ACTOR · BORN 1973
Lena Headey
- Born
- 3 October 1973, Hamilton, Bermuda
- Known for
- Game of Thrones (2011), Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles (2008), Gunpowder Milkshake (2021), The Cave (2005)
11 archived facts 5 topics 1 source Last reviewed Nov 2026
Lena Headey (born 3 October 1973) is an actor best known for Game of Thrones, Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles and Gunpowder Milkshake.
11 Interesting Facts About Lena Headey
Interesting Facts (4)
- #001
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.
- #002
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.
- #003
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.
- #004
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.
Behind the Scenes (1)
- #005
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.
Characters & Cast (2)
- #006
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.
- #007
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.
Career & Awards (2)
- #008
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.
- #009
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.
Life & Family (2)
- #010
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.
- #011
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.
Related pages
- St. Trinian's — Lena Headey comes up in the facts on that page
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Sources & editorial notes
Reference databases
- Wikipedia
- IMDb
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