House of the Dragon breakout star Milly Alcock has captured hearts with her powerful portrayal of young Rhaenyra Targaryen. But as she recently revealed on The Tonight Show, her first days on set weren’t easy — and included a biting critique from someone high up in the production. Now, with two acclaimed seasons under her belt and a third on the way, Alcock is rewriting the narrative of self-doubt with determination and grace.
A tough welcome to the Targaryen legacy
It’s hard to imagine anyone doubting Milly Alcock’s talent after her spellbinding performance as young Rhaenyra Targaryen in HBO’s House of the Dragon. Yet, during her first-ever appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, the 25-year-old Australian actress shared a surprising and vulnerable story about her early days on set.
“On my second day on House of the Dragon, one of the — I’m not gonna say who, but someone very high up — pulled me aside and said, ‘Um, we’re gonna get you an acting coach,’” Alcock said, recalling the moment with a sheepish grin and a whisper that couldn’t soften the sting.
For Alcock, the comment wasn’t just unexpected — it was deeply discouraging. “It just confirmed everything that I’ve kind of known to be true, [which] is that I’m not very good at my job,” she joked in a moment of raw self-deprecation, quickly backpedaling as the audience groaned in sympathy. “You know what I mean! I was like, ‘I can’t do this. This is terrible. This is a big mistake.’”
Fallon and fans rally behind her
Jimmy Fallon, visibly surprised and empathetic, wasn’t having it. “From the very first episode, you were a fan favorite,” he declared, his tone turning protective as he turned to the camera. “That guy is wrong. You are unbelievable.” Gesturing to Alcock with mock outrage, he added, “Look at her! You’re totally wrong, buddy.” While Alcock didn’t disclose what she said in the moment or identify the unnamed critic, the revelation has sparked conversation among fans about the pressures young actors face, especially when entering high-profile franchises with massive fan expectations.
The actress’ honesty offered a rare glimpse into the imposter syndrome many creatives experience — and how easy it is to internalize even a single comment of doubt. Yet despite the rough start, Alcock has risen to become one of the most celebrated performers in the Game of Thrones universe.
A star forged in fire
Alcock’s performance in House of the Dragon helped anchor the show’s complex first season. As the younger version of Rhaenyra — a Targaryen princess caught in the ruthless politics of succession — she had to balance youthful defiance, vulnerability, and royal poise in a role that carried immense narrative weight.
The show, co-created by George R.R. Martin and Ryan Condal, is set 200 years before Game of Thrones and focuses on the dramatic unraveling of House Targaryen. Its debut season was critically acclaimed, eventually winning the Golden Globe for Best Drama Series in 2023. Though Alcock tried to brush off the recognition with humility — “I didn’t win it!” she told Fallon — the host quickly corrected her. “Yeah, you did. You won. Your show won.”
Preparing for what comes next
As House of the Dragon continues to soar, so does Alcock’s career. With production on season 3 underway, showrunner Ryan Condal has promised the most ambitious season yet. “We’re cresting that narrative parabola here and starting to come down into, if not the endgame, the midpoint and moving onto the start of Act 3,” he previously told Entertainment Weekly. “Anybody that’s read that book knows that the narrative gets bigger and grimmer as it goes along,” Condal added, “and the show has to match that ambition as best it possibly can.”
While it’s not yet confirmed how much screen time Alcock will have in upcoming seasons — given the time jumps and shifting perspectives — her impact is undeniable. Her portrayal of young Rhaenyra remains a cornerstone of the series’ emotional core and a fan-favorite performance.
Turning criticism into confidence
What makes Alcock’s story particularly resonant is not just the adversity she faced, but the grace with which she responded. By sharing her early insecurities so openly, she has further endeared herself to fans who see in her not just a powerful actress, but a relatable human being navigating the high-stakes world of Hollywood. Her experience also serves as a reminder of how formative feedback — even when poorly delivered — can either break or build someone. In Alcock’s case, it seems to have done both: briefly shaking her confidence, but ultimately strengthening her resolve.
“I was like, ‘This is a big mistake,’” she said of her casting. But time — and performance — have told a different story. With a beloved role behind her and new projects on the horizon, Alcock is proving that even the toughest notes can lead to unforgettable performances.
A Queen in Her Own Right
Milly Alcock may have arrived on the House of the Dragon set feeling unsure, but she left it as a breakout star who brought one of Westeros’ most iconic characters to life. While some may have doubted her at first, her poise, vulnerability, and undeniable talent have earned her legions of fans and critical acclaim. And to the higher-up who once suggested she needed a coach? Alcock didn’t just meet expectations — she soared above them, fire and blood.
