11 Facts You Didn't Know About Milly Alcock: The Australian House of the Dragon Star

From Australia to Westeros: 11 Things You Didn't Know About Milly Alcock

Milly Alcock might be a fresh face in Hollywood, but she's already made a huge impact as young Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen in House of the Dragon. Coming straight from Australia, Milly’s journey from a local TV actress to starring in one of the most iconic fantasy universes has been nothing short of legendary. But how much do you really know about this rising Gen Z star? Milly's not your average Hollywood actress—she’s got a backstory filled with hustle, unexpected career moves, and some seriously cool facts that even her biggest fans might not know. From almost skipping her House of the Dragon audition to learning a fictional language for her role, Milly’s path is a mix of grit and luck. So, buckle up! We're about to dive deep into 11 facts that’ll make you love this breakout star even more. Ready? Let's go!

1. She Started in Australian TV

Before taking the world of Westeros by storm, Milly Alcock was already killing it back home in Australia. While House of the Dragon might be her big international break, her acting chops were honed on the small screen in several iconic Australian series. You might’ve spotted her in shows like Upright, where she plays Meg, a rebellious teenager on a road trip with a washed-up musician (played by Aussie star Tim Minchin). This series not only highlighted her range but gave Milly the chance to dive into more complex roles early on in her career.

Before Upright, she had small roles in Reckoning and Fighting Season, which helped put her on the map Down Under. Even before that, her journey started with commercial gigs—so yep, she’s definitely been putting in the work for years. Milly was also in The Gloaming, a spooky thriller set in Tasmania, showing us just how versatile she is. And now? Well, now she’s starring in one of the most talked-about series in the world. Australia definitely knew her talent before the rest of us caught on. Hollywood, you better watch out because this Aussie is just getting started.

2. She Was Discovered While Washing Dishes

Talk about a plot twist! Believe it or not, Milly Alcock’s life-changing moment happened while she was washing dishes. Yup, she wasn’t on set or at an audition when she got the news that would skyrocket her career—she was working at a restaurant. Like a true hustler, Milly took on a dishwashing gig to make ends meet while pursuing her acting dreams. But when her agent called and told her she landed the role of young Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen in House of the Dragon, Milly knew it was time to hang up her apron for good.

In interviews, Milly’s mentioned how surreal it felt to be scrubbing plates one moment and then, in a flash, getting the call that would change everything. She quit on the spot and packed her bags for London. It’s the kind of “pinch me” moment we all dream of, right? Going from anonymous kitchen work to starring in one of the most highly anticipated shows ever? Now that’s a glow-up story! So, next time you’re doing something mundane, remember Milly—sometimes, life can change with just one phone call.

3. She Almost Didn't Audition for House of the Dragon

Imagine this: Milly Alcock almost skipped the House of the Dragon audition. Wild, right? Even though Game of Thrones was one of the biggest TV shows of all time, Milly wasn’t sure if she should even try out for the prequel. Can you believe that the actress who now rules Westeros as young Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen was this close to passing on her chance at global stardom?

So, what made her reconsider? Milly’s spoken about how she wasn’t feeling super confident at the time. She didn’t think she stood a chance against all the other talented actresses who’d be auditioning for the role. But then, as fate would have it, she decided to take the plunge and give it a shot. And thank the Seven Gods she did! Her audition tape impressed the casting directors so much that they flew her out to London almost immediately. Once there, it didn’t take long for her to land the role. The lesson? Don’t ever count yourself out! Milly’s journey proves that sometimes the biggest opportunities come when you least expect them. You just gotta be bold enough to take the chance.

4. She's a High School Dropout

Milly Alcock wasn’t about that high school life—literally. At 17, Milly made a bold decision that most of us would be too scared to even consider: she dropped out of high school. And nope, it wasn’t because she hated school. Milly had bigger dreams, and acting was at the top of her list. When the opportunity to pursue acting full-time came knocking, she didn’t hesitate to pack her bags and chase her dream.

For most people, dropping out sounds like a huge risk, but Milly trusted her gut and it paid off. In her interviews, she’s been open about how stepping away from traditional education wasn’t an easy choice, but it was the right one for her. Instead of sitting in a classroom, she was on set, gaining experience and learning the ropes of the entertainment industry. And now? She’s starring in House of the Dragon, one of the biggest shows on TV. Milly’s journey is proof that success doesn’t always follow the traditional path. Sometimes, you've just gotta take a leap of faith and bet on yourself—and Milly did just that, in the most epic way possible.

5. Her First Job Was a Commercial for NBN

We all start somewhere, and for Milly Alcock, that "somewhere" was a commercial for NBN, Australia’s broadband network. Yep, before slaying dragons in House of the Dragon, she was helping sell faster internet speeds! Milly’s first gig came when she was just 14 years old. It might not have been a blockbuster film, but hey, every actor needs to build their resume, right?

It’s wild to think about where she started versus where she is now. Milly has mentioned that while her first job wasn’t the most glamorous, it taught her the basics of being on set and working in front of a camera. From there, it was all about building experience and taking on more roles in Australian television. Sometimes, the smallest opportunities open the biggest doors. Even though her first paycheck came from an internet commercial, Milly stayed focused and kept leveling up. It just goes to show—you never know where your first job will lead. For Milly, it was the first step on the path to playing a Targaryen princess. Moral of the story? Every gig, no matter how small, counts when you’re chasing your dreams.

6. She's a Huge Fan of Game of Thrones

Milly Alcock wasn’t just cast in House of the Dragon—she’s a genuine fan of the Game of Thrones universe. Before she even set foot in Westeros, Milly was just like the rest of us, binge-watching every twist and betrayal that made Game of Thrones the global sensation it is. In fact, she was such a fan that when she got the role of Princess Rhaenyra, she couldn’t believe she’d be stepping into the same world she’d loved from her couch.

Milly has openly shared how surreal it was to find herself on set, surrounded by dragons, castles, and, of course, the Iron Throne. It wasn’t just a job for her—it was like living out a fan’s wildest dream. Plus, having been a fan herself, Milly knew how passionate the Game of Thrones fanbase is, so she wanted to do justice to the character of young Rhaenyra.

The best part? She’s one of us. Milly even admitted to fangirling over the dragons and costumes on set. It’s one thing to be a talented actor, but being an actual fan of the universe you’re part of? That’s next-level dedication. From fan to star—Milly’s journey is a fan fiction come to life.

7. Her Role Was Kept Top Secret

When you land a role in one of the most anticipated TV series ever, keeping it a secret might be harder than the actual job. That’s exactly what happened to Milly Alcock after being cast as young Princess Rhaenyra in House of the Dragon. For months, Milly had to sit on the news, unable to tell her friends, family, or even her biggest supporters. Can you imagine how tough that must’ve been?

In interviews, Milly has talked about how she had to lie about where she was going and what she was doing for work. While all her friends thought she was just doing “some project” in London, Milly was secretly filming the next installment in the Game of Thrones universe. For someone like Milly, who’s as genuine and down-to-earth as they come, this was no easy task.

When the news finally broke that she was the new Targaryen princess, it was like a weight lifted off her shoulders. The secret was out, and the world was just as excited as she was. Keeping things hush-hush is all part of the game when you

8. She Didn't Watch Her House of the Dragon Performance for Months

Milly Alcock is definitely her toughest critic. Despite playing a major role in one of the most-watched shows on TV, Milly actually didn’t watch her own performance in House of the Dragon for months. She revealed in interviews that she has a hard time watching herself on screen and didn’t want her own self-criticism to affect how she approached future scenes. Instead, she decided to let the experience speak for itself and focus on being in the moment during filming.

While most actors rush to see their work, Milly’s approach is refreshingly humble. She has said that she didn’t want to get caught up in her performance and overthink things. In fact, she only watched the show much later—after she had already finished filming her scenes. For her, it was more about learning and growing as an actor without the pressure of constantly critiquing herself. But when she finally did sit down and watch, it was like reliving the magic all over again. Milly’s ability to focus on the craft without getting distracted by her own performance is just one more reason why she’s a true pro.

9. She's a Self-Proclaimed "Nerd" for History

Turns out, Milly Alcock is a total history nerd! In a twist that probably helped her nail her role as young Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen, Milly has confessed that she’s always been obsessed with historical dramas and stories. From ancient civilizations to medieval times, she loves diving deep into the past and understanding the dynamics of different eras.

This passion for history helped her connect even more with the rich world of Westeros. She’s spoken about how playing a character in such a deep, lore-driven universe felt like stepping into a living, breathing piece of history. The layers of politics, family dynamics, and power struggles in House of the Dragon are, after all, pretty similar to real historical events. Plus, learning how rulers and royal families operated back in the day gave Milly extra insight into playing the ambitious Rhaenyra.

Her love for history didn’t just stop at her character, though. Milly has also shared that one of the coolest parts of filming House of the Dragon was getting to wear period-accurate costumes and step onto elaborate sets that transported her back in time. The historical vibes were definitely her jam!

10. She Bonded With the Cast Over Shared Imposter Syndrome

Despite her growing fame, Milly Alcock has admitted that she, like many of us, deals with imposter syndrome. And it turns out, she’s not alone! Milly revealed that while working on House of the Dragon, she bonded with her fellow cast members over the shared feeling of not being “good enough” or “qualified” for such a massive project. Even though she’s a talented actress, being on such a high-profile show can make anyone feel a bit out of their league.

Milly found comfort in talking to her co-stars about this, especially since many of them had been in the industry much longer. They reassured her that these feelings are totally normal and part of the journey. This vulnerability created a tight-knit bond among the cast, with everyone supporting one another through the emotional ups and downs of shooting such an epic series.

Despite these doubts, Milly channeled her imposter syndrome into her performance, using those feelings to fuel her portrayal of Rhaenyra, a character who’s also navigating her own insecurities and power struggles. In the end, Milly’s honesty about imposter syndrome makes her even more relatable—and shows that even rising stars have moments of doubt.

11. She's Passionate About Women's Representation in Film

Milly Alcock isn’t just focused on her own career—she’s also deeply passionate about women’s representation in film and TV. She’s been vocal about the need for more complex, layered roles for women, especially young women, in Hollywood. In interviews, Milly has expressed her desire to see more characters that reflect the real struggles, strengths, and imperfections of women today. She’s all about breaking away from outdated stereotypes and telling stories that show women in all their complexity.

Playing Rhaenyra in House of the Dragon was a perfect fit for Milly’s mission. Rhaenyra is a multi-faceted character—she’s ambitious, flawed, powerful, and vulnerable all at once. Milly’s portrayal brings a refreshing depth to the role, and she hopes that her work will inspire more conversations about how women are depicted on screen.

Beyond House of the Dragon, Milly has mentioned that she’s drawn to projects with strong female leads and is actively seeking out roles that challenge traditional narratives. With her platform growing, Milly is determined to use her voice to advocate for change in the industry. She’s already becoming a role model for young women everywhere—and we’re all here for it.

Milly Alcock’s rise to fame has been nothing short of spectacular, but it’s clear that she’s just getting started. From her humble beginnings in Australian television to becoming a global sensation as Princess Rhaenyra in House of the Dragon, Milly’s journey is full of inspiring twists and turns. She’s a high school dropout who trusted her instincts, a self-proclaimed history nerd who channels her passions into her roles, and a fierce advocate for women’s representation in film.

Whether she’s bonding with castmates over imposter syndrome or embracing her inner “nerd” for historical dramas, Milly’s authenticity shines through in everything she does. Her story is proof that believing in yourself, even when the odds feel stacked against you, can lead to epic success. We can’t wait to see what’s next for this talented Gen Z star—Hollywood better be ready!

Stay tuned for more behind-the-scenes stories and rising stars at Woke Waves Magazine.

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