Gwendoline Christie Says She Was “Really Struggling” Before Landing ‘Game of Thrones’: “I’ve Never Been a Conventional Choice — But That’s What Saved Me”
Before she became one of television’s most unforgettable warriors, Gwendoline Christie was fighting her own off-screen battle — one for recognition, confidence, and a place in an industry that didn’t quite know where she fit. The British actress, best known for her role as Brienne of Tarth in Game of Thrones, has opened up about how she almost gave up on acting before that career-changing role came her way.
Speaking on the podcast Bullseye with Jesse Thorn, Christie recalled the uncertainty and self-doubt she faced in her early years as an actress. “I was really struggling,” she admitted. “I’ve never been a conventional choice.” With her towering height, striking features, and bold energy, she didn’t fit the mold of the typical leading lady that casting directors were looking for. “I was told time and again that I would never work, that there wasn’t a place for me,” she shared.
At one point, Christie said she questioned whether she should continue pursuing acting at all. She had trained at the Drama Centre London, one of the most respected acting schools in the UK, but after graduation, reality hit hard. “There was a point when I just thought maybe it’s not going to happen for me,” she said softly. The rejections were relentless, and she struggled to find roles that didn’t try to change her — or hide who she was.
That all changed when she heard about a casting call for Game of Thrones. The role was Brienne of Tarth — a fierce, loyal knight who defied every expectation of beauty and femininity. “When I read the description, it felt like it was written for me,” Christie said. “It was the first time I felt seen in that way — that someone like me could be powerful, complex, and human.”
Her portrayal of Brienne would go on to earn her global acclaim and cement her as one of the standout figures in HBO’s hit series. But beyond the awards and recognition, the role gave her something far more personal: a renewed sense of belonging. “Playing Brienne helped me accept myself,” Christie said. “She wasn’t apologizing for who she was. And I realized that neither should I.”
The journey didn’t stop there. Christie has since gone on to star in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, The Sandman, and Wednesday, continuing to defy expectations and reshape what success can look like for women in Hollywood. But she remains deeply reflective about those early struggles. “If I hadn’t gone through that,” she said, “I don’t think I would appreciate any of this as much as I do now.”
Fans often see her as a symbol of resilience and individuality — something Christie embraces with humility. “I think people connect with Brienne because she represents strength through difference,” she explained. “She shows that you can be both vulnerable and strong, both feminine and fierce.”
Her story resonates deeply because it isn’t just about fame — it’s about perseverance. Christie’s rise reminds countless aspiring actors that there’s no single path to success. Sometimes, it’s the very thing that makes you feel out of place that becomes your greatest strength. “I never fit in,” she said. “But eventually, I realized that was my superpower.”
For Gwendoline Christie, the years of rejection and struggle weren’t wasted — they were training for the role, and the life, that would finally let her stand tall. And today, she’s not just standing tall — she’s towering.
