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Last updated on the 1 August 2024 by Maeve
Mini Biography
Born: 3 October 1973, Hamilton, Bermuda.
Lena Headey’s early life was marked by frequent relocations due to her father’s career as a police officer. When Lena was five, her family moved back to England, initially settling in Somerset before relocating to Shelley, West Yorkshire. It was here that Lena’s interest in acting began to take shape. She attended Shelley College, where she participated in school productions and it was during one of these performances that she was noticed by a casting agent.
Lena Headey’s education was somewhat unconventional. She did not attend drama school, but instead learnt her craft through practical experience. At the age of 17, she was cast in her first film, “Waterland” (1992), where she worked alongside established actors. This early exposure to the film industry provided Lena with invaluable experience and set the stage for her future career.
Lena Headey’s career is marked by a series of notable film and television appearances. She gained international recognition for her portrayal of Cersei Lannister in the HBO fantasy drama series “Game of Thrones” (2011-2019), a role that earned her five Primetime Emmy Award nominations and a Golden Globe nomination.
Prior to this, she had already made a name for herself with roles in films such as “The Brothers Grimm” (2005) and “300” (2006), where she played Queen Gorgo. Her other significant film credits include “The Remains of the Day” (1993), “The Jungle Book” (1994), “Mrs. Dalloway” (1997), “Ripley’s Game” (2002), “Imagine Me & You” (2005), “Dredd” (2012), “The Purge” (2013) and “Pride and Prejudice and Zombies” (2016).
In addition to her film work, Headey has had a successful television career. She starred as Sarah Connor in the science fiction series “Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles” (2008-2009) and had recurring roles in the animated series “Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” (2018-2020) and “Infinity Train” (2019-2021). She has also lent her voice to various video games and animated series.
Lena Headey’s personal life has seen its share of ups and downs. She was married to musician Peter Loughran from 2007 to 2013 and they have a son together. In 2015, she had a baby girl with Dan Cadan. They’ve been friends since childhood and worked together on a short film called “The Devil’s Wedding”. In 2022, she married actor Marc Menchaca.
Headey is known for her love of tattoos, with several inked on her body, each holding personal significance. She is also a vegetarian and practices yoga, a habit she picked up during her time in India. Despite her fame, she prefers to keep her personal life private, splitting her time between her homes in London and Los Angeles.
Suggested viewing
Game of Thrones (2011)
Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 9.2
Game of Thrones is a sprawling epic fantasy drama centered around the fictional continent of Westeros, where powerful families vie for control of the Iron Throne. Amidst political intrigue, betrayal and shocking character deaths, the series intertwines multiple storylines, from the noble houses battling for supremacy to the looming threat of an ancient evil from beyond the Wall, as individuals fight for survival and power in a world where alliances are fragile and secrets hold deadly consequences.
Lena Headey’s portrayal of Cersei Lannister in Game of Thrones is a masterclass in villainy. Her performance is captivating as she embodies the complex and ruthless queen, driven by a thirst for power and a fierce loyalty to her family. Headey’s nuanced acting reveals Cersei’s vulnerability beneath her hardened exterior, making her a truly compelling and unforgettable character.
Top cast: Emilia Clarke, Iain Glen, Kit Harington, Peter Dinklage, Lena Headey, Sophie Turner, Maisie Williams, Conleth Hill, Alfie Allen, Richard Madden, Mark Addy.
