Insights on House of the Dragon Actor Olivia Cooke's Role and Characteristics
In the world of television and film, Olivia Cooke's career has been a captivating journey, culminating in her current success in the HBO series, House of the Dragon. This prequel to the beloved Game of Thrones has seen Cooke take on the pivotal role of Queen Alicent Hightower.
Cooke's acting journey began at the tender age of 8, performing in amateur theatre productions in her hometown. Her passion for acting continued to grow, and at 18, she made her professional debut in 2012 with several BBC mini-series, including Blackout and The Secret of Crickley Hall.
One of her early significant film roles came with The Quiet Ones in 2014. However, it was her role as Rachel in Me and Earl and the Dying Girl in 2015 that truly catapulted her to recognition. This was followed by roles in Steven Spielberg's Ready Player One and Cory Finley's Thoroughbreds, further establishing her in Hollywood.
In 2020, Cooke appeared in Sound of Metal, a film that earned critical acclaim for its unique portrayal of sound and silence.
In House of the Dragon, Cooke portrays Alicent Hightower, a complex character who, despite doing despicable things, is trying to protect her son, uphold the patriarchy, and the legitimacy of the crown. Alicent was formerly best friends with Princess Rhaenyra, but last week's episode saw Alicent essentially declare war on Rhaenyra.
Alicent turns to faith as a form of control due to having no control in her life. This complex character development has been praised for its depth and nuance.
Off-screen, Cooke has been open about her personal life, including her relationship with co-star Ralph Davis. She has also shared her experiences of a "full mental breakdown" at age 22, using her platform to discuss important issues like mental health and body image.
Born and raised in England, Cooke's first major TV role was in Bates Motel, where she starred as Emma, Norman Bates's best friend. Her parents were not involved in the acting world, yet Cooke's dedication and talent have propelled her to the forefront of the industry.
Cooke's Instagram handle is @livkatecooke, where she shares glimpses of her life and career, including photos of the young and old Rhaenyras and Alicents. With 20 posts, her account offers a personal touch to her fans.
As Cooke continues her career, she is not only expanding her repertoire in film and television but also using her platform to discuss important issues. Her journey serves as an inspiration to many aspiring actors and a testament to her dedication and talent.
[1] Beverley Keogh, 'Casting Director' [2] House of the Dragon: A New Beginning, The Guardian, 2021 [3] Olivia Cooke on House of the Dragon, Mental Health, and Her Relationship with Ralph Davis, Vogue, 2022 [4] Olivia Cooke Opens Up About Her Mental Health Struggles, Elle, 2020 [5] Olivia Cooke on Body Image and Self-Acceptance, Glamour, 2018
- Olivia Cooke's career in the world of entertainment, spanning movies-and-tv, has captured the attention of audiences, with her recent role in House of the Dragon, a prequel to Game of Thrones, showcasing her talent as Queen Alicent Hightower.
- Queen Alicent is a complex character, torn between protecting her son, upholding the patriarchy, and the legitimacy of the crown, while her actions have led to tension with the royal family, specifically Princess Rhaenyra.
- Off-screen, Cooke uses her platform to discuss important issues such as mental health, body image, and personal experiences, providing a unique blend of entertainment and contemporaneous culture.
- Cooke's success in Hollywood can be traced back to her beginnings in amateur theatre productions, eventually leading to professional roles in BBC mini-series, and her first major TV role in Bates Motel.
