Fiery Facts About Emma D'Arcy From House Of The Dragon
Once upon a time, there was a little-known television series by the name of "Game of Thrones." The HBO giant captivated droves of fiction and fantasy lovers, holding the world's attention for eight magical seasons. Throughout those seasons, viewers all over the world waited each week with bated, fire-stoked breath to see spellbinding dragons, terrifying white walkers, epic battles, and sordid tales of romance. When the show finally came to a dramatic close, fans thought there would never be anything else like it on television. How on earth would another show ever come close to "GOT?"
Enter "House of the Dragon," the HBO series that serves as a prequel to "GOT." Taking place hundreds of years before Lannisters, Starks, and Tyrells were part of the bigger picture, the story instead focuses on the rise and reign of House Targaryen. The plots are fantastic, the casting is spot-on, and the acting is second to none. This HBO hit has everyone saying, "Game of what?" and fans can't get enough of the series' breakout stars.
That includes Emma D'Arcy, the actor behind the older depiction of Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen. Executive producer, Ryan Condal, hyped up the character to Entertainment Weekly, stating, "[Rhaenyra is] the most important role in the show, in many ways." We do not disagree, as the character has proven to be powerful, enchanting, and everything this show never knew it needed — much like D'arcy, themselves. As these fiery facts about the very private "House of the Dragon" prove.
They were born in Britian
The charming country of England is known for its fish and chips, tea time, and great acting. The island nation might be small in size, but it is big in terms of talent, especially pertaining to the world of entertainment. Britain has churned out countless notable actors like Sir Michael Caine, Benedict Cumberbatch, Tom Holland, Daniel Radcliffe, Helen Mirren, Emma Watson, and Dame Judi Dench. England is also home to rising star and "House of the Dragon" frontrunner, Emma D'Arcy.
Per Stylectory, the actor was born in London and later moved to Oxford, where they attended the University of Oxford's Ruskin School of Art. There, D'Arcy studied fine art, not acting as one might assume. Their discipline didn't have to do with cameras, crowds, and script reading, but outside of their studies, D'arcy found themselves naturally drawn to the craft of acting. Speaking to Interview, they explained, "I started playing with the form much more when I was at university, making theater with friends in our spare time."
The star may have their roots planted firmly into the English soil, but their career has them getting out into the wider world more often. While chatting with Interview in 2022, they revealed that they were in Los Angeles for the second time in their life, and only the third time overall visiting the states.
Emma D'arcy identifies as nonbinary
In recent years, there's been a tangible shift in the number of celebrities who feel safe to openly disclose their gender identity as being neither strictly male nor female. Per Insider, Bridgitte Lundy-Payne, Amandla Stenberg, Nico Tortorella, and Asia Kate Dillon join Emma D'Arcy as actors who identify as nonbinary, with the "House of the Dragon" star favoring gender-neutral pronouns.
In a discussion with Interview, D'Arcy discussed their journey with gender identification as it pertained to their career. "This is the first job in which I've brought my nonbinary identity to work," they stated. "And part of that was because HBO asked me what pronouns I use, and I thought a lot about whether this was the right time." They elaborated that there was a time they weren't sure identity and career could ever be anything but separate. However, presenting themselves to the professional world as nonbinary was an important decision. "The reason I decided to be honest in my presentation professionally is that I really hope that younger people who want to do this work know that there is absolutely space and that space is opening up."
As the star explained to The Hollywood Reporter, Rhaenyra's experiences with gender politics resonated with their own. "She's (Rhaenyra) terrified of getting locked into motherhood and is aware of how her position would be different if she were male," they mused. "I'm a nonbinary person. I've always found myself both pulled and repelled by masculine and feminine identity, and I think that plays out truthfully here."
They hadn't seen Game of Thrones before
There is maybe something like five people in the world who haven't seen "Game of Thrones" by now. Apparently, at the time of the "House of the Dragon" casting, Emma D'Arcy was one of those five people. The London-born actor revealed to Vogue that when they were called in to read for their prospective roles, they had no clue it was for such a massive, highly anticipated project. "I'm very naïve, and the job was untitled, so I thought it was just another fantasy series," they confessed.
As they explained to Interview, not being a "Thrones" fan worked in D'Arcy's favor. "I hadn't seen it before I auditioned, which I honestly think is the only reason I'm able to do the job," they explained about the show. "There's no way I'd have made it through the audition process if, at that time, I had the love for the show that I have now. I think I'd have buckled under the pressure."
D'Arcy did say that they had heard of the iconic HBO series that preceded their own mega-hit but just hadn't watched it. That has all changed now, with the actor having happily consumed every episode, read the books, and even cultivated their own favorite "GOT" characters. In a fun HBO Max clip with costar Olivia Cooke, D'Arcy revealed they are a particular fan of the White Walkers, Peter Dinklage's Tyrion, and Rory McCann's Sandor Clegane, better known as the Hound.
Emma's favorite cocktail started a TikTok trend
You know you have really made it to the big times when something you say becomes an instant TikTok trend. Congrats are in order for actor Emma D'Arcy who managed to take a simple admission of their favorite alcoholic beverage and turn it into a worldwide social media sensation. That is the level of cool this person is. They mentioned their favorite drink, and netizens the world over responded with fervor and frenzy.
What started as a simple interview-like interaction between D'Arcy and their "House of the Dragon" costar, Olivia Cooke in the now viral TikTok clip spiraled into every person of drinking age wanting to pony up to a bar and order a Negroni sbagliato with prosecco. While their statement was simple enough, it was D'Arcy's enchantingly smooth vocal tone that made it melt. Following the drink reveal, some 16,000 videos were apparently made with TikTokers repeating D'Arcy's drink order and emulating the actor's effortlessly cool vibe as best they could.
Of course, this one-of-a-kind actor would order something a little funky, a little sexy, and a lot unique. No pilsners, red wine, or tequila shots for this star — but likely still one fiery hangover. According to BBC Good Food, the classy and fairly potent cocktail contains ice, 25ml Campari, 25ml sweet vermouth, and is bubbled up to the top of a highball glass with prosecco (rather than the traditionally used gin). Cheers!
Acting has always called to them
It is fair to say that Emma D'Arcy's portrayal of Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen is their biggest and most popular role to date, and introduced them to mainstream audiences. While they continue to captivate all with their stellar acting and candid interviews that make anyone watching want to become D'Arcy's best friend, they are not new to the acting world.
The actor's love of performing first stemmed from their childhood days, as they revealed to Interview. "The first time I ever had that incredible adrenalized buzz of performing in front of someone was when I played Titania in a children's production of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream,'" they explained. As soon as D'arcy left the stage, they took off for the schoolyard fields and let their excitement guide them into an exuberant run. "I got a taste of the [acting] drug then, I think," they recalled.
The second realization that acting was their calling occurred after art school, as they became more assimilated into the world of theater. "Initially, I was doing quite a lot of set design. And then some acting and set design, and then some directing, some acting, and some set design," they told the Independent. Having established their love of the stage, D'Arcy went on to land roles in theater productions like "Romeo and Juliet," "The Games We Played," and "The Crucible" per Stylectory. They also began to work on the small screen, portraying a haunted woman in "Truth Seekers," and appearing alongside famed actor, Toni Collette in "Wanderlust."
They have a secret knack for DIY design
In a delightful interview with Elle UK, Emma D'arcy spoke with their "House of the Dragon" co-star, Olivia Cooke, and revealed all sorts of fun, personal facts that only made us fall deeper in love with them. The duo spoke, giggled, and burped through the majority of the interview, highlighting just how at ease the two are with each other. In their on-camera discussion, D'Arcy and Cooke covered just about everything, chatting about their "House of the Dragon" costars, what languages they wish they spoke, and what music they were currently listening to. They also discussed things they were good at. D'Arcy revealed they were good at painting as well as decorating. They also said they had a knack for stripping and hanging wallpaper and other useful, practical DIY techniques.
Those who really know the actor can't be all too shocked at their penchant for creating and artistry. Just a quick glance at the actor's Instagram page will prove they have an eye for capturing off-cuff beauty just about anywhere they look. Furthermore, D'Arcy did attend a university that was geared towards the arts. One doesn't engage in years of higher learning at an institute like Ruskin School of Art and not pick up a few practical DIY talents regarding aesthetics and design.
Does Emma D'Arcy have a partner?
There are likely millions of people hoping and praying that Emma D'Arcy is single and ready to mingle. As of writing, the actor hadn't engaged in any hand-holding at red carpet debuts or sneakily snapped paparazzi pics of them strolling hand in hand with another to confirm a budding romance. However, it's possible D'Arcy is taken given that they have repeatedly referenced a partner in interviews.
During a HBO Max discussion between themselves and Olivia Cooke, D'Arcy was asked where they were when they found out they got the "House of the Dragon" gig. Curiously, their response started out with, "Um, I was in a field with my partner." Full stop. Partner could be platonic, sure, but we are tucking this away as possible relationship evidence. Then, in an interview with Entertainment Weekly, the actor recalled lacking a suitable wig during tapings for the show, during the lockdown. Instead, D'arcy and their partner got creative with leftover hair extensions and hot glue. Again, the use of the word partner — it's hard to ignore.
Lastly, there is the recurring appearance of one, Thomas May Bailey. Per Marie Claire, these two attended the "House of the Dragon" premiere together. The theatre director and filmmaker also isn't shy about sharing D'Arcy's praises across his Twitter feed. He might be another fan — heaven knows it's easy enough to swoon over D'Arcy without romantic attachment — but Bailey might also be this "partner" we keep hearing about.
Emma has a real friendship with Olivia Cooke
Some actors come together for a project, and their relationship remains professional, ending as quickly as the project itself does. For others, their bond and friendship extend long past filming schedules and show premieres. We expect that the latter may be the case with "House of the Dragon" stars Emma D'Arcy and Olivia Cooke. While the actors play rivals on camera, they are anything but in real life. Speaking of the first time they met Cooke, D'arcy told Entertainment Weekly, "I fell in love with her in about 45 seconds. Well, I probably worked quite hard to cover that up." The actor affectionately added, "You know those chance meetings that happen where there's a familiarity? For some unknown reason, I really felt that with Liv."
It sounds like the feeling is very much reciprocated. In an HBO Max interview between the two, Cooke was asked by her co-star what the first impression of them was. Cooke summed it all up with a single word: Home. Making someone feel like they are safe and at ease by simply being near them is about the sweetest compliment anyone could give. And both actors were apparently deeply relieved to be taking this monster project on with someone they each felt this way with.
There is no doubt these two have charisma, connection, and a forever friendship. Anyone would be hard-pressed to find evidence of anything but love between the two.