Why does Emilia Clarke look so different in real life?

Answered by Phillip Nicastro

Emilia Clarke, the talented actress known for her role as Daenerys Targaryen in “Game of Thrones,” appears quite different in real life compared to her on-screen character. One of the main reasons for this difference is her hair. In the show, Emilia Clarke wears a signature white-blonde wig that has become synonymous with her character. However, in reality, Emilia Clarke has a different hair color and style, which greatly contributes to her transformation.

Emilia Clarke has naturally dark brown hair, and the process of transforming her hair into the iconic Daenerys Targaryen look is quite extensive. As she revealed in an interview with The Nation, it takes two-and-a-half hours every day to apply the wig. This time-consuming process involves carefully fitting and styling the wig to achieve her character’s distinctive hairstyle.

The decision to use a wig for Emilia Clarke’s character was likely made for practical reasons. The white-blonde hair color, along with the intricate braids and styles, would be difficult and potentially damaging to achieve and maintain with her natural hair. Wigs offer a convenient solution for creating consistent and visually stunning looks for characters in television and film.

Additionally, using a wig allows Emilia Clarke to easily switch between her on-screen persona and her real-life appearance. It gives her the freedom to experiment with different hairstyles and colors without the commitment or potential damage to her natural hair. This versatility is essential for an actress who frequently takes on diverse roles in various projects.

It’s worth noting that Emilia Clarke is not the only actor or actress who undergoes such transformations for their roles. Many performers rely on wigs, hairpieces, and prosthetics to bring their characters to life. These tools can significantly alter their appearance and help them embody the essence of the characters they portray.

Emilia Clarke looks different in real life compared to her on-screen character due to the use of a wig. Her signature white-blonde mane, which takes two-and-a-half hours to apply every day, is an integral part of her character’s look in “Game of Thrones.” This transformation allows her to effortlessly switch between her on-screen persona and her natural appearance, giving her the versatility to take on diverse roles.