The Unlikely Rise of Kit Harington: How a Struggling Young Actor Became a Game of Thrones Legend

The rise of Kit Harington to global stardom may seem meteoric, but it's a tale of hard work, determination, and a bit of luck. The actor, best known for his portrayal of Jon Snow in HBO's hit series Game of Thrones, has come a long way from his early days as a struggling young actor. From his early struggles to make ends meet in London to his current status as a A-list star, Harington's journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and talent.

Throughout his career, Harington has spoken about the difficulties he faced in the early days, including a single mother who had to choose between paying the rent or giving him dance lessons. "I was a terrible dancer," he recalled in an interview with The Guardian. "But my mum said, 'We're going to get you into drama school, no matter what.'" Harington's mother's unwavering support played a crucial role in shaping his career, and he credits her with pushing him to pursue his dreams.

In an industry known for its cutthroat competitiveness, Harington's rise to fame was far from overnight. He spent years taking small roles and struggling to make ends meet, often working multiple jobs at a time to make a living. "I was a waiter, a barman, a shop assistant," he told The Hollywood Reporter. "I did anything I could to make a buck." Despite the struggles, Harington remained committed to his craft, landing small roles in films and TV shows, including a stint on the BBC's Silent Witness.

It was Harington's breakout role as Jon Snow in Game of Thrones that catapulted him to stardom. The show's massive success was a turning point in his career, and he quickly became one of the show's most recognizable stars. "It was a really busy time, but I was so grateful to be a part of it," he told Entertainment Weekly. "The show was like a family to me, and I felt so lucky to be a part of it."

His portrayal of Jon Snow, the brooding and charismatic leader of the Night's Watch, earned Harington critical acclaim and solidified his place as a leading man. His performance highlights include moments of raw emotion, from his heart-wrenching portrayal of the Hardhome massacre to his iconic vow to Daenerys Targaryen. "(Harington's portrayal) is an incredible performance, if a little unglammed," Entertainment Weekly's Emily Nussbaum said.

Harington's relationships with his castmates have been well-documented, and he has often spoken about the importance of the experiences he shared with them. In fact, he has gone on record stating that the show's cast became his second family, and he remains close with many of his co-stars to this day. Emilia Clarke, who plays Daenerys Targaryen, and Harington have become incredibly close, and their friendship has withstood even the challenges of working on a show as grueling as Game of Thrones.

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The combination of his performance, the show's success, and his personal relationships have solidified Harington's status as a beloved and respected actor. He has gone on to land roles in films such as How to Train Your Dragon and Brimstone, further showcasing his range as an actor.