Harry Collett, the actor behind Jacaerys Velaryon (Jace) in House of the Dragon, has spoken warmly about the invaluable experience of working alongside Emma D’Arcy and Matt Smith during the filming of Season 3. In an interview with Man About Town, Collett opened up about how much he benefits from sharing scenes with the two lead actors who play his on-screen mother and stepfather.
Quick read:
- Harry Collett specifically praises on-screen parents Emma D’Arcy and Matt Smith
- He says he learns a lot just by watching them
- He says he takes lessons from them constantly on set
When asked about working with them, he said:
“With Emma [D’Arcy] and Matt [Smith], I learn so much just by watching them act, and it helps that they play my stepdad and mother, because I can incorporate these lessons straight away into my acting on set.”
“With Emma [D’Arcy] and Matt [Smith], I learn so much just by watching them act, and it helps that they play my stepdad and mother, because I can incorporate these lessons straight away into my acting on set.”
—Harry Collett
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— 🦔 (emma z. d’arcy’s version) (@starsdusks) June 9, 2026
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A valuable on-screen family dynamic
Collett’s comments shed light on the supportive and collaborative environment on the House of the Dragon set. Emma D’Arcy and Matt Smith have been part of the series since its beginning, bringing depth, experience, and intensity to their roles. For a younger actor like Collett, having the opportunity to observe and learn from them on a daily basis is clearly shaping his own performance.
As Jace transitions from a supportive son to a more active and opinionated figure in the escalating war, this mentorship appears to be paying off. Collett has grown significantly as an actor across the seasons, moving from a child character in Season 1 to a young man stepping into leadership responsibilities in Season 3.
Growing up in Westeros
Harry Collett first joined the show as a child actor, and fans have watched Jace mature both on-screen and off-screen. Now playing a more mature version of the character, Collett is taking on heavier dramatic material, including tense interactions with Rhaenyra and increasing involvement in military strategy.
His admiration for D’Arcy and Smith highlights not just their talent, but also their professionalism and generosity as scene partners. It’s common in long-running productions for veteran actors to help guide the next generation, and it seems this is exactly what’s happening behind the scenes of House of the Dragon.
