The Ordinary Jobs These "Game of Thrones" Stars Had Before Their Big Break

By Shayna Spero

May 8, 2019

Before they were stars of one of the most-watched television shows in the world, these Game of Thrones actors worked completely normal jobs. From working in catering halls, to dog walking, to bank security, here are some of the ordinary jobs the GOT cast had before they went on to the Seven Kingdoms.

1. Emilia Clarke

Photo: HBO

Emilia Clarke was working six jobs in order to get by. She called in sick to her catering job when her agent called to let her know that she had gotten an audition for the show.

2. Nathalie Emmanuel

Photo: HBO

Nathalie Emmanuel nearly quit pursuing acting before landing the role of Missandei. She was working as a sales associate at Hollister when she received a text about her audition.

3. Natalie Dormer

Photo: HBO

Although Natalie Dormer had her first big acting job in the film Casanova, a year later, she was waitressing and working as an office temp before landing roles in movies, television shows and her most popular role yet--Game of Thrones.

4. Liam Cunningham

Photo: HBO

Before Liam Cunningham stepped into his role as Ser Davos Seaworth, he was an electrician in Zimbabwe and began acting as a casual hobby.

5. Kristian Nairn

Photo: HBO

Kristian Nairn was (and still is!) a DJ. In addition to portraying Hodor, Kristian still tours internationally as a house DJ.

6. Kristofer Hivju

Photo: HBO

Kristofer Hivju was an aspiring rockstar prior to his role as Tormund Giantsbane. He was playing a part in a school production of Hamlet when he decided to pursue an acting career.

7. Maisie Williams

Photo: HBO

As Maisie Williams was only 12 when the show began, her role as Arya Stark was her first real job.

8. Kit Harington

Photo: HBO

Kit Harington worked in the fantasy, science-fiction, and self-help section of a bookstore where is biggest pain point was having to restack George R. R. Martin books! "I used to have to lug down the books and George's always sold like hotcakes, so I was constantly having to restack them and they were just so heavy because they're so huge…" Harington told Zap2it.

9. Rory McCann

Photo: HBO

Rory McCann, who portrays Sandor "The Hound" Clegane, was a painter on the Forth Road Bridge in Scotland and a carpenter in Iceland before his big break.

10. Gwendoline Christie

Photo: HBO

Gwendoline Christie was actor, Simon Callow's research assistant and dog-walker. Even after her 2012 debut on the show, she continued to do dog walking shifts for Callow.