Olivia Cooke: A Journey from Local Theater to Global Fame

Olivia Cooke, the British actress who's taken the world by storm, recently opened up about her stunning rise in the entertainment industry. Currently in Majorca while filming the highly anticipated House of the Dragon, she reminisced about her most shocking moments as a star.

That Pinch-Me Moment on the Empire State Building

Last June, Cooke found herself atop the iconic Empire State Building as it was illuminated in a vibrant emerald green for the premiere of HBO's Game of Thrones prequel. Facing her fear of heights, she had to muster the courage to join her castmates, including King Aegon Targaryen actor Tom Glynn-Carney, at the spire.

"I told Tom, 'If you don't step back, we won't be friends!" she chuckled, revealing her humorous yet relatable struggle on a precarious platform in heels.

The Charm Behind the Talent

Cooke is best known for portraying the fiercely devoted Alicent Hightower, but off-screen, she’s a blend of sass and sincerity. Hailing from Oldham, England, her warm and self-effacing personality stands in stark contrast to the stern roles she often plays.

Observing the industry's elite, she emphasizes kindness and empathy, stating, "The people at the top are well-prepared, but the best actors don’t rule with an iron fist."

From Small Town to International Star

Although her portrayal of Alicent has cemented her status among the stars, Cooke is still yearning for normalcy in her life. "I want peace and quiet in my personal life, where I can relax and do nothing, but professionally, I’m hungry for more meaningful stories," she shared.

A Dynamic Duo: Cooke and Robin Wright in 'The Girlfriend'

In her latest project, The Girlfriend, Cooke takes on the role of Cherry Laine, a character that challenges her both as an actress and as a person. The show, directed and co-starring Robin Wright, promises to be a thrilling ride as tensions rise between Cherry and Laura, Wright’s character.

Wright praised Cooke’s talent, stating, "She has so much range and moxie; the perfect Cherry for this role." Cooke didn’t hesitate to answer the call, showcasing her willingness to tackle complex characters.

Reflections on Her Rapid Ascent to Stardom

While Cooke recalls her past with a blend of nostalgia and discomfort, she reflects on the daunting pace of her career. "It all felt so fast-paced; I was just a kid trying to figure things out," she remarked, noting her homesickness during her initial move to New York.

Navigating Fame and Fandom

With the launch of the latest season of House of the Dragon, Cooke has faced the pressure of intense fandoms. Some interactions can be harsh, especially as her character has ignited mixed feelings among viewers.

"I'm protective of Alicent, and I feel sorry for her; she's been molded by a patriarchal system," Cooke expressed, pointing out the misogyny her character endures mirrors real-world issues. This perspective fuels her commitment to complex narratives.

What’s Next for Cooke?

The star is gearing up for another shooting season while also preparing to showcase The Girlfriend, set to be available on September 10 on Prime Video. Cooke describes the show as thrilling and believes that its emotional complexity will resonate with audiences.

In her words, "It’s about who can outdo the other in a battle of wits and emotions—viewers will be glued to their screens!" With dream collaborators like Joachim Trier and Paul Thomas Anderson on her radar, there’s no doubt that Olivia Cooke is just getting started.

Catch Olivia in 'The Girlfriend' and Prepare to Be Captivated!

All six episodes of The Girlfriend will stream on Prime Video this September, and with Cooke lighting up screens, it’s an event you won’t want to miss!