In a brilliant promotional stunt that highlighted the anonymity of a major celebrity outside of her usual context, Emilia Clarke—the actress who famously played Daenerys Targaryen—went undercover in New York City’s bustling Times Square disguised as her Game of Thrones co-star and on-screen lover, Jon Snow (played by Kit Harington). The stunt, which took place in April 2019 to promote an Omaze charity campaign, yielded a priceless initial result: utter indifference from the public, followed by hilarious bewilderment from the few who actually engaged with the disguised star.
🎭 A Fur-Lined Flop: The Disguise
Emilia Clarke donned the full signature garb of Jon Snow, complete with a thick, fur-collared cape, a black, curly wig, and a bushy, clearly fake beard and mustache. While in character, Clarke adopted Jon Snow’s trademark brooding look and attempted to speak in a thick “Northern” accent. The purpose of the stunt was to encourage donations to her charity, SameYou (which supports young adults recovering from brain injury and stroke), by offering fans the chance to watch the Game of Thrones series finale with her.
The Reaction: Apathy to Bewilderment
The most surprising part of the footage was the general apathy. Thousands of commuters and tourists walked right past the woman who played one of the most recognizable characters in television history, assuming she was just another cosplayer in a city full of costumed characters. Clarke, in full persona, approached several unsuspecting people. She asked one woman if she’d like to watch the finale with Emilia Clarke. The woman’s deadpan reply? “I’m a Walking Dead fan.” Another memorable moment saw her trying to recruit an off-brand Batman and Superman, who largely ignored her attempts to rally them for a fight against the Night King.
🤣 The Hilarious Irony
The entire stunt was a comedic success precisely because the initial “reveal” was so anticlimactic. The few people who interacted with her had zero idea that the “Jon Snow” they were speaking to was actually the Mother of Dragons. This moment showcased the comedic irony of celebrity—that one of the most famous faces on television could be rendered completely anonymous with a piece of fake facial hair and a wig. In the end, Clarke pulled off the costume, revealing her true identity with a laugh, but the video highlighted that even the star of the biggest show in the world can be just another face in the chaotic crowd of Times Square.