Game of Thrones icon Lena Headey commands the screen once again, this time in Netflix's sweeping new Western drama, The Abandons. The series, which has just premiered, features the acclaimed British actress in a leading role, showcasing her formidable talent beyond the world of Westeros.
From Bermuda to Netflix Stardom
Lena Headey, the 52-year-old actress famed globally for her portrayal of the ruthless Cersei Lannister, takes on the part of Fiona Nolan in the epic series. Her character is an Irish force fighting to protect her land and her adopted family from powerful European nobles. Headey's own journey to stardom began far from Hollywood; she was born in Bermuda where her father, a Yorkshire police officer, was stationed. Her family moved to Somerset when she was five.
Her acting potential was first spotted during a school performance at the Royal National Theatre when she was 17. This led to her film debut in 1992's Waterland, setting her on a path to a consistently flourishing career that has now culminated in this major Netflix project.
Frankness on Motherhood and Mental Health
Beyond her professional achievements, Headey has been remarkably open about her personal life, including her experiences with motherhood. She married musician Peter Loughran in May 2007, and the couple welcomed their son, Wylie, in 2010. It was after this life-changing event that Headey faced a significant personal challenge.
She has spoken candidly about suffering from postnatal depression, a condition she did not initially recognise. During the filming of the first season of Game of Thrones, she revealed she felt "really horrendous." "I was postnatally depressed, but I didn't know it," Headey confessed. "I saw a doctor for the medical check, and I just burst into tears." With professional help, she navigated that difficult period, describing it as "figuring out motherhood and going through a weird time personally."
Headey and Loughran divorced in 2012. In 2015, she welcomed her daughter, Teddy, with filmmaker Dan Cadan, an old friend. The couple were engaged but eventually parted ways in June 2019.
A New Chapter in Life and Love
Headey's personal life found a happy new direction with American actor Marc Menchaca, known for his roles in Ozark and The Sinner. After dating since 2020, the pair tied the knot in a private ceremony in Italy in October 2022. The wedding was attended by several of her Game of Thrones co-stars, including Sophie Turner and Peter Dinklage.
Reflecting on this union, Headey had previously told the New York Times, "I always said to him, 'Don't ever ask me to marry you, it's a disaster,' but it actually feels really wonderful."
Now, with The Abandons available for streaming on Netflix, audiences can witness the next powerful chapter in Lena Headey's illustrious career, as she brings another complex, resilient character to life.
