7 Shocking Facts About Gwendoline Christie: The 'Tall Lady From GOT' Who Conquered Hollywood And High Fashion In 2025

Gwendoline Christie, the towering English actress best known globally as Brienne of Tarth from the epic series Game of Thrones (GOT), has undergone a dramatic career evolution, solidifying her status as a Hollywood powerhouse and high-fashion muse. As of late December 2025, the actress is not only dominating television with major roles in hit series but is also making headlines as a prominent figure on the red carpet, attending prestigious events like the 2025 EE BAFTA Film Awards and the 2025 Fashion Awards. This article dives deep into the latest updates, essential biographical details, and the seven most fascinating facts about the woman who turned her physical stature into her greatest asset.

The journey of the 6-foot-3-inch star is a powerful narrative of resilience, from struggling to find roles that embraced her unique height to becoming an Emmy-nominated actress and a global style icon. Her most recent work in Wednesday and the highly anticipated second season of Severance demonstrates a fresh, dynamic phase in her career, moving far beyond the armor of Westeros and captivating a whole new generation of fans.

Gwendoline Christie: Full Biography and Profile

• Full Name: Gwendoline Tracey Philippa Christie
• Date of Birth: 28 October 1978 (Some sources cite 1979)
• Age (as of Dec 2025): 47
• Place of Birth: Worthing, West Sussex, England
• Height: 6 feet 3 inches (1.91 m)
• Education: Drama Centre London (Graduated 2005)
• Partner: Giles Deacon (Fashion Designer)
• Breakout Role: Brienne of Tarth in Game of Thrones (2011–2019)
• Notable Roles: Brienne of Tarth (GOT), Captain Phasma (Star Wars Sequel Trilogy), Commander Lyme (The Hunger Games), Lucifer (The Sandman), Principal Larissa Weems (Wednesday), Lorne (Severance).
• Career Highlights: Emmy Nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series (GOT), Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actress on Television (GOT), and an established career as an international fashion model (signed with IMG Models).

The Seven Unconventional Triumphs of Gwendoline Christie’s Career

Gwendoline Christie’s success is built on a series of bold career moves and a refusal to conform to industry standards. Her unique presence has allowed her to transition seamlessly between fantasy epics, prestige dramas, and the cutthroat world of high fashion.

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1. The Pivotal Role That Almost Didn’t Happen: Brienne of Tarth

Before landing the role of Brienne of Tarth, Christie has openly discussed the challenges she faced in the acting world due to her exceptional height. Many roles were simply not written for a woman of her stature.

She was "really struggling" before the Game of Thrones casting call, which specifically sought a very tall actress to portray the "Maid of Tarth," a character often referred to as "The Big Woman" by Tormund Giantsbane.

Christie's commitment to the role was absolute. She underwent intense physical training, including sword fighting and horse riding, and even cut her signature long hair short to match the character's rugged, warrior aesthetic. Her portrayal earned her critical acclaim and an Emmy nomination, cementing her legacy as one of the show's most beloved characters, a true Knight of the Seven Kingdoms.

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2. The Surprise Return in 'Wednesday' Season 2

One of the most talked-about updates in late 2024 and 2025 is Christie’s return to the Netflix hit series Wednesday. Fans were left in suspense after Principal Larissa Weems seemingly met a grim fate in Season 1.

It has been officially confirmed that Gwendoline Christie is returning as Principal Weems for Wednesday Season 2, with some reports suggesting she may return in a surprising new capacity, potentially as Wednesday Addams' "Spirit Guide."

Christie has described her approach to the character as being inspired by the "Hitchcockian heroine," focusing on a sleek, glamorous, yet mysterious persona that is a stark contrast to Brienne’s armor. This role showcases her versatility and her ability to bring depth to a character who is a master of disguise.

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3. Securing a Major Role in the Apple TV+ Thriller 'Severance'

Looking ahead into 2025, Christie's career continues its upward trajectory with a significant role in the critically acclaimed Apple TV+ thriller, Severance. She has joined the cast for the highly anticipated second season, playing the character Lorne.

This move highlights her transition into prestige television, working alongside a star-studded cast in a show known for its high-concept storytelling and intense psychological drama. The details of her character, Lorne, are tightly kept, adding to the intrigue surrounding the new season's plot.

4. The Unexpected Fashion Muse and IMG Model Status

Perhaps the most unexpected twist in Christie's story is her emergence as a high-fashion icon. Signed with IMG Models, she has become a muse for top designers and a fixture at Fashion Weeks globally.

Her connection to the fashion world is deeply personal; her long-time partner is renowned British fashion designer Giles Deacon. She has been credited with closing out Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week and has been a notable presence at the 2025 Fashion Awards, even being considered for "Model of the Year" by some publications.

The legendary supermodel Kate Moss reportedly kick-started Christie’s modeling career by referring her to an agency, a testament to her unique and captivating presence.

5. The Star Wars and Hunger Games Sci-Fi Crossover

Christie is one of the few actors to successfully bridge the gap between two of the largest fantasy/sci-fi franchises in history. While starring in Game of Thrones, she was also cast in the Star Wars sequel trilogy as the imposing Captain Phasma.

She also appeared in The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2 as Commander Lyme. This triple-franchise success—GOT, Star Wars, and The Hunger Games—showcases her ability to embody powerful, commanding female figures across different cinematic universes, often obscured by elaborate costumes and armor.

6. The Physical Challenge: From Gymnast to Actress

Before her acting career, Gwendoline Christie was a dedicated competitive gymnast. However, a severe back injury forced her to abandon this path.

This early training in physical discipline, however, proved invaluable for her later acting roles, particularly the physically demanding role of Brienne of Tarth. Her height, which was initially seen as a hindrance, became the defining characteristic of her career, allowing her to portray characters of immense physical and emotional strength.

7. The Sandman's Unique Interpretation of Lucifer

Christie’s ability to completely transform for a role was evident in her portrayal of Lucifer Morningstar in the 2023 Netflix adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s The Sandman. Unlike previous, more traditional depictions, Christie's Lucifer was a stunning, androgynous figure, radiating a cold, celestial power.

Her performance was praised for its chilling elegance and unique take on the iconic comic book character, further diversifying her portfolio and proving her mastery of the fantasy genre outside of Westeros.