Sat. May 23rd, 2026

‘I thought I was the saviour of the planet’: how Game of Thrones’ Hannah Murray found a wellness cult – and lost her mind

Actress Hannah Murray, known for her roles in ‘Skins’ and the epic fantasy series ‘Game of Thrones,’ has spoken about her challenging journey after being drawn into a spiritual community. The experience, which led to her mental health deteriorating to the point of being sectioned, is detailed in her memoir.

Murray shares that a recurring and profound thought she experiences is, “Thank God I don’t act any more.” This feeling brings a sense of total bodily relief and a surge of joy. While she acknowledges that no longer needing to disrobe for camera roles, as she did as a teenager in ‘Skins,’ is a factor, her relief extends beyond the physical demands of acting.

The actress also reflects on the relentless scrutiny of her weight during her early career, recalling invasive questions from journalists about her eating habits and parental concerns. Furthermore, she describes the public recognition that came with playing Gilly in ‘Game of Thrones,’ which often involved dealing with demanding fans. The pressure of negotiating nudity clauses and the emotional rollercoaster of securing roles, only to face the uncertainty of auditioning again, also contributed to her desire to leave acting behind.

By Rupert Blackwood

Investigative journalist based in Sheffield, focusing on technology's impact on society. Rupert specializes in cybercrime's effect on communities, from online fraud targeting elderly residents to cryptocurrency scams. His reporting examines social media manipulation, digital surveillance, and how criminal networks operate in cyberspace. With expertise in computer systems, he connects technical complexity with real-world consequences for ordinary people

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