Despite being in the industry for many years, Lena Headey’s big claim to fame was her role as Cersei Lannister in HBO’s blockbuster television series, Game Of Thrones. But getting this breakthrough and the subsequent stardom that came with it, was a long an arduous journey for the British star.
The way to the top was paved with many roadblocks for Headey who confessed that she let go of huge opportunities after refusing to be part of the casting couch during her struggling days as an actor. Despite being pressured to indulge in flirtatious acts to get a part and move up the ladder, the 300 star stood firm and never gave in to these demands.
Lena Headey’s Troubling Tyrst With The Casting Couch
With the cult series Game of Thrones, appearances in films like 300, and her role in the Terminator television show, Lena Headey proved that she has all the skills and talent to challenge any of her contemporaries. Before landing these marquee roles, Headey’s acting journey was marred by some rather unpleasant incidents that proved sexism was still alive and well in Hollywood. This included being asked to behave flirtatiously with casting directors to bag a role.
The 300 star though, ensured that she kept her respect and dignity intact by refusing to fall prey to these audacious demands. The celebrity even went on to say that she was relieved to let go of some important roles that would have given her fame and recognition much earlier, for the sake of her integrity. In an interview that appeared in Forbes (via The Edit) said,
“When I was in my 20s, and doing a lot of audition tapes in the States, a casting director told me, ‘The men take these tapes home and watch them and say, ‘Who would you f—?’ I’ve never played the game of going in [to auditions] and flirting; I’ve never done it. And I’m very happy I didn’t.”
This incident is also a disturbing reminder that even an assertive and strong personality like Lena Headey is not free from the shackles of misogynistic behavior that is still rampant in Hollywood.
Lena Headey’s Pragmatic Reaction To Game Of Thrones Culmination
Between 2011 and 2019, British star Lena Headey became a household name through her character Cersei Lannister in the fantasy adventure series, Game Of Thrones. While the show became one of the most watched series of all time, Headey’s charismatic performance also earned her a lot of critical acclaim as an actor.
While most of the ensemble cast including Kit Harington revealed that they suffered from serious withdrawal symptoms and depression after Game of Thrones came to an end, Headey had a very different and practical opinion after the final season. In an interview with The Guardian, the star said,
“It was amazing. And things end and you move on.”
Heady also stated that she was in constant touch with her Game of Thrones co-stars on a big WhatsApp group where all the actors shared hilarious moments and anecdotes on a regular basis.
