Lena Headey is an English actress best known for playing the ruthless Cersei Lannister in the hit series Game of Thrones, a role that made her one of the most recognisable faces on television and earned her five Emmy nominations. With her striking screen presence and her gift for playing complex, formidable women, she has built a career that spans television, film and voice acting, and she has become known as much for her warmth off screen as for her intensity on it.
| Full Name | Lena Kathren Headey |
| Date of Birth | October 3, 1973 |
| Age | 53 years old (as of November 2026) |
| Birthplace | Hamilton, Bermuda |
| Nationality | British |
| Height | 5 ft 5 in (1.66 m) |
| Profession | Actress, voice actress |
| Known For | Game of Thrones, 300, Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles |
| Husband | Marc Menchaca (married 2022) |
| Children | Two, Wylie and Teddy |
| Net Worth | Approx. $12 million (Celebrity Net Worth, 2025) |
Who Is Lena Headey?
Lena Headey is an actress who became a star playing complex, formidable women. She first found fame in the film The Brothers Grimm in 2005, in which she played Angelika, and then in 300 in 2006, in which she played Queen Gorgo, a performance that earned her widespread praise. She then appeared in the television series Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles in 2008, in which she played Sarah Connor.
Headey became known to a new generation as Cersei Lannister in the HBO series Game of Thrones in 2011, a role that made her a household name and that earned her five Emmy nominations. She also appeared in Dredd in 2012, in which she played Ma-Ma, and in The Purge in 2013.
Early Life & Background
Lena Kathren Headey was born on October 3, 1973, in Hamilton, Bermuda, where her father, a Yorkshire police officer, was stationed, and she grew up in Huddersfield, Yorkshire, where she attended Shelley College. She began acting as a teenager, appearing in school plays, and she was discovered by a casting agent while performing in a school production of The Royal National Theatre.
After being discovered, Headey appeared in the film Waterland in 1992, in which she played Young Mary, and she became known as one of the finest young actresses of her generation. She also appeared on television, including in the series Game of Thrones, and in film, including in 300, which made her a star.
She was married to musician Peter Loughran from 2007 to 2013, and they have a son, Wylie, born in 2010. She has a daughter, Teddy, born in 2015, with director Dan Cadan. In 2022, she married actor Marc Menchaca. She lives in the United States and the United Kingdom.
Career
Headey’s breakthrough came with Game of Thrones in 2011, in which she played Cersei Lannister, opposite Sean Bean as Ned Stark. The show became one of the most successful television series of all time, and Headey’s performance was praised for its complexity and its power, and for the way she made Cersei’s journey feel real.
After Game of Thrones, Headey appeared in Dredd, The Purge and Fighting with My Family, and she voiced the character of Morgana in the animated series Trollhunters. She also appeared in the television series The White House Plumbers and Beacon 23, and she continues to act in television and film.
Like fellow Game of Thrones star Charles Dance, Headey is known for a defining role in a fantasy epic, and for the warmth and intensity she brings to every performance. She continues to act, and she remains one of the most beloved actresses in cinema and television.
Facts About Lena Headey
- Lena Headey played Cersei Lannister in Game of Thrones for eight seasons, earning five Emmy nominations.
- She played Queen Gorgo in the film 300 and Sarah Connor in Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles.
- She was born in Hamilton, Bermuda, in 1973, and grew up in Huddersfield, Yorkshire.
- She voiced Morgana in the animated series Trollhunters.
- She has been married to Marc Menchaca since 2022, and she has two children, Wylie and Teddy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Lena Headey?
Lena Headey was born on October 3, 1973, which makes her 53 years old as of November 2026.
How tall is Lena Headey?
Lena Headey is 5 feet 5 inches tall (1.66 metres).
Who is Lena Headey married to?
Lena Headey has been married to Marc Menchaca since 2022. She has two children, Wylie and Teddy.
What is Lena Headey’s net worth?
Lena Headey’s net worth is estimated at approximately $12 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth in 2025.
What is Lena Headey best known for?
Lena Headey is best known for playing Cersei Lannister in Game of Thrones and Queen Gorgo in 300.
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