Lena Headey

Lena Headey, born on October 3, 1973, is an accomplished English actress known for her diverse roles in film and television. She gained widespread recognition and acclaim for her portrayal of Cersei Lannister in the HBO fantasy drama series Game of Thrones (2011–2019). Her compelling performance earned her five Primetime Emmy Award nominations and a Golden Globe Award nomination.


Headey made her film debut in the British film The Clothes in the Wardrobe (US: The Summer House) in 1992, sharing the screen with actresses Jeanne Moreau, Joan Plowright, and Julie Walters. She continued to build her career with roles in projects like the mystery drama Waterland (1992) and The Remains of the Day (1993). Headey worked steadily in both British and American films, showcasing her versatility.


Her breakthrough came with lead performances in films like The Brothers Grimm (2005) and the iconic 300 (2006), where she played Queen Gorgo. Beyond Game of Thrones, Headey's film credits include notable works such as The Jungle Book (1994), Mrs Dalloway (1997), Ripley's Game (2002), Imagine Me & You (2005), Dredd (2012), The Purge (2013), 300: Rise of an Empire (2014), Pride and Prejudice and Zombies (2016), and Fighting with My Family (2019).


In addition to her film career, Headey took on significant roles in television. She starred as Sarah Connor in the science fiction series Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles (2008–2009) and had recurring roles in animated series like Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2018–2020) and Infinity Train (2019–2021).


Headey lent her voice to various projects, including the role-playing video game Risen (2009), the video game tie-in film Kingsglaive: Final Fantasy XV (2016), animated series like Danger Mouse (2015–2017) and Tales of Arcadia (2017–2018; 2020), and the puppet series The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance (2019). Her multifaceted contributions to the entertainment industry have solidified her status as a versatile and acclaimed actress.


Lena Headey's early career involved a series of diverse roles that showcased her acting skills across various genres. At the age of 17, after performing in a one-off show, a casting agent noticed her and invited her to audition. This led to a supporting role in the drama Waterland (1992), where she had the opportunity to work alongside experienced actors. She also had a small role in the critically acclaimed 1993 drama film The Remains of the Day.


Headey's career continued to flourish in the 1990s. In 1994, she played Kitty Brydon in Disney's The Jungle Book. She received praise for her performance in this film, which found moderate commercial success. She further demonstrated her acting range by starring in the 1997 romantic drama Mrs Dalloway alongside Vanessa Redgrave.


In 1996, Headey featured in Kay Mellor's Band of Gold TV series and starred in Kavanagh QC in 1997, playing the role of Natasha Jackson. She portrayed Collette in Band of Gold and had a significant role as Natasha Jackson in Kavanagh QC.


Headey's roles in the late '90s included the Disney film The Jungle Book (1994), the romantic drama Mrs Dalloway (1997), and the drama Onegin (1999), where she appeared with Ralph Fiennes and Liv Tyler. While Onegin faced criticism and financial challenges, Headey continued to diversify her portfolio.


In the early 2000s, Headey took on roles in films like the romantic comedy Aberdeen (2000), the psychological drama Gossip (2000), and the comedy The Parole Officer (2001). In Possession (2002), a mystery drama based on the novel by A. S. Byatt, she portrayed a Victorian lesbian artist. Headey also appeared in Ripley's Game (2002), a thriller where she played the wife of a law-abiding art framer.


Throughout this period, Headey's performances were noted for their depth and balance, contributing to the success and critical reception of the projects in which she was involved. Her ability to tackle various genres and characters hinted at the versatility that would later define her career.


Lena Headey's career reached wider recognition with her role as Angelika in Terry Gilliam's adventure fantasy film The Brothers Grimm (2005). In the film, she played a character named Angelika, whose woodsman father was transformed into a werewolf by the Evil Queen.


Headey was drawn to the "tomboy" nature of her character, emphasizing her instincts as almost animalistic and her awareness of her surroundings. The Brothers Grimm received mixed reviews but performed well at the box office, grossing over US$105 million worldwide.
In the same year, Headey appeared in two other films. In the horror film The Cave, she portrayed a member of a group of divers trapped in an underwater cave network.


Despite negative critical reviews, the film managed to turn a profit at the box office. Additionally, Headey starred in the romantic dramedy Imagine Me & You, where she played the role of Luce, a woman who falls in love at first sight with a newlywed bride. The film explored the newlywed's internal struggle between staying in a passionless marriage or pursuing a connection with Luce. Imagine Me & You found a limited release in theaters and was praised for its charm, quirkiness, and wit.


These roles in 2005 showcased Headey's ability to take on diverse characters in different genres, further establishing her as a versatile actress in the industry. Her performances continued to be recognized for their depth and appeal, contributing to her growing reputation in the film industry.

References

1.  "Screen Two: The Clothes in the Wardrobe". BBC. 17 January 1993. Archived from the original on 29 September 2022. Retrieved 29 September 2022.
2. ^ "The Clothes in the Wardrobe". IMDb. Archived from the original on 29 September 2022. Retrieved 29 September 2022.
3. a b "Lena Headey". TV Guide. Archived from the original on 10 October 2014.
4. a b Wolff, Jennifer (5 October 2010). "Lena Headey Profile: She's Beautiful When She's Angry". Men's Health. Archived from the original on 31 December 2014. Retrieved 28 January 2015.
5. ^ Headey, Lena (12 February 2019). "Episode 160". Unqualified (Interview). Interviewed by Anna Faris. Archived from the original on 5 August 2020. Retrieved 17 February 2019.
6. ^ "Lena Heady on Letterman". YouTube. 1 April 2008. Archived from the original on 8 May 2018. Retrieved 28 January 2015.
7. ^ Campling, Katie (16 January 2008). "Lena gets ready to terminate TV ratings". Huddersfield Daily Examiner. Archived from the original on 6 March 2012.
8. ^ "Waterland". IMDb. Archived from the original on 16 March 2020. Retrieved 6 March 2020.
9. ^ "Kavanagh QC (TV Series 1995–2001) – IMDb". IMDb. Archived from the original on 15 October 2022. Retrieved 6 March 2020.
10. ^ "The Jungle Book". IMDb. Archived from the original on 22 July 2020. Retrieved 6 March 2020.
11. ^ Berardinelli, James. "Review: The Jungle Book (1994)". Reel Reviews. Archived from the original on 21 April 2019. Retrieved 10 October 2011.
12. ^ "The Jungle Book (1994)". Box Office Mojo. Archived from the original on 14 July 2019. Retrieved 2 March 2019.