Image: Instagram/@sophiet
The fight for the Iron Throne has reached its epic conclusion as “Game of Thrones” arrived at its final episode today.
Widely considered as a cultural phenomenon, the medieval fantasy series enjoyed critical and worldwide success throughout its eight-year run. It has also become a stepping stone for the cast’s success in Hollywood.
Many of its stars expressed their gratitude to their characters, fans, fellow cast members and crew via social media, some even before the show aired its final episode.
Emilia Clarke, who starred as Daenerys Targaryen, posted photos of herself with her castmates, and honored memories in playing the Mother of Dragons.
“The Mother of Dragons chapter has taken up the whole of my adult life, this woman has taken up the whole of my heart,” Clarke said. “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.”
Sophie Turner, who plays Sansa Stark, recalled her turn as the Lady of Winterfell, thanking the show, fans, castmates and her character.
“I grew up with you,” Turner said. “I fell in love with you at 13, and now 10 years on, at 23 I leave you behind but I will never leave behind what you’ve taught me.”
“To the show and the incredible people who make it, thank you for giving me the best life and drama lessons I could have ever asked for,” she added.
Isaac Hempstead Wright, who played Bran Stark, posted a photo of himself in Radio City Music Hall as he said goodbye to the show.
“What a spectacular way to send off this crazy thing we’ve all been a part of for so long. Game of Thrones, over and out,” he saluted the show.
Raleigh Ritchie, who played Grey Worm, expressed his gratitude to the show, crew and his character in a series of posts via Twitter.
3/3 Grey Worm. You went from a robot to a real boy. I’m proud of you. I’ll miss you bud. Thank you to everybody that cared about him and rooted for him. He was really scared at first, but you made him feel loved. He appreciates it. I asked him.
Here’s me on my 1st and last day. pic.twitter.com/ivNUNVd1vC
— Jacob Anderson (@jacobanderson) May 19, 2019
“Grey Worm. You went from a robot to a real boy. I’m proud of you. I’ll miss you bud. Thank you to everybody that cared about him and rooted for him,” Ritchie said.
John Bradley, who starred as Samwell Tarly, took a trip down memory lane as he posted a throwback photo of himself holding the show’s rehearsal and prep sheet.
“Back then, we couldn’t have known the journey we’d go together. I wouldn’t swap that experience, or those people, for the world,” Bradley said. “Enjoy the episode and thanks for everything.”
Other GoT cast members shared their character photos via Instagram, saying goodbye to the show and its fans.
Joe Dempsie, who played Gendry Baratheon, posted his character photos as he thanked GoT’s cast and crew.
“Being a part of this show has given me experiences I’ll never, ever forget,” he said. “But it’s the people I’ll miss the most.”
The final episode of “Game of Thrones” premiered at HBO on Monday, May 20, 9 a.m, and will also air at 10 p.m., in the Philippines. JB
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