Maisie Williams

Maisie Williams is an English actress who rose to international prominence for her portrayal of Arya Stark in the acclaimed HBO fantasy series Game of Thrones. Her performance earned her widespread critical acclaim, including nominations for a Primetime Emmy Award and multiple Critics' Choice Television Awards. Beyond this defining role, Williams has built a diverse career in film, television, and theatre, and has become an influential figure in digital media and entrepreneurship.

Early life and education

Margaret Constance Williams was born in Bristol and grew up in Clutton, Somerset. She is the youngest of four children born to Hilary Frances and Gary Williams. She began training in performing arts at the age of eight, attending the Bath Dance College after being enrolled by her mother. Williams later studied at the Norton Hill School in Midsomer Norton before her professional acting career commenced. Her early training included various forms of dance, which she has cited as foundational to her physical discipline as an actress.

Career

Williams' career was launched when she was cast as Arya Stark in Game of Thrones at the age of twelve, a role she played from 2011 until the series concluded in 2019. During this period, she made her feature film debut in the mystery drama The Falling, which premiered at the BFI London Film Festival. She subsequently appeared in films such as the X-Men spinoff The New Mutants and the action film The Owners. On television, she starred in the BBC series Doctor Who in the episode "The Doctor, the Widow and the Wardrobe" and led the cast of the Sky UK comedy-drama Two Weeks to Live. Williams made her professional stage debut in 2023 in the play The Constituent at the Old Vic theatre in London.

Personal life

Williams resides in London and has been in a long-term relationship with creative partner Reuben Selby. Together, they co-founded the digital talent agency and social networking platform Daisie, which aims to connect emerging artists and creators. An advocate for various social causes, she has supported organizations like Stonewall and has spoken publicly about mental health awareness. Williams is also a trained dancer and maintains an active interest in the fashion industry, having attended events like the Met Gala.

Filmography

*The Falling (2014) as Lydia Lamont *Game of Thrones (2011–2019) as Arya Stark *The New Mutants (2020) as Rahne Sinclair / Wolfsbane *The Owners (2020) as Mary *Two Weeks to Live (2020) as Kim Noakes *The Constituent (2023) as Anna

Awards and nominations

For her work on Game of Thrones, Williams received a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series nomination in 2019. She has won several accolades, including the Portal Award for Best Supporting Actress – Television and the EWwy Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Drama. Her performance also earned her multiple Critics' Choice Television Award nominations. In 2019, she was honored with the Bristol Pride Award for her impact on the city's cultural profile.

Public image and influence

Williams is recognized as a defining actress of her generation, with her portrayal of Arya Stark becoming a cultural icon celebrated for its subversion of traditional fantasy tropes. She has been featured on covers of magazines such as Rolling Stone and British Vogue. As a digital native, she has cultivated a significant following on platforms like Instagram and has used her influence to promote creative collaboration through Daisie. Her style and advocacy work have established her as a influential voice on issues ranging from LGBTQ+ rights to industry innovation, frequently participating in events like the BAFTAs and the Glastonbury Festival.