In a casting move as dramatic and unexpected as any plot twist in the saga itself, actress Emilia Clarke secured the iconic role of Daenerys Targaryen, the Mother of Dragons, on HBO’s blockbuster series Game of Thrones—not with a fiery monologue, but with a clumsy performance of the “Funky Chicken” dance. The role would become the most iconic of the decade.
Producers David Benioff and D.B. Weiss and HBO executives were reportedly stunned during the final, high-pressure audition for the fierce, platinum-blonde monarch. The atmosphere was incredibly tense, but Clarke, feeling anxious, decided to take a bizarre gamble that cemented her place in television history.
The Audition: From Anxiety to the “Funky Chicken”
The young, dark-haired British actress was nervous, knowing the magnitude of the role that would redefine her career. After performing the requisite scenes for the network’s top brass, she spontaneously asked if there was anything else she could do.
It was David Benioff, one of the show’s creators, who jokingly suggested: “You could do a dance.”
In a display of genuine, endearing authenticity—a stark contrast to the stern, otherworldly demeanor of Daenerys Targaryen—Clarke launched into an impromptu routine. She performed a rendition of the “Funky Chicken,” followed by the “Robot.”
Clarke later recalled hearing laughter from the producers, a clear sign that her spontaneous act had broken the tension. This moment of disarming humor and raw personality resonated deeply, convincing the creators that she possessed the necessary magnetism and depth for the decade’s most talked-about role. As she was leaving the auditorium, the executives chased after her with the momentous news: “Congratulations, Princess! You have the part.”
The Result: A Reign of Global Success
Clarke’s portrayal of Daenerys Targaryen across the show’s eight seasons was critical to the global success of Game of Thrones. The series, helmed by showrunners David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, became a cultural phenomenon and a data powerhouse for HBO.
For the role of Daenerys, Clarke received four Primetime Emmy Award nominations—three for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series (2013, 2015, 2016) and one for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series (2019)—demonstrating the consistent high quality of her performance.
Game of Thrones grew into one of television’s most-watched series. The average viewership for the first season was approximately 2.52 million per episode, which skyrocketed to an average of 6.88 million per episode by season five, breaking viewership records for HBO. By the final season, the series had garnered a massive, active, and international fan base.
The show itself is a landmark in television history, receiving an astounding 59 Primetime Emmy Awards, the most for any drama series, including four wins for Outstanding Drama Series. Emilia Clarke’s quirky dance move serves as a remarkable testament to the unpredictable nature of Hollywood casting, proving that sometimes, the most authentic and unscripted moments are the ones that lead to the most legendary careers.