with-a-twist at a local park.

Jerome Flynn – Bronn

Jerome Flynn didn’t just saunter into our hearts as Bronn, the rogue knight with a silver tongue in “Game of Thrones.” This chap already had a fan parade marching behind him, thanks to his musical days as one-half of the UK chart-topping pop duo “Robson & Jerome.” The duo’s resounding success eventually nudged him toward an acting career.

Life after the Seven Kingdoms hasn’t been dull for Flynn either. He smoothly transitioned to Victorian-era London in the crime drama “Ripper Street,” earning respect from critics for his role as Bennet Drake. He was also in the artsy flick “Loving Vincent” and in the action-packed “John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum.”

Diana Rigg – Olenna Tyrell

Before Olenna Tyrell dished out sass in “Game of Thrones,” Diana Rigg was already shaking things up as Emma Peel, the stylish and empowered spy in the 1960s series “The Avengers.” Emma Peel busted through gender norms and zipped up leather suits long before it was a hashtag campaign. She even snagged a Tony Award for her gut-wrenching role in “Medea.”

After the Iron Throne melted and the screen went dark, Diana didn’t fade away. She continued to floor us as Mrs. Higgins in the Broadway revival of “My Fair Lady.” She exited the stage of life in 2020, but her roles ensure she’ll forever be a pop culture icon.

Alfie Allen – Theon Greyjoy

Alfie Allen is the guy who wore many emotional hats as Theon Greyjoy in the colossal TV series “Game of Thrones.” He had to navigate Theon through kidnappings, identity crises, and, ahem, some questionable family dynamics. The actor has showcased his dynamic range across different film genres, delivering characters that oscillate between deeply flawed and endlessly intriguing.

Since bidding farewell to his Greyjoy alter ego, he shined in the critically acclaimed film “Jojo Rabbit,” and let’s not forget his role in the British drama miniseries “The Murders at White House Farm.” Alfie has also flexed his theatrical muscles in the play “The Spoils,” proving that his artistry knows no bounds.

Natalie Dormer – Margaery Tyrell

Natalie Dormer’s cunning portrayal of the savvy Margaery Tyrell captivated viewers. But did you know this wasn’t her first rodeo? She cut her acting teeth on various roles, honing the skills that would later make her a household name. That fictitious throne was just one chair in the elaborate dining set for the British actress.

Natalia dipped her toes into the dystopian waters of “The Hunger Games,” penning and starring in the Australian drama “In Darkness” and dazzling London’s West End in “Venus in Fur.” From stage to screen, this woman’s a chameleon, transforming into characters as effortlessly as you can imagine.