Game of Thrones: How old were the stars of the series then and now?

It’s been over four years since Game of Thrones ended, and while fans can debate its finish, they can’t argue about what a great ride the show was. Adapting the bestselling novels by George R.R. Martin, the fantastic clashes for power in Westeros sparked an Emmy-winning smash hit that still retains a lot of entertainment.

Helping was the terrific cast who sold the twists and turns along with a lot of wild action. The show was never shy about bumping a major character off and leading others on some dark turns. It’s also fun to look back and see how the characters aged as the show went on.

While Game of Thrones had one of the most sprawling casts in television history, here is how old the major players were when the show began and how old they are now to marvel at how this show pushed them on.

How old was Kit Harington on Game of Thrones?

As Jon Snow, the bastard son who’s truly the heir to the Iron Throne, Kit Harington was boosted to stardom by the series. Born on December 28, 1986, Harington was only 24 when he took on the role, eventually marrying co-star Rose Leslie. Having survived Jon’s infamous “death,” the actor is now 36 and joining the MCU as the Black Knight.

How old was Emilia Clarke on Game of Thrones?

While not the original choice for Daenerys, Emilia Clarke made the role her own for a fantastic run. Born October 23, 1986, the English actress was 24 when she landed her star-making part. The actress is now 36 and keeping busy with roles such as the new Secret Invasion series and ready for bigger parts.

How old was Lena Headey on Game of Thrones?

Already established as a star with roles in movies like 300 and The Sarah Connor Chronicles, Lena Heady was 37 when cast as the conniving Cersei Lannister. She showed her grit throughout the show’s run to its wild end. Born October 3, 1973, and about to hit 50, Headey keeps busy today in movies like Gunpowder Milkshake to White House Plumbers.

How old was Nikolaj Coster-Waldau on Game of Thrones?

Playing Jaime Lannister, who goes from a villainous role to more of an anti-hero, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau was born July 27, 1970. His turn as Jamie, which he began at 40, saw him become more of a dashing sexy symbol, and the now 52-year-old actor balances movie work with TV shows such as The Last Thing He Told Me.

How old was Peter Dinklage on Game of Thrones?

The fan-favorite pick to play Tyrion Lannister, Peter Dinklage, made the role a standout on the series, earning a record four Emmy awards. Born June 11, 1969, Dinklage was 41 when the show began. The now 54-year-old is still in high demand from the MCU to voice a villain in Transformers; Rise of the Beasts. 

How old was Sophie Turner on Game of Thrones?

As Sansa Stark, Sophie Turner went from a naive girl to a seasoned politician and leader to become a huge star. Born February 21, 1996, Turner was just 15 when she took on the role and grew well into the role. Now 27, she’s notable for movies like Do Revenge and FOX’s X-Men franchise, and her marriage to Joe Jonas that makes her a tabloid favorite.

How old was Maisie Williams on Game of Thrones?

Born on April 15, 1997, Maisie Williams was only 13 when she took the role of Arya Stark. The actress grew into the part as Arya went from a tomboy gal to a wicked assassin who took down the show’s biggest threat. Now 26, Williams continues to work on various projects like Pistols and her own social media platform.

How old was Isaac Hempstead-Wright on Game of Thrones?

The youngest actor in the original cast, Isaac Hempstead-Wright, was only 11 when he got the part of Bran on the show. Born April 9, 1999, Hempstead-Wright notably had a huge growth spurt on the show, nearly six feet tall by the end, so it’s a good thing Bran’s paralysis had him sitting down all the time. Since the show ended, the 24-year-old Hempstead-Wright has been mostly quiet as he’s focusing more on his college studies.

How old was John Bradley on Game of Thrones?

As Samwell Tarly, John Bradley went from comic relief to a key part of the show as Jon Snow’s main ally and friend. Born September 15, 1988, Bradley was 22 when he gained the role. Now 34, Bradley has been busy with roles in films like Moonfall and Marry Me while also graduating college.

How old was Ian Glen on Game of Thrones?

An accomplished London stage actor, Ian Glen was 49 when he took on the role of Jorah, the former knight who became a major aide for Daenerys. Born June 24, 1961, Glen is now 61 and maintains a busy schedule that includes the Prime Video saga The Rig and Apple TV+’s Silo, among numerous other film roles.

How old was Jerome Flynn on Game of Thrones?

Believe it or not, Jerome Flynn was one half of a British pop singing duo before getting into acting. Born March 16, 1963, the actor was 49 when he won the role of Bronn, the sellsword and unlikely friend to Tyrion. He blanched that with Ripper Street, and recently, the 60-year-old Flynn starred in the hit spin-off 1923.

How old was Gwendoline Christie on Game of Thrones?

With her striking six-foot height, Gwendoline Christie was well-suited to play warrior Brienne of Tarth at 33. Born on October 28, 1978, Christie has remained busy with roles in Star Wars and The Hunger Games series, and most recently, the 44-year-old appeared in Netflix’s The Sandman and Wednesday. 

How old was Alfie Allen on Game of Thrones?

The younger brother of singer Lily Allen, Alfie grew up with a family of a producer father and actor brother, so naturally, he’d join in. He was 24 years old when cast as Theon Greyjoy, who’s put through quite a wild wringer across the series. Born September 12, 1986, Allen is now 36 and recently starred in the SAS: Rogue Heroes series.

How old was Sean Bean on Game of Thrones?

Already famous for roles from Sharpe to Goldeneye, Sean Bean was a great choice for the role of Ned Stark. He was 52 when cast, and fans were shocked when he was brutally killed off before the first season was over. Born April 17, 1959, the 64-year-old Bean continues to work from movies to TV to video games, even as he puts up with the idea that he “dies in every film.”

How old was Michelle Fairley on Game of Thrones?

The Irish actress matched Bean as Catelyn Stark, the wife who goes through a few traumas before a brutal end. She was 39 when cast and continues to work today with the TV shows Gangs of London and Queen Charlotte: A Bridgetorn Story. Born July 1965 (she doesn’t give the exact date), the 59-year-old actress remains a popular TV face.

How old was Richard Madden on Game of Thrones?

On June 18, 1986, Richard Madden was 24 when he was cast as Robb Stark. He did well in the series as Robb becomes King in the North, only to be massacred in the brutal Red Wedding. Since then, Madden has won a Golden Globe for the series Bodyguard and played Ikaris in the MCU Eternals. The 37-year-old actor was most recently seen in the Amazon Prime show Citadel and keeps his action vibes up.

How old was Aidan Gillen on Game of Thrones?

Already an HBO veteran with The Wire, Aidan Gillen was a good choice to play the duplicitous Petyr “Littlefinger” Baelish. He was 43 when cast, having been born on April 24, 1968. A multiple award-nominated actor, the 55-year-old Gillen was most recently seen in Mayor of Kingstown and shows he has a knack for playing conniving characters.

How old was Conleth Hill on Game of Thrones?

Born November 24, 1964, Conleth Hill became a fan-favorite character as Varys, the master spy on the series. He was 46 when he was cast, and notably, his younger brother Ronan won four Emmy awards as a sound mixer for the show. Now 58, Hill appears in British TV shows such as Derry Girls and Holding while still remembered well for Game of Thrones.

How old was Nathalie Emmanuel on Game Of Thrones?

Among the younger cast members for the show, Nathalie Emmanuel was 22 when cast as Missandei, the aide to Daenerys on the show. Born March 2, 1989, Emmanuel has become more famous for her role as Ramsey in the Fast and Furious movies, as the 34-year-old actress can’t quite give up the action spotlight.

How old was Jack Gleeson on Game of Thrones?

Arguably the show’s worst villain, Joffrey, was a twisted sociopath so evil that fans cheered when he was killed off. Born May 20, 1992, Gleeson was 19 when he earned the role and made it a great one. After his run ended, Gleeson took a break from acting for college but a few acting roles since. The 31-year-old seems content with how loathed he was by fans as this monster.