Lena Headey

Lena Headey is a British actress known for her work in film and television, particularly in the fantasy, drama, and action genres. At age 17, Headey's performance in a one-off show led to her being cast in "Waterland," marking her big-screen debut. She studied acting at Shelley College and performed in several school productions at the Royal National Theatre. Headey built her career with steady roles in British and American films and television before gaining recognition for her lead performances in "The Brothers Grimm" and "300."

Her role in the historical epic "300" brought Headey international attention and led to higher-profile projects, including her portrayal of Sarah Connor in the science fiction series "Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles." She achieved further acclaim for her performance as Cersei Lannister on the HBO series "Game of Thrones," earning multiple Emmy Award nominations and a Golden Globe Award nomination. During her tenure on the series, Headey became one of the highest-paid actors on television.

Headey's portrayal of Cersei Lannister showcased her ability to bring complexity and nuance to a character, earning recognition from the Critics' Choice Television Awards, where she won Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series. Expanding her creative pursuits, Headey made her directorial debut with "The Trap," a character-driven psychological drama that premiered at the Austin Film Festival and starred Michelle Fairley. The film is based on a short film written by Headey.

Continuing to take on diverse projects, Headey stars alongside Gillian Anderson in the Netflix series "The Abandons," set in 1850s Washington Territory. She has also joined Bob Odenkirk and Henry Winkler in the action movie "Normal," directed by Ben Wheatley, and is set to appear with Robin Tunney in "Divine Blood," an indie dark comedy. With a career spanning period dramas, fantasy epics, and Westerns, Headey is recognized for her contributions to contemporary film and television.