Game of Thrones is undoubtedly one of the most popular shows to have ever graced the small screen. With its vast world and intriguing characters, this monster HBO original from writer George R.R. Martin premiered to great acclaim and a healthy fan craze. Part of the success is the cast, who are made up of some well-known names and newcomers alike.
Here is a look at what some of the brilliant cast was up to before they entered the world of Westeros.
From Supporting Roles… (Peter Dinklage)
It’s no secret that Peter Dinklage has become the top dog since GOT’s first season. But before that, Dinklage was making a name for himself as a strong supporting player in movies such as Death at a Funeral, Elf, The Chronicles of Narnia and Find Me Guilty.
To The Spotlight - (Tyrion Lannister)
But thanks to his role as Tyrion Lannister, Dinklage has finally found the recognition he has so richly deserved (and some nice awards for his shelf too).
From Early Accolades…. (Maisie Williams)
Right from the start, Maisie Williams has achieved critical success, having won the London Film Critics Circle Award for her feature film debut The Falling.
To Even More Awards - (Arya Stark)
But now thanks to her turn as Arya Stark of Winterfell, Williams has chalked up an Emmy nomination and international fame. Not bad for someone her age.
Roots In Sci-FI And Fantasy…. (Lena Heady)
Lena Headey is no stranger to sci-fi and fantasy, having had some of her biggest roles in projects such as The Sarah Conner Chronicles and the 300 film series.
To Even More - (Cersei Lannister)
But thanks to her work as Cersei Lannister, Headey has moved on from cult hits to full-on fantasy/sci-fi queen, earning both fame and critical acclaim for her work.
From Pretty Face…. (Kit Harington)
Before GOT, Kit Harington was one of those actors in movies such as Pompeii and Silent Hill: Revelation that you probably remember by looking at him, but not by his name.
To Ultimate Fan Favorite - (Jon Snow)
However, after landing the plum role of Jon Snow, Harington’s name is now plastered on the lips of every GOT fan, and even a few people that don’t even watch the show.
From One Fantasy Franchise… (Sean Bean)
Actor Sean Bean has been a respected name in film for a long time and has even appeared in legendary franchises such as The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Giving him one of the all-time great meme photos.
To Another - (Ned Stark)
His work as Ned Stark has taken him to another level, giving more eyes a chance to see Sean Bean doing what he does best.
From The First Avenger (Natalie Dormer)
Natalie Dormer has quite a resume, with roles that vary from the likes of Captain America: The First Avenger to playing Anne Boleyn on The Tudors.
Right To Westeros - (Margaery Tyrell)
Yet even while playing Margaery Tyrell, Dormer still manages to find time to play roles in films like The Hunger Games series and on TV in shows such as Elementary.
From Indie Hits (Sophie Turner)
Game of Thrones was Sophie Turner’s big time debut, and it allowed her to wet her feet in a few small indie movies such as Barely Lethal and Another Me, usually in supporting roles.
To The Big Time - (Sansa Stark)
Now, her break as Sansa Stark has lead the young Turner to much bigger projects, most notably as the latest Jean Grey in X-Men: Apocalypse.
Start In Shorts And TV (Emilia Clarke)
Before becoming known as Daenerys Targaryen, Emilia Clark got her modest start in a few shorts and TV shows like Shackled, Drop the Dog and Doctors.
To Terminator-Sized Roles - (Daenerys Targaryen)
Game of Thrones has put her on the path to even greener pastures with roles in films such as Me Before You, Terminator: Genisys, and the upcoming Han Solo film. Not bad at all.
Definitely Memorable… (Jason Mamoa)
So not only has Momoa found himself in movies such as the Conan reboot, he will also appear as Aquaman in the upcoming Justice League movie.
But Short Lived - (Khal Drago)
Former model Jason Momoa may not have lasted long as Khal Drago on Game of Thrones, but his beautiful and charismatic presence has found its way onto even bigger projects.
Finds New Life After… (Rosie Leslie)
On the contrary, Leslie has been busy racking up credits in such diverse projects as Downton Abbey, Luther, The Last Witch Hunter and The Good Fight.
Jon Snow’s Former Love - (Ygritte)
Rose Leslie played Ygritte, Jon Snow’s former lover who met an untimely death in Season 4. But just because her time was cut short doesn’t mean Rose Leslie fell into the background.
Making A Brand… (Charles Dance)
It should come as no surprise that Charles Dance, the man who plays Tywin Lannister, has a history of playing the domineering, ruthless bad guy.
Out Of Being A Villain - (Tywin Lannister)
With roles in _Underworld: Blood Wars _and Dracula Untold under his belt, he has made a brand of being the big bad, and will probably do so in any future project.
Early Breakthroughs… (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau)
Nikolaj Coster-Waldau had appeared in a list of films before his big breakthrough in the war film Black Hawk Down, then moved on to portray Jaime Lannister on Game of Thrones.
To Even More Credits - (Jamie Lannister)
Now it seems as if there is no stopping his credits, which include the horror film Mama, the comedy The Other Woman, and the fantasy Gods of Egypt.
A Start In Period Dramas (Alfie Allen)
Brother to singer Lilly Allen, Alfie Allen got his start playing supporting roles in mostly period dramas, such as The Other Boleyn Girl and Elizabeth.
To The Land Of Fantasy - (Theon Greyjoy)
Game of Thrones raised his profile enough to get him into bigger projects, most notably John Wick and the upcoming sequel to the original Predator film.
From Singer And Hitmaker… (Jerome Flynn)
In the 90’s, Jerome Flynn was part of the duo known as Robson and Jerome. They secured hits with their cover of “Unchained Melody” and singles “I Believe” and “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.”
To Actor - (Bronn)
Now fans recognize Flynn as Bronn, a skilled sellsword who championed for Tyrion Lannister during his trial by combat. He then becomes Tyrion’s bodyguard and enforcer.
From Small Parts (Jack Gleeson)
It takes a lot to leap from small parts such as “Little Boy” in Batman Begins and “Kid” in Reign of Fire, but that is exactly what Jack Gleeson did.
To The Most Hated Person On TV - (Joffrey Baratheon)
Plus he made a splash as Joffrey Baratheon, the spoiled (to say the least) child who eventually would become one of the most hated characters in all of TV.