Emilia Clarke has addressed long-standing speculation about her earnings for her role in ‘Game of Thrones’, firmly denying rumours that she was paid $300,000 per episode during the show’s peak popularity.

Speaking in a recent interview with Variety, the British actor, who portrayed Daenerys Targaryen across all eight seasons of the HBO fantasy series from 2011 to 2019, said the widely circulated figure was significantly exaggerated.Clarke dismissed the claims with humour, remarking, “Can you imagine?I’d have been driving a couple of Porsches!”, suggesting the reported salary was far beyond what she actually earned.

Although she did not disclose the exact amount she received per episode, Clarke did share that her earnings from the series were substantial enough to allow her to pay off her parents’ mortgage, indicating that while the rumoured figure was inaccurate, her compensation was still life-changing.

The show itself became a global cultural phenomenon, regularly attracting more than 25 million viewers per episode at its peak, which fuelled public assumptions about exceptionally high cast salaries.

In the same interview, Clarke also reflected on her experience during the series’ controversial final season, revealing she was “absolutely livid” about the fate of her character.This aligns with broader criticism from fans regarding the rushed pacing and narrative decisions in season eight.

Her former co-star Kit Harington has previously defended the final season, emphasising the dedication and effort involved in its production, and noting the extensive discussions behind creative decisions.The article also references Clarke’s earlier health struggles, including a brain haemorrhage she suffered in 2011 while filming the series.She has previously spoken about how the experience affected her confidence in the workplace and raised fears about her continued role in the show.

Overall, Clarke’s comments provide clarity on both her financial compensation and personal experiences during her time on one of television’s most influential series.