10 fast facts about Olivia Cooke from House Of The Dragon

Olivia Cooke, known for her role in "House of the Dragon," has been making waves in the entertainment industry for several years. She has garnered attention through her performances in "Bates Motel," "Ouija," and "Me and Earl and the Dying Girl." Hailing from Manchester, Cooke's path towards acting wasn't conventional, considering her non-theatrical background. However, her determination to pursue her dream has brought her a long way.

The actor shared in an interview with The Guardian that her parents, particularly her mother, initially lacked support for her aspirations. But as they witnessed her growth and success, they began to appreciate her work, even jokingly mentioning her co-stars and dating life. Despite the lack of initial encouragement, Cooke persevered and achieved recognition. Here are several intriguing facts worth knowing about Olivia Cooke:

1. Early Start

Cooke's acting journey began at the age of eight when she participated in a local theater workshop in her hometown of Oldham.

2. Ensemble Performer

In her early theater years, she often played ensemble roles, but her talent shone through, catching the attention of many.

3. Breakthrough as Lead

At the age of 17, she finally landed a lead role in the Oldham Theater Workshop's production of "Prom: The Musical," proving her capabilities as a standout performer.

4. Educational Departure

Contrary to the common narrative of being homeschooled or attending specific acting classes, Cooke took a different route. She dropped out of school just before her A-levels, choosing instead to pursue her acting aspirations.

5. First Professional Role

Cooke's debutante moment came in the TV series "Blackout," where she played Meg Demoys, the daughter of Christopher Eccleston's character.

6. Piggyback Ride from Harry Styles

In a rather unique experience, Cooke had the opportunity to be carried on the back of the iconic musician during the filming of One Direction's music video for "Autumn Term" in 2012.

7. Rejection and Serendipity

Despite her desire to attend the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), Cooke was not accepted after auditioning in 2014. In retrospect, she acknowledged that her career may have taken a different path had she been selected.

8. American Debut in "Bates Motel"

Cooke ventured into American television with her role in the critically acclaimed series "Bates Motel," where she portrayed a character opposite Vera Farmiga.

9. Shaved Head for a role

In "Me and Earl and the Dying Girl," Cooke dedicated herself to her character, shaving her head to immerse herself in the role fully.

10. Continuous Learning

Dedicated to her craft, Cooke invests time in mastering new skills for her roles. She learned to play the guitar for her part in "Sound of Metal" and immersed herself in American Sign Language for another project.

Cooke's latest endeavor in "House of the Dragon" showcases her commitment to her career and craft. Though initially resistant to popular shows like "Game of Thrones," she couldn't resist the allure of the prequel series. Cooke, who self-taped her audition following a return to London, proves that even unconventional methods can lead to remarkable opportunities and success.