Entertainment
What Does ‘Game Of Thrones’ Cast Look Like In Real Life? The Series’ Women Are Even More Badass Outside Westeros
Do you ever wonder what the women of Game of Thrones look like in real life? You know, in modern clothes, rather than the gorgeous medieval-inspired gowns/badass armor, and with boho, beachy waves, as opposed to ultra-elaborate braided wigs? A select few actors match their onscreen counterparts quite well, while most of the others (ahem, BRIENNE OF TARTH) have a totally different attitude on the red carpet than they have when they're just trying to get by in the Seven Kingdoms. When you see them, you'll make quite a few double takes (perhaps even a spit take or two) — it's almost as jarring as seeing your favorite Westerosi men without their beards.
So, ready to see what Daenerys Targaryen and co look like IRL? Read on to find out. (Spoiler alert: They all look a LOT happier in real life).
Image: Macall B. Polay/HBO
Daenerys Targaryen
On the show, Daenerys is known for her Valyrian blonde hair…
Image: Courtesy of HBO
Emilia Clarke
… but it’s actually a wig. In real life, Clarke is a lot happier and a lot more brunette.
Cersei Lannister
In King’s Landing, Cersei’s so renowned for her elaborate hairdos that a young Sansa Stark had her hand maidens replicate them.
Image: Macall B. Polay/HBO
Lena Headey
Headey, on the other hand? She’s been known to rock a cropped ‘do, not so unlike the Sparrow-shorn Cersei from the Season 5 finale.
Oh, and as you can see, she’s also a fan of tattoos.
Arya Stark
Arya’s taken on a lot of identities, even before studying with the Faceless Men — but most of them have been some form of street urchin or servant.
Image: Helen Sloan/HBO
Maisie Williams
Williams couldn’t be more different than her onscreen alter-ego — she’s always dressed to the nines on the red carpet, and her selfie game is fierce.
Sansa Stark
Poor Sansa had quite the awful season, and her uncharacteristically somber wardrobe reflected that.
Image: Helen Sloan/HBO
Sophie Turner
Sophie has all the sass and attitude that Sansa would have probably lost her head and/or been flayed for displaying openly.
Brienne of Tarth
On the show, Gwendoline Christie’s character is often mocked as “Brienne the Beauty.”
Image: Helen Sloan/HBO
Gwendoline Christie
In real life, though? Christie’s got style chops to spare, and she’s been known to totally rock the whole Marilyn look.
Melisandre
It’s tough to imagine the Red Woman without her signature fabulous red hair.
Image: Helen Sloan/HBO
Carice Van Houten
Van Houten, luckily, is just as fabulous (and hopefully less murderous) than the character she portrays.
Olenna Tyrell
We didn’t get nearly enough of the Queen of Thorns this season, did we? Hopefully we’ll see her get Margaery and Loras out of prison in Season 6…
Image: Helen Sloan/HBO
Diana Rigg
Without her Thrones headdress, Rigg looks quite stylish with a simple bob.
Margaery Tyrell
In Westeros, Margaery Tyrell is quite the fashionista — she’s known for her trend-setting and daring taste.
Image: Helen Sloan/HBO
Natalie Dormer
In the real world, Dormer is just as gung-ho and avant garde when it comes to her fashion choices — and she shares the same coy smirk (though according to her, her mouth is just shaped that way).
Missandei
Missandei’s always been pretty darn fabulous (she and Dany have the cut-out dresses on lock), and she has some seriously enviable hair game.
Image: Helen Sloan/HBO
Nathalie Emmanuel
So too, does Emmanuel — when she’s not busy filming, you’ll likely catch her showing her style chops in the front row of a fashion show.
Shireen Baratheon
Poor Shireen was mostly known for her greyscale scars and untimely death (oh, and her adorable reading lessons with Ser Davos, of course).
Image: Helen Sloan/HBO
Kerry Ingram
Ingram, though, is doing just fine: She already picked up an Olivier Award (seen here with her statue, third from the left) back in 2012, and she’s got a whole career to look forward to.
Ellaria Sand
Ellaria always keeps things fierce (literally and figuratively) — her style was amazing, and her hair and makeup were arguably even better.
Image: Macall B. Polay/HBO
Indira Varma
Again, hair game just as solid — but she looks a lot less likely to murder a young child!
Obara Sand
Obara Sand seemed to have the most practical, tomboyish fashion sense of all her sisters.
Image: Macall B. Polay/HBO
Keisha Castle-Hughes
Castle-Hughes, though, doesn’t shy away from a good fascinator if the situation calls for it.
Nymeria Sand
Ready to kick some ass, bullwhip in hand…
Image: Helen Sloan/HBO
Tyene Sand
Tyene was known throughout Dorne for her poisoned knives, and when she wasn’t wearing Dorne-approved diaphanous gowns, she would wear battle-ready armor.
Image: Macall B. Polay/HBO
Rosabell Laurenti Sellers
You won’t catch Sellers wearing boiled leather armor in real life (and she won’t poison you either. Hopefully).
Myrcella Baratheon
Actual Disney princess Myrcella Baratheon had some of the prettiest dresses in Westeros, prior to her bloody death in her father-uncle’s arms.
Image: Macall B. Polay/HBO
Nell Tiger Free
Free is just as lovely as her onscreen counterpart, and seems to be enjoying life post-deadly hemorrhage.
