Helen Sloan/courtesy of HBO(NEW YORK) — Lena Headey’s Game of Thrones character, the scheming Cersei Lannister, experienced a dramatic fall from grace last season, from powerful queen to disgraced prisoner.
The Bermuda-born actress says she believes the character’s good and bad attributes is what gives fans something to which they can relate.
“I think everybody has that in them,” Headey told ABC News’ Jesse Palmer. “There’s shades in people.”
Headey added, “People always said, ‘Oh, she’s so mean, ‘but I think the reason people like her is because you feel the goodness in there somewhere. It’s in there somewhere.”
Headey didn’t foresee the success of the hit HBO show. “I don’t think anybody did, because the notion is bonkers,” she said.
Game of Thrones’ success has put Headey and her co-stars in the spotlight. The 42-year-old says she finds the lack of roles for aging women more of an issue in Hollywood than the female pay gap that’s recently found its way into headlines.
What I find more disturbing is the lack of leading roles for women above a certain age, well, because I am,” Headey said. “But I’m always like, ‘Where are they?’”
Heady adds, “These women are sort of these, you know, women are fascinating and strong and just as brilliant to watch.”
Game of Thrones season six premieres this Sunday night on HBO.
Copyright © 2016, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
