ACTOR · BORN 1973
Lena Headey
- Born
- 3 October 1973, Hamilton, Bermuda
- Known for
- Game of Thrones (2011), 300 (2007), The Purge (2013), 300: Rise of an Empire (2014)
13 archived facts 5 topics 1 source Last reviewed Sep 2026
All facts (13)
- #001
During the filming of Game of Thrones' first season, Lena Headey was pregnant with her son Wylie. The production team was so impressed by her performance that, rather than recasting the role, they adjusted the shoot around her pregnancy. Directors concealed it by keeping camera angles above her waist or seating her at a table, and in wide shots of Cersei walking, the loose sleeves of her costumes kept her belly hidden. Where necessary, body doubles were used with quick cuts. This flexibility showed Headey's commitment to the series and the crew's trust in her.
- #002
Lena Headey's surname is pronounced 'heedy', not 'heddy' as many people assume. This difference in pronunciation leads to her name being mispronounced frequently. Over her career, Headey has occasionally made humorous remarks about the matter. The correct pronunciation matters for remembering her accurately among fans and in the media.
- #003
Lena Headey was born in Bermuda, but at the age of five she moved with her family to the town of Huddersfield in England's Yorkshire region. Headey lived there until she was seventeen, spending her youth in this quiet English town. Those years were when her interest in acting took root. Her life in Huddersfield later contributed to her ability to understand and portray different cultures in her career.
- #004
For the 2005 film The Brothers Grimm, Lena Headey had to learn to swim a rabbit. It was no ordinary experience for her, as she had never done such a thing before. She needed to acquire the skill to make the scene in the film realistic. Through this experience, Headey gained insight into rural life of the period. Such practical preparations show how seriously she approached her role.
- #005
Lena Headey's father served as a police officer and was assigned to train in Bermuda shortly before her birth. For this reason, Headey was born in Bermuda. Her father's profession caused the family to live in different places, which made Headey's childhood a mobile one. Her birth in Bermuda is an interesting start to her life story and, alongside her identity as a British actress, offers a different cultural background.
- #006
For her performance as Cersei Lannister in Game of Thrones, Lena Headey was nominated for the Emmy Award five times in the Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series category. These nominations are regarded as one of the most important achievements of her career. The Cersei she portrayed was one of the series' most complex and hated characters, yet the actress gave the character depth and earned the appreciation of viewers and critics. These nominations cemented her place in the world of television.
- #007
Lena Headey has two children: her son Wylie Elliot Loughran (born 31 March 2010) with her former husband Peter Paul Loughran, and her daughter Teddy Cadan (born 10 July 2015) with her former boyfriend Dan Cadan. Headey was with Dan Cadan from 2014 to 2019. Her children hold an important place in her private life, and the actress has managed to balance motherhood with her career. This family structure is one of the known details of her personal life.
- #008
In the series Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles, Lena Headey played Sarah Connor. In the role, she became the mother of John Connor, played by Thomas Dekker, despite being only 14 years older than him. This age difference was handled in a way suited to the series' story, and Headey portrayed a strong and protective mother figure. The performance demonstrated her talent in the action and drama genres and was an important turning point in her career.
- #009
Lena Headey has various tattoos on her body. She has the Thai word 'Jason' on her arm, tattoos on her right upper arm and between her shoulder blades, and extensive tattoos on her back as well. These tattoos stand out as part of her personal style. Headey has occasionally shared their meanings with the press. These details offer clues about her appearance and character.
- #010
After playing Sarah Connor in Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles, Lena Headey was cast as the antagonist Cersei Lannister in HBO's Game of Thrones two years after that series ended. In an interesting coincidence, Emilia Clarke, who played Daenerys Targaryen in Game of Thrones, later took on the role of Sarah Connor in the film Terminator Genisys. This shows that the two actresses followed a similar path in their careers. Headey's Cersei performance became one of the most iconic roles of her career.
- #011
In 2007, Lena Headey ranked 64th on Maxim magazine's Hot 100 list. The list determined the most attractive celebrities of that year, and Headey's inclusion increased her visibility in popular culture. The ranking shows that she drew attention not only for her acting talent but also for her physical attractiveness. Such lists can affect how actors are perceived in the media.
- #012
With her role as Sarah Connor in Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles, Lena Headey became the second actress to portray the character. Linda Hamilton had first taken on the role in the 1984 and 1991 Terminator films. Following Hamilton, Headey successfully inherited this iconic character. The role proved her talent in the action genre and won her the admiration of science fiction fans. Headey's interpretation of Sarah Connor highlighted the character's strong and determined sides.
- #013
Lena Headey shares the same birth date with Canadian actress Neve Campbell. This coincidence is often mentioned by fans of the two actresses. Although Headey and Campbell became known for productions in different genres, having been born on the same day creates an interesting connection. Such coincidences are details that spark curiosity about celebrities' lives.
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