The global hit series Game of Thrones may have wrapped in 2019, but its legacy continues—not just for millions of fans, but for the actors whose lives it transformed. Spanning eight seasons from 2011 to 2019, the HBO fantasy epic changed the face of television, combining rich storytelling with massive scale—even if its final season stirred controversy.
One of the show’s breakout stars, Sophie Turner, who portrayed Sansa Stark, recently opened up about her time on the series during a candid conversation on the Dish podcast (July 9 episode), hosted by Nick Grimshaw and Angela Hartnett.
A Role That Shaped Her Life
Reflecting on her decade-long journey, Sophie shared how deeply connected she became to her character “It was great, it was like we were a family and the character I got to live with for 10 years… so it felt like we kind of merged into one person by the end of it,” she said.
She credited the show with shaping her not just professionally, but personally. “It was amazing and formed my entire life, in terms of like business decisions, just etiquette on set, how to act, um, everything. Everything I learnt from Game of Thrones… and a bit from my parents,” she added.
NEWS 📽️ Sophie Turner will be featured on an episode of the Dish Podcast tomorrow! pic.twitter.com/ugADVx8k9g
— best of sophie turner (@badpost_sophiet) July 8, 2025
Onscreen Violence, Offscreen Warmth
Nick Grimshaw highlighted the stark contrast between the friendly off-screen dynamics and the intense, often brutal on-screen events the cast portrayed. Sophie, quick to match the tone with humor, joked: “Actually it was really great! I definitely got my sex education from that show. More than enough.”
Her comment, though said playfully, underscores just how raw and adult-themed many of her scenes were—especially as her character matured through years of trauma, growth, and political savvy.
Looking Ahead: Trust and Beyond
Sophie is now stepping into a new chapter with the psychological survival thriller Trust, slated for release this August. In the film, she plays a Hollywood actress who retreats to an isolated cabin after a scandal, only to find herself fighting for survival. The role is expected to showcase a darker, more intense side of Sophie’s range.
The Enduring Legacy of Game of Thrones
Though the series has long ended, Game of Thrones continues to resonate with audiences. Its global fan base, spinoffs, merchandise, and conventions prove that the phenomenon is far from over. From elaborate costumes to fictional languages like Valyrian and Dothraki, the cultural imprint remains huge. And for Sophie Turner, the experience is something she will always carry with her—as an actress, and as a person.
