Thanks to Lena’s portrayal of Queen Gorgo – and her ability to hold her own against Leonidas (Gerard Butler) – in 2007’s smash hit “300,” producers finally took notice of Lena’s talents. Within a year of the release of “300,” Lena would be on FOX carrying the new show “Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles.” Remaining faithful to Linda Hamilton’s big screen representation of the heroine, Lena boasted an athletic physique and tough persona that has suited the actress well.
Lena’s tendencies towards sci-fi and adventure-type roles began early in her career, in 1994’s “The Jungle Book” through the TV movie “Merlin,” and leading up to playing Angelika in “The Brothers Grimm” in 2005. Born in Bermuda to British parents, Lena grew up in the West Yorkshire area of England. Her acting abilities in the Royal National Theatre led to her first film while still a teenager: the 1992 picture “Waterland.” A wide variety of small roles kept Lena busy through the ‘90s – as a maid in the Anthony Hopkins movie “Remains of the Day,” the heroine in Richard Dean Anderson’s “MacGyver: Trail of Doomsday” TV film, and as Liv Tyler’s sister in the Ralph Fiennes drama “Onegin” in 1999.
In 2000, Lena showcased her range and leading lady qualities in the college thriller “Gossip,” in which Lena is college student Cathy Jones opposite James Marsden. Two years later, Lena joined the esteemed cast of Neil Labute’s “Possession” starring Gwyneth Paltrow and Aaron Eckhart. In 2003, Lena appeared in the Ray Winstone / John Malkovich suspense film “Ripley’s Game.” 2005’s “The Cave” was another reliable adventure/horror in which Lena coasted, but “Imagine Me & You” (released the same year) was a refreshing departure, this time playing a lesbian opposite her “The Cave” co-star Piper Perabo.
Lena’s popularity has exploded with her role as Queen Cersei Lannister on HBO’s “Game of Thrones”.
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Iconic Character – Cersei Lannister on “Game of Thrones”
We have two inconic characters for lovely Lena, and her well-known role as Cersei Lannister on “Game of Thrones” is probably the more iconic of the two. She was a badass on that show, and pretty much seemed to love playing the woman everyone loved to hate.
Iconic Character – Sarah Connor on “Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles”
Before becoming a global sensation with her role as the evil Cersei, Lena gave new life to the iconic Sarah Connor character from the “Terminator” frnachise. For many fans, this role as Sarah Conor will always be a favorite, particularly since she was a cool, badass character. We highlihgted this character in our “TV Girlfriends” feature in the “Married to the Job” catagory. Here’s what we said about the character:
“Is there another woman on this list more married to the job than Sarah Connor? While all of the other ladies are definitely career-oriented, they at least have time for some semblance of a romantic relationship, even if it’s just causal sex. Not Sarah. She has the fate of the world in her hands and she’s not about to take her eye off the ball for some guy. You see, one day in the not-so-distant future her son, John, will save the human race, and since he’s constantly being chased by murderous, time-traveling cyborgs, who has time for a relationship? Sure, she puts the “ILF” in MILF, but no one is cracking that tough exterior, even if she occasionally shows a vulnerable side. Throw in the fact that she thinks she’s soon destined to die, and it’s understandable that she’s so focused on her son. The future of mankind depends on it.”
Lena Headey interview
Lena discusses the show.
Lena on the Screen
Lena first appeared in the Jeremy Irons vehicle “Waterland” in 1992. She’s Lizzie in “The Remains of the Day,” Elise in “MacGyver: Trail of Doomsday,” Kitty Brydon in “The Jungle Book,” Angelika in “The Brothers Grimm,” Luce in “Imagine Me & You,” Queen Gorgo in “300,” and titular character of Fox’s “Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles.”
Lena on Video
Lena Headey about history of Cersei Lannister
Lena discussses her iconic character.
Lena Says
On connections:
“We’ve all had that moment where you look into someone’s eyes and there’s some kind of recognition there, whether you act on it or not.”
On playing Sarah Connor:
“You consider what the character’s been through, where she’s been, who she is now, and all the elements of her life and you think – I always think, ‘How would this effect me?'”