Lena Kathren Headey was born on October 3, 1973, in Hamilton, Bermuda, to Sue and John Headey. Her father was a police officer stationed in Bermuda at the time. The family moved to Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, England when she was five years old. She attended Shelley College, where she developed an interest in acting.
Headey’s acting career began in her late teens. She was discovered at a school production at the age of 17. Her early roles included appearances in films such as Waterland (1992) and The Remains of the Day (1993). These roles helped establish her as a promising young actress.
Headey gained wider recognition in the early 2000s with roles in films like Gossip (2000), The Brothers Grimm (2005), and 300 (2006), where she played Queen Gorgo. These roles showcased her versatility and established her as a strong presence in both independent and mainstream cinema.
Headey’s most iconic role came in 2011 when she was cast as Cersei Lannister in the HBO fantasy drama series Game of Thrones. Her portrayal of the ruthless and complex queen garnered widespread critical acclaim. She received five Primetime Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for her work on the show.
Throughout her career, Lena Headey has appeared in a diverse range of films. Some of her notable film credits include: