This is not the first time that Game of Thrones star Emilia Clarke has spoken about her struggle with brain aneurysm. Back in 2019 the actor — who gave us one of GoT’s favourite characters, Khaleesi — mentioned that she was diagnosed with the serious health issue. Soon after, she started SameYou, an organisation that works with brain injury survivors by empowering them with mental and emotional support and rehabilitation services.

In a recent interview, Clarke shared more details of her infirmity, adding that GoT kept her veritably motivated. Clarke reportedly experienced her first aneurysm in 2011 and then again in 2013 — she was actively shooting for the HBO series at the time.   

The actor experienced her first stroke in the gym and had to eventually undergo surgery. “The amount of my brain that is no longer usable — it’s remarkable that I am able to speak, sometimes articulately, and live my life completely normally with absolutely no repercussions,” she has stated.

Much of the work that she does with SameYou is hinged on her personal experience. Clarke is aware that she’s belongs to a very small group of people, given that she’s able to continue living a regular life — a brain aneurysm can lead to internal haemorrhage and seriously incapacitate the patient by compromising their cognitive abilities. The actor will be seen next in Marvel’s Secret Invasion in what is reportedly a key role. Clarke’s fortitude is exemplary and it’s all the #MondayMotivation we needed today!

(Featured Image Caption: Emilia Clarke/ Instagram)