Olivia Cooke Discusses Fame Discomfort, Intimacy Work in House of the Dragon

Olivia Cooke, known for her role as Alicent Hightower in House of the Dragon, has openly discussed the importance of intimacy coordinators on set, emphasizing their role in protecting actors, especially those new to the industry, from uncomfortable situations. She shared her initial apprehension about joining House of the Dragon, highlighting the physical demands of some scenes despite her character not being typically action-oriented. Cooke also expressed discomfort with fame, describing it as making her feel "really icky" and emphasizing her desire to maintain a normal life by continuing everyday activities like cycling and using public transportation. In her new Amazon Prime Video series, The Girlfriend, Cooke plays Cherry Laine, a character navigating class tensions and complex personal dynamics, which resonates with her own working-class background. She appreciates the opportunity to work alongside Robin Wright and finds playing morally complex characters therapeutic given her own guilt tendencies. Overall, Cooke balances her rising stardom with a grounded approach to her career and personal life, advocating for industry practices that support actor wellbeing.