While her character of Daenerys Targaryen may not have much love for the people of Game of Thrones, Emilia Clarke certainly does, as she posted a heartfelt goodbye to the cast, crew, and fans on her Instagram just hours before the finale airs across the globe.
In a series of intimate behind-the-scenes photos, Clarke — who has appeared in 62 episodes of Game of Thrones, the most of any actor other than Peter Dinklage (67) — bid farewell to the role of her lifetime.
“Finding the words to write this post has left me overwhelmed with how much I want to say but how small words feel in comparison to what this show and Dany have meant to me. The mother of dragons chapter has taken up the whole of my adult life,” Clarke begins.
“This woman has taken up the whole of my heart. I’ve sweated in the blaze of dragon fire, shed many tears at those who left our family early, and wrung my brain dry trying to do Khaleesi and the masterful words, actions (and names) I was given, justice,” she continues.
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Clarke goes on to detail how playing Daenerys Targaryen on Game of Thrones has been a massive influence on her life, even shaping who she is as a woman.
“Game of Thrones has shaped me as a woman, as an actor and as a human being. I just wish my darling dad was here now to see how far we’ve flown.”
Last but not least, Clarke concluded by thanking us, the fans, for our years of passion.
“But to you, dear kind magical fans, I owe you so much thanks, for your steady gaze at what we’ve made and what I’ve done with a character that was already in the hearts of many before I slipped on the platinum wig of dreams. Without you there is no us. And now our watch has ended,” Clarke concludes.
Game of Thrones — which first premiered on HBO on April 17, 2011, and has shattered countless records and amassed endless awards since — concludes its eight-season run on Sunday, May 19.
