Lena Headey is a household name, best known for her role as Cersei Lannister in Game of Thrones. But beyond her on-screen presence, how much has she earned from her acting career?
Her salary per episode in the HBO hit series was among the highest in television history, placing her among Hollywood’s elite earners.
With a career spanning decades, Headey has amassed a fortune through blockbuster films, television roles, and voice acting.
However, financial ups and downs have shaped her journey. Let’s dive into Lena Headey net worth, earnings, salary, and financial status in 2025.
Lena Headey Quick Facts
FACT | DETAIL |
---|---|
Real Name | Lena Kathren Headey |
Popular Name | Lena Headey |
Birth Date | October 3, 1973 |
Age (as of 03/12/2025) | 51 |
Birthplace | Hamilton, Bermuda |
Nationality | British |
Ethnicity | English, Irish |
Education | Shelley College |
Marital Status | Married |
Spouse | Marc Menchaca (m. 2022), Peter Paul Loughran (m. 2007–2013) |
Children | 2 |
Dating | N/A |
Siblings | Tim Headey (Younger Brother) |
Parents | Susan Brown (Mother), John Headey (Father) |
Height | 1.66 meters |
Net Worth | $12 million |
Source of Wealth | Acting (Film & TV) |
What is the Net Worth of Lena Headey in 2025?
As of 2025, Lena Headey’s net worth is estimated at $12 million. This wealth comes primarily from her acting career, particularly her role in Game of Thrones, where she earned a staggering $1.1 million per episode in the final seasons.
Compared to other Game of Thrones stars, her earnings place her among Hollywood’s top-paid actresses. For example, Peter Dinklage and Kit Harington received similar salaries for their roles.
While she has faced financial challenges, including divorce settlements, her career choices have kept her financially stable.
Related People and Companies
- Peter Dinklage
- HBO
- Game of Thrones
- Kit Harington
- Maisie Williams
- Sophie Turner
- Nikolaj Coster-Waldau
- Hollywood TV Industry
- 300 (film)
- British film industry
Lena Headey is part of an exclusive list of the wealthiest TV actors in Hollywood.
Lena Headey Wealth, Salary, and Financial Overview
How Much Does She Earn from Acting?
Lena Headey has built a successful career spanning over three decades. Her wealth primarily comes from film and television, with additional income from voice acting and endorsements.
She first gained recognition in movies like The Brothers Grimm and 300, but her breakthrough role was in Game of Thrones. The HBO series catapulted her earnings, making her one of TV’s highest-paid actresses.
In addition to TV, she has starred in films such as The Purge, Dredd, and Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, all contributing to her financial success.
What Was Her Salary for Game of Thrones?
Lena Headey was one of the highest-paid actors in Game of Thrones, earning $1.1 million per episode in the final seasons.
- Seasons 1–4: Estimated salary of $150,000 per episode
- Seasons 5–6: Increased to $500,000 per episode
- Seasons 7–8: A massive $1.1 million per episode, totaling $14.3 million for the final 14 episodes
Compared to her co-stars, she earned the same as Peter Dinklage, Kit Harington, and Emilia Clarke, reinforcing her importance in the series.
How Does She Make Money?
Apart from acting, Headey has diversified her income sources:
- Films: Major roles in 300, The Purge, Dredd
- Television: Game of Thrones, Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles
- Voice Acting: Roles in Infinity Train, Tales of Arcadia, The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance
- Production Deals: Signed a first-look deal with Boat Rocker Studios
- Endorsements: Collaborations with brands and campaigns
Despite some financial challenges in the past, her career choices have ensured long-term financial security.
What Were Her Highest-Grossing Films and TV Shows?
Lena Headey has been part of several blockbuster films:
- 300 (2006): Grossed $456 million worldwide
- 300: Rise of an Empire (2014): Earned $337 million globally
- The Purge (2013): Grossed $89.3 million on a micro-budget
- Game of Thrones: One of the most profitable TV shows ever produced
These projects significantly boosted her earnings and industry reputation.
What Financial Challenges Has She Faced?
Despite her success, Headey has experienced financial struggles.
In 2013, she revealed that she had only $5 in her bank account due to her divorce battle with Peter Loughran. Legal fees and settlements took a toll on her finances.
However, her role in Game of Thrones and smart financial decisions helped her rebuild stability.
How Does She Compare to Other High-Paid TV Actors?
Lena Headey is among the top-earning TV actresses, alongside:
- Emilia Clarke ($1.1 million per episode)
- Peter Dinklage ($1.1 million per episode)
- Nicole Kidman ($1 million per episode for Big Little Lies)
- Reese Witherspoon ($1 million per episode for The Morning Show)
Her consistent presence in blockbuster productions has kept her at the top.
What Are Her Future Financial Prospects?
Lena Headey’s career shows no signs of slowing down. With upcoming TV and film projects, she continues to expand her financial portfolio.
Some potential sources of future earnings include:
- New acting roles in high-profile films
- Voice acting in animated series
- Expanding her production company
She remains a powerful force in Hollywood, ensuring long-term financial stability.
Conclusion
Lena Headey’s financial journey has been a mix of record-breaking earnings and financial setbacks. However, her talent and smart career choices have secured her place among Hollywood’s top-earning actresses.
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