Whether or not the Game of Thrones season 8 finale gave its fans the kind of closure they expected (deserved?) is definitely up for debate. But there’s no arguing about the fact that it is as much the end of an era for Game of Thrones’ actors as it is for everyone who has spent years glued to their screen trying to keep up with the drama season after season.
So, as Game of Thrones comes to a conclusive end, the faces that helped give life to George R. R. Martin’s imagination are bidding farewell to their characters with incredibly heartfelt messages and photographs. Take a look.
1. Sophie Turner
Sophie Turner, who plays Sansa Stark in the television series, addressed a very emotional message to her character ‘Sansa’ about everything the show has taught her. This is what she wrote:
“Sansa, Thank you for teaching me resilience, bravery and what true strength really is. Thank you teaching me to be kind and patient and to lead with love. I grew up with you. I fell in love with you at 13 and now 10 years on.. at 23 I leave you behind, but I will never leave behind what you’ve taught me. To the show and the incredible people who make it, thank you for giving me the best life and drama lessons I could have ever asked for. Without you I wouldn’t be the person I am today. Thank you for giving me this chance all those years ago. And finally to the fans. Thank you for falling in love with these characters and supporting this show right through till the end. I’ll miss this more than anything.”
2. Emilia Clarke
Emilia Clarke, who plays Daenerys Targaryen in Game of Thrones, too penned a sentimental message about how Daenerys and the show Game of Thrones has shaped her as a woman, as an actor and as a human being. Here’s what she wrote:
“Finding the words to write this post has left me overwhelmed with how much I want to say but how small words feel in comparison to what this show and Dany have meant to me. The mother of dragons chapter has taken up the whole of my adult life. This woman has taken up the whole of my heart. I’ve sweated in the blaze of dragon fire, shed many tears at those who left our family early, and wrung my brain dry trying to do Khaleesi and the masterful words, actions (and names) I was given, justice.
Game of Thrones has shaped me as a woman, as an actor and as a human being. I just wish my darling dad was here now to see how far we’ve flown.
But to you, dear kind magical fans, I owe you so much thanks, for your steady gaze at what we’ve made and what I’ve done with a character that was already in the hearts of many before I slipped on the platinum wig of dreams. Without you there is no us.
And now our watch has ended. “
3. John Bradley West
John Bradley, who plays Samwell Tarly, posted a selfie of himself from 2010 in which he is holding the Game of Thrones rehearsal and prep schedule. In his Instagram caption, he reminisces about all his Game of Thrones firsts - like the first time he put on his costume, the first time he met actor Kit Harington etc. Read the caption here:
“So tonight we have our very last episode. It’s the final step of a long and wonderful journey. A journey that, for me, started at 10am on Monday 19th of July 2010. I know this because recently I found my rehearsal and prep schedule for season 1, week 1. This was given to me when I landed in Belfast for the first time, weeks before we even started shooting. Listed here is the rehearsal where I first met Kit, and the first time I wore the costume that’s seen me through 8 seasons. I’m glad I kept this. I met so many people that week who have come to mean so much to me. Back then we couldn’t have known the journey we’d go on together. I wouldn’t swap that experience, or those people, for the world. Enjoy the episode and thanks for everything.”
4. Nikolaj Coster-Waldau
The actor behind Jaime Lannister, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, posted a photograph of him and Lena Headey, who plays Jaime’s onscreen sister Cersei. “The best, sweetest most wonderful sister from another mother @iamlenaheadey . That was a fun decade”, he wrote on Instagram.
5. Jacob Anderson
Jacob Anderson aka Raleigh Ritchie aka Grey Worm shared a “first day, last day” photo of himself from the sets of Game of Thrones. Calling the show “the craziest school trip ever”, Jacob looks back on everything and everyone that contributed to his endearing onscreen presence.
Here’s what he said:
“1. First Day. 2. Last Day.
GoT was like the craziest school trip ever. A 6 year Adventure Weekend. Grey Worm. You went from a robot to a real boy. I’m proud of you. I’ll miss you bud. Thank you to everybody that cared about him and rooted for him. He was really scared at first, but you made him feel loved. He appreciates it. I asked him. Huge shout out to the Targs team: Nats, Emilia, Conleth, Peter, Iain, Ian, Michiel, Reece, Ed, Kit, Liam. Thank you for making the days so fun. Here’s to every single department behind the scenes that worked to the bone to make this show. They worked tirelessly everyday to make this thing, and they never get shout outs and they know that but they do it anyway. Here’s to you, you ragtag bunch of talented clever rascals. I love ya’ll. Thank you.”
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