Christopher Catesby Harington is a British actor who gained widespread fame after starring in the adaptation of George Martin's fantasy saga "Game of Thrones." Many aspects of the English actor's life remain private, which is not surprising since he never planned on becoming a film actor.
The actor's real name is Christopher Catesby Harington
Childhood
Christopher Catesby Harington was born in December 1986 in London. His mother, Deborah Jane, was a playwright who instilled a love for the arts in him from an early age. Kit Harington's family tree also boasts other notable figures; the Harington lineage dates back to the 16th century. His father, David Richard, was a successful businessman, and his uncle, Sir Nicholas John Harington, held the title of baronet.
Kit Harington as a child
Starting in 1992, Kit attended Southfield Primary School. In 1998, he and his family moved from London to a town called Worcester, where he enrolled in Chantry High School. He participated in several school plays, most notably being impressed by "Waiting for Godot," but never considered becoming an actor. For a long time, he was undecided about his career, contemplating becoming either a journalist, a war correspondent, or a cinematographer. A few years after finishing school, he made the firm decision to pursue acting.
Young Kit Harington
In 2005, Kit returned to London and began studying at one of the UK's most prestigious acting schools, the Central School of Speech and Drama.
The actor's striking appearance quickly caught attention
Kit Harington made his theater debut in 2008, playing Albert Narracott in the play "War Horse," which Steven Spielberg later adapted into a film in 2011. The role received high praise from critics and theater enthusiasts alike, and many predicted a bright future for the young actor.
Kit Harington as Albert Narracott
After a series of less notable roles, the actor gained recognition for his portrayal of Ed Montgomery in the play "Posh."
Acting Career
In 2010, Kit Harington caught the eye of the creators of the TV adaptation of the "A Song of Ice and Fire" novels. Though he had never acted in a major film before, his first role as Jon Snow, the young Stark family bastard, was a game-changer. His character won over audiences with his bravery and selflessness, while his expressive face and jet-black curly hair captivated millions of women worldwide. Interestingly, Kit wore a wig in the first season but grew out his own hair for the second.
The role of Jon Snow brought fame to Kit Harington
However, starring in the instantly iconic series didn't save him from some acting missteps. In 2012, he made his feature film debut in the horror movie "Silent Hill: Revelation." The film flopped, drawing criticism even from die-hard fans of the franchise. Kit Harington also faced backlash for his lackluster performance, and not even Sean Bean, who had worked with him on "Game of Thrones," could save the situation.
Kit Harington in Silent Hill: Revelation
In 2014, Kit continued to hone his craft in historical dramas like "Pompeii" and "Seventh Son." While Jon Snow always generated genuine interest, Kit's choice of big-budget yet sometimes bland movies puzzled the public.
Kit Harington Answers the Web's Most Searched Questions
By 2014, many had labeled Kit a "one-role actor," although public opinion improved after his role in the comedy "7 Days in Hell," where he acted in a modern setting. However, the 2015 spy thriller "Spooks: The Greater Good" had him facing a wave of criticism again. "You know nothing, Jon Snow," wrote disappointed fans.
In 2017, he took on the lead role in the historical miniseries "Gunpowder," which focused on the famous Gunpowder Plot of 1605. Kit portrayed Robert Catesby, one of the conspiracy's leaders, alongside actress Liv Tyler.
Kit Harrington Interview - Gunpowder
In 2018, Kit starred in the drama by indie filmmaker Xavier Dolan, "The Death and Life of John F. Donovan."
Kit Harington in The Death and Life of John F. Donovan
The final, eighth season of "Game of Thrones" aired in the spring of 2019. Kit admitted that it was challenging to break away from the Jon Snow persona, but he had no plans to give up.
Kit Harington Says The Game Of Thrones Finale Is Disappointing
In 2019, Kit Harington appeared in the Netflix series "Criminal: UK" as Alex. That same year, he reprised his voice role as Eret in the third installment of "How to Train Your Dragon."
In 2021, Kit Harington starred in the Marvel sci-fi action film "Eternals," playing the role of the Black Knight, also known as Dane Whitman. That same year, he appeared in the romantic comedy "Modern Love."
Kit Harington's Personal Life
For a long time, Kit Harington's personal life remained private. Many fans speculated about a relationship with Emilia Clarke, his "Game of Thrones" co-star. While the two were often seen together in public, they laughed off the rumors. "We're just good friends, like everyone in Westeros," Kit joked.
Emilia Clarke and Kit Harington are just friends
He was also frequently spotted with Rose Leslie, who played the "wildling" Ygritte on the show. Although the actors remained tight-lipped, fans hoped their on-screen romance had turned into a real-life love story. In April 2016, Kit and Rose finally confirmed their relationship.
The romance between Kit Harington and Rose Leslie came to life
On June 23, 2018, the couple got married in Scotland. Interestingly, the wedding invitations featured stamps with Kit as Jon Snow, part of a limited series issued by the UK postal service.
The wedding of Kit Harington and Rose Leslie
In September 2020, it was announced that Kit Harington and Rose Leslie were expecting their first child. The couple decided to start a family during the pandemic, but had been planning for this significant step for some time. Their son was born in early 2021, and a daughter arrived in the summer of 2023. The couple has chosen not to publicize their children's names.
Kit Harington Now
In 2023, Kit Harington starred in a key role in the Apple TV series "Extrapolations," playing Nicholas Bilton, a staunch capitalist who believes that only money and technology can save the world from its impending doom.
A scene from the series 'Extrapolations'
Also, exciting news awaited all "Game of Thrones" fans: in 2022, it was announced that HBO is producing a spin-off series focused on Jon Snow.
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Zachary Connor Edwards
I don`t know why everybody so thrilled about Kit Harington. In my opinion he is playing boring and all his fame is a good PR.
2021-05-05 14:34:20
Tammy Hill
I watched `Pompeii` only because of Kit Harington and I was not satisfied. He is boring in this movie, no dynamic at all!
2021-05-04 09:14:11
Charles Joseph Cook
Let`s hope that with a time heat dies and everybody will stop identify Kit Harington with Jon Snow.
2021-04-02 11:43:59
Tiffany Terry
Who didn`t dream about handsome Kit Harington? I was watching `Game of Thrones` only because of him, he is amazing!
2021-03-26 20:15:04
Dylan Blake Griffin
I can`t imagine in the role of Jon Snow somebody else except Kit Harington. His bright appearance and rebellious spirit made him a star of this TV series.
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Zachary Connor Edwards
2021-05-05 14:34:20
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Tammy Hill
2021-05-04 09:14:11
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Charles Joseph Cook
2021-04-02 11:43:59
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Tiffany Terry
2021-03-26 20:15:04
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Dylan Blake Griffin
2021-02-26 12:04:34
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