ACTOR · BORN 1986
Kit Harington
- Born
- 26 December 1986, Worcester, Worcestershire, England, UK
- Known for
- Game of Thrones (2011), How to Train Your Dragon 2 (2014), Eternals (2021), How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World (2019)
29 archived facts 6 topics 1 source Last reviewed Sep 2026
All facts (29)
- #001
Before starting his acting career, Kit Harington worked in a bookshop, where he constantly had to carry the heavy volumes of George R.R. Martin's 'A Song of Ice and Fire' series. This led the young Harington to develop a chilliness toward the author. Shortly afterward, however, he would take on the role of Jon Snow in the television adaptation of that series, 'Game of Thrones', a role that would become a turning point in his career.
- #002
Kit Harington's family tree reaches back to an impressive past. His eighth-generation great-great-great-grandfather on his father's side was Charles II, King of England, Scotland and Ireland between 1660 and 1685, who also reigned as King of Scotland between 1649 and 1651. This noble connection makes Harington a distant relative of actors Dacre Montgomery and Rose Leslie, both of whom are descended from Charles II. The information lays bare the actor's aristocratic origins.
- #003
In 2012, Kit Harington broke his ankle falling while trying to climb into his locked London apartment. The unfortunate accident happened during filming of the third season of 'Game of Thrones', and the crew went to great lengths to hide the injury behind the scenes. Stand-ins wearing Jon Snow wigs were used, and filming was completed that way. Harington was so bothered by the situation that he apologized to the production manager by giving him a bottle of whisky.
- #004
Kit Harington did not know until he was 11 that his real name was Christopher. Because his family and those close to him always called him Kit, he only learned this at that age. The curious detail stands out as an intriguing piece of the actor's childhood. Harington continued to be known by that name in later years and used Kit in his career as well.
- #005
Kit Harington is said to be related to Sir John Harington, known as the inventor of the flush toilet. This kinship, however, is not a direct line of descent but a more distant family relationship. Sir John Harington was a 16th-century English courtier and writer. The connection shows that Harington's family has deep roots. Although the actor himself says little about the subject, the information draws interest among his fans.
- #006
Kit Harington wore long hair for the first time for the character Jon Snow in 'Game of Thrones'. The actor, who said he had never had long hair before, actually had to wear a wig in the first season. In later episodes of the series he grew his hair out and solved the problem. After the series ended, Harington said he planned to cut his hair short again. The change was an important process for him both physically and in terms of identifying with the character.
- #007
Kit Harington's natural hair color is dark brown. To play Jon Snow in 'Game of Thrones', he had to dye his hair black. The color change was important for emphasizing the character's northern appearance. Harington took care of his hair during this process and successfully reflected the look the role required. The detail shows how committed the actor was to his role.
- #008
Kit Harington has a fear of spiders, needles and flying. Because of these phobias, he generally travels by car or train. His avoidance of air travel is something that affects his daily life. The actor does not shy away from openly stating these fears. The situation reflects his modest and sincere personality.
- #009
Kit Harington formed close friendships with the fellow actors he worked with on 'Game of Thrones'. He became good friends with Richard Madden, Alfie Allen, John Bradley, Rose Leslie and Emilia Clarke. These friendships continued off set and created a strong bond among the actors. His relationship with Rose Leslie in particular eventually turned into marriage. These friendships were also an important factor in the series' success.
- #010
Kit Harington is known for his passion for horror films. Among his favorites are 'The Shining' (1980), 'The Ring' (2002), 'The Wicker Man' (1973) and the 'Scream' series. These films show his taste in cinema and his interest in the genre. Harington says he loves the tension and atmosphere of horror. This passion also contributed to his turning toward projects in different genres in his acting career.
- #011
In the pilot episode of 'Game of Thrones', Kit Harington wore a wig for the role of Jon Snow. For the rest of the first season, however, he grew his hair out and used his natural look. The change made the character appear more realistic and natural. Harington had to be patient during the process of growing his hair. The detail shows the importance given to detail in the series' production process.
- #012
Kit Harington became engaged in 2017 to Rose Leslie, who played the character Ygritte in 'Game of Thrones'. The couple met on the set of the series and played lovers on screen. The relationship eventually carried over into real life, and they married in 2018. Harington and Leslie's relationship was followed with great interest by fans of the series. The marriage was an important turning point in the actor's personal life.
- #013
In 2013, Kit Harington was named Male Actor of the Year at the Young Hollywood Awards. The award was one of the first major prizes he won for his performance in 'Game of Thrones'. The success gave the young actor significant momentum in his career. Harington was only 26 when he received the award and was seen as a promising talent. The award helped him become known internationally.
- #014
In his youth, Kit Harington dreamed of becoming a cameraman, a war correspondent and a journalist. These professions reflected his desire to explore the world and report on events. His interest in acting, however, took precedence over these dreams. Harington trained in theater and turned toward an acting career. The decision was one of the most important steps that changed his life.
- #015
Kit Harington's family tree reaches back to the British aristocracy. His fifth-generation great-great-great-grandfather Henry Dundas, 1st Viscount Melville, served as Britain's Secretary of State for War in the early 19th century. He is also the nephew of a baronet, and his family is listed in Burke's Peerage. These noble connections show that Harington has a deeply rooted family background. The information emphasizes his aristocratic origins.
- #016
Kit Harington became friends with singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran after a chance encounter. The two met while using urinals side by side in the men's room. This ordinary moment became the start of a strong friendship between them. Harington and Sheeran enjoy telling the story in a humorous way. The friendship shows the closeness between the two famous names.
- #017
Kit Harington became a father for the first time at the age of 34. His wife, Rose Leslie, gave birth to a boy in February 2021. The happy news was met with great joy by the couple's fans. Harington described the experience of fatherhood as a special and meaningful process. The event marked the beginning of a new period in his life.
- #018
In 'Gunpowder' (2017), which he created and produced, Kit Harington played the character Robert Catesby. The character is in fact his ancestor on his mother's side. Catesby went down in history as the leader of the 1605 Gunpowder Plot. By taking on the role, Harington paid tribute to his own ancestry. The project showcased both his acting and his producing abilities.
- #019
In his youth, Kit Harington got into a fight at a McDonald's restaurant. When a man harassed the girl beside him, Harington could not stand for it and the argument escalated. The incident shows his hot-tempered and protective attitude in his younger years. Harington later recounted the memory in a humorous way. The experience shows that he had an ordinary youth.
- #020
Kit Harington sees himself first and foremost as an actor trained in the theatre. He began his acting career on stage and has always valued his experience there, taking roles in major plays such as 'War Horse'. That training also added depth to his screen performances, and Harington believes theatre is the foundation of acting.
- #021
Kit Harington's ancestry is rich and varied. His recent forebears are of English, Welsh, Scottish, Irish and Dutch origin, while his more distant ancestry includes German, French, Spanish, Italian, Polish, Lithuanian, Austrian and Danish ancestors. His family descends from numerous Earls, Baronets, Peers, Dukes and Viscounts, and his mother's ancestors lived in India and South Africa during the era of British colonialism; this deep-rooted background shaped Harington's aristocratic identity.
- #022
Kit Harington is a great admirer of the renowned director David Lynch. Lynch's distinctive cinematic style and surrealist storytelling deeply affected Harington, and this admiration reflects his own understanding of cinema and artistic taste. Harington follows Lynch's films and series closely, and this interest has inspired him to pursue different kinds of projects in his acting career.
- #023
Among Kit Harington's favourite films are '25th Hour' (2002), 'Romeo + Juliet' (1996), 'Jurassic Park' (1993), 'Heat' (1995), 'Some Like It Hot' (1959) and 'If....' (1968). These films show that he has wide-ranging taste in cinema, and Harington values these works both artistically and as entertainment. The list reveals his interest in different genres.
- #024
Kit Harington's mother, Deborah Jane (Catesby), is a playwright and artist, while his father, David Richard Harington, is a retired businessman. His family represents a union of the art and business worlds. Harington grew up under his mother's artistic influence and turned to acting, while his father's discipline in business also had a positive effect on his career.
- #025
While still at drama school, Kit Harington won the role of Albert Narracott in the play 'War Horse'. The role was a major turning point in his theatre career, and the play was greatly praised by both critics and audiences. Harington drew attention with this performance and took his first step into the world of television; the experience was early proof of his acting ability.
- #026
Kit Harington's maternal great-grandfather, Thomas Charles Cann Evans, was born in Budleigh Salterton in the English county of Devon and served as a Major in the Australian Royal Army Medical Corps. His wife, Isabel Dorothy Joyce Dennys, was an artist known professionally as Joyce Dennys and was born in Murree, India (now Pakistan) into a European family. This family history shows that Harington has a deep-rooted and international heritage.
- #027
Kit Harington has a brother named John Catesby Harington. Little information is available about his brother, but the family bonds are strong. Harington is known for his loyalty to his family, and having grown up with his brother, he places importance on family values; this family bond holds an important place in his personal life.
- #028
Kit Harington trained at the Central School of Speech and Drama in London, a world-famous institution for acting. There he received a comprehensive education in theatre and the performing arts, which formed the foundation of his acting career. Shortly after graduating, he took part in notable projects.
- #029
Kit Harington's paternal grandfather, John Charles Dundas Harington, was born in Simla, India, while his grandmother Lavender Cecilia Denny was born in Toronto, Canada. Both were of English origin. These international birthplaces show the family's mobility during the era of the British Empire; Harington's family lived in different parts of the world and possesses a rich cultural heritage.
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