Olivia Cooke, who portrays Alicent Hightower in House of the Dragon, has opened up about the profound personal impact the series has had on her life over the past few years.
Quick read:
- Olivia Cooke talks about how she has changed as a person due to HOTD
- She openly speaks about her growth
- She embraces a healthy perspective towards the series
Image: ELLE México (Bryan Flores)
From mid-20s to 32
In a reflective new interview with ELLE México, Cooke shared how much she has grown while working on the show:
“It’s strange to start a series in your mid-20s and now be 32. If all goes well, we’ll finish the final season when I’m over 35. It feels like the series has covered very important stages of my life. I’m a completely different person than I was when we were about to premiere the second season.”
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The actress noted that the long filming process and the intense nature of the role have shaped her both personally and professionally.
A healthier perspective
Cooke revealed she now views the show with greater balance and appreciation:
“I think I have a healthier perspective on what the series is and the place it holds in my life. I’m excited about the future; I want to explore more stories, and, I don’t know, maybe it’s because I’m on vacation, but I feel very grateful.”
Her comments reflect a sense of gratitude for the journey while also looking forward to life beyond the Targaryen civil war.
Season 3: The most ambitious yet
Olivia also expressed excitement for the upcoming season, calling it a major step up:
“I think the third season is the most ambitious one yet.”
With season 3 set to feature some of the largest battle sequences in the series, including the highly anticipated Battle of the Gullet, Cooke’s words suggest fans are in for an even more intense and emotionally charged chapter.
A defining chapter
Olivia Cooke’s portrayal of Alicent Hightower, from a young, idealistic queen to a complex and conflicted figure, has been one of the standout performances in the Game of Thrones universe. Her honest reflection shows how deeply the role has influenced her growth as both an actress and a person.
