Actress known for Skins and Game of Thrones opens up about withdrawal from public life and personal struggles
British actress Hannah Murray, widely recognized for her roles as Cassie in Skins and Gilly in Game of Thrones, has addressed her prolonged absence from the entertainment industry, revealing a deeply personal account of the events that led her to step away from acting after 2020.
Once considered one of the UK’s most promising rising screen talents, Murray’s on-screen work noticeably slowed following the conclusion of Game of Thrones in 2019, prompting ongoing speculation among fans about her disappearance from the spotlight.
From breakout roles to global fame
Murray first gained attention through her portrayal of the emotionally complex Cassie in the teen drama Skins, a performance that earned her a dedicated fan base. She later achieved international recognition as Gilly in HBO’s fantasy epic Game of Thrones, remaining with the series through its final season.
Her character Gilly, alongside Samwell Tarly, was among the few to survive the series’ conclusion, with their storyline ending in a new life together and Samwell’s academic rise.
Stepping away from public life
After the conclusion of the series, Murray gradually withdrew from high-profile acting work. Her absence from screens after 2020 led to widespread curiosity about her career and personal life.
In her newly released memoir The Make-Believe, she describes a period of vulnerability during her late twenties, during which she became involved with a group that presented itself as offering spiritual insight, healing, and “magical” understanding.
The actress recounts how participation in an intensive program led to increasing isolation from her support network. She also describes a decline in her mental wellbeing during this time, which ultimately resulted in hospitalization.
Inside the story behind The Make-Believe
In describing her memoir, Murray outlines a journey in which the boundaries between reality and illusion gradually became unclear. She reflects on how she became drawn into a belief system that promised transformation, happiness, and deeper meaning, but instead contributed to emotional distress.
She has spoken about the book as an attempt to document what she calls a shift from fascination into psychological crisis, framing it as an exploration of how easily perception can be influenced under certain conditions.
The publisher behind the memoir has characterized the work as an examination of the appeal of wellness culture and the ways people can conceal vulnerability while navigating emotionally intense environments.
Reflections on fame and identity
Murray has also reflected on her time in the entertainment industry, noting in past comments that her years on Game of Thrones marked a turning point in her perspective on acting and personal storytelling. She has expressed a desire to shape her own narrative rather than exist solely within fictional roles.
Her memoir marks her first major public statement in years, offering insight into both her career pause and the personal challenges that accompanied it
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Source: Owink
