Olivia Cooke’s Journey Through House of the Dragon and Beyond

Olivia Cooke shares her experiences playing Alicent Hightower in House of the Dragon, her career journey, and her views on the show's reception.

Olivia Cooke, the 32-year-old actress who has captivated audiences as Alicent Hightower in House of the Dragonhas had a career journey as compelling as her character’s story. From her humble beginnings in Oldham to her current role in the epic series, Cooke’s path has been anything but ordinary.

On a stormy summer afternoon in London, Cooke reflects on her father’s recent foray into the world of House of the Dragon. Her father, who had just started binge-watching the series, texted her with a simple message: “Raining outside, so starting a binge-watch.” Cooke’s reaction was a mix of amusement and pride, having worked on the show for six years.

Her father’s review was equally straightforward: “Yes, I like it. Quite violent.”

From Oldham to Westeros: Cooke’s Career Journey

Cooke’s journey began in Oldham, where she joined the Oldham Theatre Workshop at the age of eight. This youth theatre group, which also nurtured talents like Anna Friel and Suranne Jones, was a turning point in her life.

“My mum was just like, ballet’s not worked out, let’s chuck her in there,” Cooke recalls. Her natural talent and rebellious spirit made her a perfect fit for the stage.

At 18, Cooke moved to Vancouver to join the cast of Bates Motela prequel to Psycho. This was followed by a few busy but unhappy years in New York before she returned to London just before the pandemic. Her roles in Ready Player One and Sound of Metalas well as her portrayal of Becky Sharp in ITV’s Vanity Fair and MI5 agent Sid in Slow Horsesshowcased her versatility as an actress.

Alicent Hightower: A Complex and Divisive Character

Alicent Hightower, the character Cooke plays in House of the Dragonis based on the George R.R. Martin book Fire & Blood. Alicent’s story is one of betrayal, power struggles, and moral ambiguity. As the childhood best friend of Rhaenyra Targaryen, played by Emma D’Arcy, Alicent marries Rhaenyra’s father, King Viserys, and becomes queen. Her actions, including bearing ethically dubious heirs and going to war with Rhaenyra, have made her a divisive figure among fans.

Cooke has noticed that Alicent has become a focal point for some queer women and non-binary people. “Alicent is a product of the patriarchy,” she says. “In season one, her marriage to the king was engineered by her father, though recent episodes have seen an unravelling of everything that she’s learned, and she’s becoming liberated, in a sense.” Despite the character’s complexity, Cooke has faced vitriolic reactions from some viewers. “It can be quite vitriolic at times,” she admits, “but I’m very grateful for the job.”

Beyond House of the Dragon: Cooke’s Upcoming Projects

As Cooke prepares for the third season of House of the Dragonshe has several other projects in the pipeline. She recently starred in the thriller The Girlfriendwhere she played Cherry Laine, an ambitious estate agent locked in a battle of wits with her boyfriend’s mother, played by Robin Wright. The series was a surprise hit, resonating with audiences due to its exploration of class dynamics and family relationships.

Cooke also has three films coming up: Visitationa horror film in which she plays a nun; Bridesa gothic romance; and a film about the crime novelist Patricia Highsmith, directed by Anton Corbijn. Her passion for acting and her commitment to her craft continue to drive her forward.

As the world of Westeros continues to unfold, Olivia Cooke’s journey is far from over. With her father now a fan of House of the Dragon and her own career reaching new heights, Cooke is poised to take on whatever challenges and triumphs come her way.