Sophie Turner, known for playing Sansa Stark on Game of Thrones, recently opened up about her experience on the show and how it impacted her life.
The 29-year-old actress appeared on the Dish podcast with hosts Nick Grimshaw and Angela Hartnett, where she discussed the many lessons she learned while working on the series for nearly a decade.
Turner revealed that her time on Game of Thrones shaped her in many ways, from business decisions to how to behave on set. She said the experience was invaluable and that she learned a lot from both the show and her parents. “Everything I learned from Game of Thrones — and a bit from my parents,” she added.
How Game of Thrones Shaped Sophie Turner’s Life
Turner was just 12 years old when she auditioned for the role of Sansa Stark. She started filming two years later, and after eight seasons, she wrapped up the series when she was 23.
Although she spent much of her teenage and early adult years working on the show, Turner admitted that she hasn’t watched the series. Part of the reason for this is that she doesn’t like watching herself on screen.
Despite not watching the show, Turner called filming Game of Thrones the “best acting class” she could have asked for.
“I never had proper formal training, so I got to learn from the amazing actors around me, which I felt like I won a competition,” she said, mentioning how much she loved working alongside stars like Emilia Clarke, Kit Harington, and Peter Dinklage. She also shared that the cast felt like a family, making the experience even more special.
Sophie Turner’s “Sex Education” on Set
Along with learning a lot about acting, Turner also joked about how Game of Thrones gave her plenty of “sex education” due to the graphic scenes filmed on set. She acknowledged that the show had some very intense and controversial nude scenes, and quipped, “I definitely got my sex education from that show.
More, more than enough.”
While many of the series’ controversial moments involved nudity and adult themes, Turner said she learned a lot from the way those scenes were filmed. It was a unique experience for her, given that she was so young when she joined the show.
Will Sophie Turner Ever Play Sansa Again?
Even though Game of Thrones has been over for years, Turner was asked if she would ever return to play Sansa Stark again. In an interview with Variety in October 2024, Turner said she would only consider returning if it involved the exact same cast and crew.
“Maybe. I mean, it would have to be the exact same cast and the exact same crew otherwise, I wouldn’t go back, and that would just be Season 9,” she explained, adding that she doesn’t think they’re planning a ninth season.
However, Turner made it clear that she has a deep love for playing Sansa and often wonders what her character would be doing now. “I do wonder often what would she be doing now, where would she be five years later, what would she be doing?” Turner said.
Sophie Turner’s time on Game of Thrones was more than just a job—it was a life-shaping experience. From learning about acting to navigating controversial scenes, Turner’s journey on the show played a big role in shaping who she is today.
While she may not watch the show, she’ll always remember her time playing Sansa Stark. As for whether she’ll return to the role in the future, only time will tell, but her love for the character remains strong.
