This Actress Blends GOT Grit With Wednesday Charm-see Who
- 01. The Actress from Game of Thrones and Wednesday: Gwendoline Christie Revealed
- 02. Early Career and Breakthrough Role
- 03. Transition to Wednesday and Nevermore Academy
- 04. Key Career Statistics and Achievements
- 05. Other Notable Film and Television Work
- 06. Personal Background and Biography
- 07. Impact on Representation and Genre Television
- 08. Future Projects and Career Trajectory
The Actress from Game of Thrones and Wednesday: Gwendoline Christie Revealed
The actress who starred in both Game of Thrones and Wednesday is Gwendoline Christie, the English performer best known for her iconic role as Brienne of Tarth in HBO's fantasy epic (2012-2019) and as Principal Larissa Weems in Netflix's hit supernatural mystery series Wednesday (2022-2025). Christie, born October 28, 1978, in Worthing, West Sussex, England, stands at 6 feet 3 inches (193 cm), making her one of the tallest leading actresses in Hollywood history.
Early Career and Breakthrough Role
Christie's career trajectory changed forever when she was cast as Brienne of Tarth in Game of Thrones in July 2011, with her first appearance airing on April 15, 2012, in Season 2, Episode 3 ["The Ghost of Harrenhal"]. Before this breakthrough, she worked as a model and appeared in small theater productions, but her 6'3" stature and commanding screen presence made her perfect for the warrior role that would become a cultural phenomenon.
- Christie received an Emmy nomination in 2019 for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for her work as Brienne
- She earned a Critics' Choice Award nomination in the same category and year
- The entire Game of Thrones cast won four Screen Actors Guild Awards for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series (2014, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2020)
- Brienne of Tarth appeared in 21 episodes across Seasons 2-8 of the series
Her portrayal of Brienne shattered stereotypes about feminine strength on television, with fan campaigns online pushing for her casting even before the official announcement. Christie herself stated in a 2023 interview that playing Brienne was "the first time she's ever felt beautiful on screen," revealing the personal significance of the role.
Transition to Wednesday and Nevermore Academy
On September 14, 2021, Netflix officially announced Christie's casting as Larissa Weems, the principal of Nevermore Academy in Tim Burton's Wednesday series. The character description revealed that Weems "still has an axe to grind with her former classmate Morticia Addams," creating instant narrative tension with Catherine Zeta-Jones' Morticia.
- Series premiere date: November 23, 2022, on Netflix
- Total episodes: 12 episodes across Season 1 (2022) and Season 2 (2023-2025)
- Castmates: Jenna Ortega (Wednesday Addams), Catherine Zeta-Jones (Morticia Addams), Luis Guzmán (Gomez Addams)
- Character arc: Weems develops a special bond with Wednesday Addams, becoming a mentor figure
- Season 2 renewal: Netflix renewed Wednesday for Season 2 in December 2022, with Christie returning as series regular
Christie's performance as the enigmatic principal earned widespread critical recognition, with critics praising her chemistry with Ortega and her ability to balance authority with vulnerability. The series itself became one of Netflix's most-watched English-language shows, accumulating over 1.7 billion viewing hours in its first 37 days.
Key Career Statistics and Achievements
| Metric | Game of Thrones | Wednesday | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Character Name | Brienne of Tarth | Larissa Weems | |
| Years Active | 2012-2019 | 2022-2025 | |
| Number of Episodes | 21 | 12 | |
| Award Nominations | Emmy, Critics' Choice, SAG | Part of ensemble acclaim | |
| Genre | Fantasy/Drama | Horror-Comedy/Mystery | |
| Broadcast Network | HBO | Netflix |
Christie's dual presence in these two massively popular franchises demonstrates her versatility across genres, moving from medieval fantasy to supernatural high school mystery without losing her distinctive screen power. Her height of 193 cm has become a signature part of her brand, making her instantly recognizable in ensemble casts.
Other Notable Film and Television Work
Beyond these two flagship roles, Christie has built an impressive resume spanning film and television. In the Star Wars franchise, she portrayed Captain Phasma, the chrome-armored First Order stormtrooper commander, in The Force Awakens (2015) and The Last Jedi (2017). This role further cemented her status as a sci-fi/fantasy icon capable of commanding attention in blockbuster franchises.
Her additional screen credits include:
- The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1 & 2 (2014-2015) as a rebel soldier
- The Darkest Minds (2018) as bounty hunter Lady Jane
- In Fabric (2018), Peter Strickland's horror-comedy, as Gwen
- Welcome to Marwen (2018), Robert Zemeckis' drama, as Russian caretaker Anna
In 2018, Christie also appeared in the final season of Game of Thrones, bringing her character's seven-year arc to a triumphant conclusion that satisfied both critics and fans. Her work in Tim Burton's distinctive visual style for Wednesday marked a new creative chapter, collaborating with the director known for Edward Scissorhands and Beetlejuice.
Personal Background and Biography
Gwendoline Tracey Philippa Christie was born on October 28, 1978, in Worthing, West Sussex, England, and currently resides in London as a base for her international career. Her full name reflects her British heritage, and she trained at the Drama Centre London before breaking into professional acting.
Christie's unique physical presence initially led to typecasting in costume roles, but she deliberately sought characters with depth and complexity to avoid becoming a mere visual novelty. Her decision to take the Wednesday role showed strategic career thinking, as the Netflix series offered global reach and creative collaboration with Tim Burton's distinctive aesthetic.
"Never once did I feel like there was something to hide or something to be ashamed of."
- Gwendoline Christie on playing Brienne of Tarth and feeling beautiful on screen for the first time
Impact on Representation and Genre Television
Christie's casting in both Game of Thrones and Wednesday has had profound implications for representation of tall women in mainstream media. At a time when leading actresses typically stand between 5'4" and 5'9", Christie's 6'3" frame challenged industry norms and proved that unconventional physical traits can become defining strengths.
Her characters both exhibit remarkable emotional depth beneath tough exteriors: Brienne struggled with acceptance in a male-dominated warrior culture, while Weems hid vulnerable secrets about her past with the Addams family. This pattern demonstrates Christie's acting range beyond physical presence.
Future Projects and Career Trajectory
Following the success of Wednesday, which accumulated 1.7 billion viewing hours globally, Christie remains one of Hollywood's most sought-after character actresses. Industry insiders predict she will continue landing high-profile franchise roles that leverage her distinctive look and serious dramatic abilities.
With Wednesday Season 2 in production through 2025 and expected to release in late 2025 or early 2026, Christie's visibility continues climbing. Her dual legacy as Brienne of Tarth and Principal Weems ensures her place in television history as an actress who defined two landmark series across different genres.
Helpful tips and tricks for This Actress Blends Got Grit With Wednesday Charm See Who
Who is the actress from Game of Thrones and Wednesday?
The actress is Gwendoline Christie, an English performer born October 28, 1978, who played Brienne of Tarth in Game of Thrones (2012-2019) and Principal Larissa Weems in Netflix's Wednesday (2022-2025).
What character did Gwendoline Christie play in Game of Thrones?
Christie portrayed Brienne of Tarth, a warrior knight who appeared in 21 episodes across Seasons 2-8, earning Emmy and Critics' Choice Award nominations in 2019.
What character does Gwendoline Christie play in Wednesday?
She plays Larissa Weems, the principal of Nevermore Academy who has a complicated history with Morticia Addams and develops a mentor bond with Wednesday Addams.
How tall is Gwendoline Christie?
Christie stands 6 feet 3 inches (193 cm) tall, making her one of the tallest leading actresses in Hollywood history.
When did Gwendoline Christie join Wednesday?
Netflix announced her casting on September 14, 2021, and the series premiered on November 23, 2022, with Christie appearing in all 12 episodes through 2025.
Did Gwendoline Christie receive award nominations for Game of Thrones?
Yes, she received Emmy and Critics' Choice Award nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series in 2019, plus five Screen Actors Guild Awards with the ensemble cast.
What other major franchises has Gwendoline Christie appeared in?
She played Captain Phasma in Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015) and The Last Jedi (2017), and appeared in The Hunger Games: Mockingjay films.
Where was Gwendoline Christie born?
She was born in Worthing, West Sussex, England, on October 28, 1978, and currently lives in London.