Kristina Roberts
Milly Alcock, the actress who played young Rhaenyra Targaryen in House of the Dragon, recently shared a tough experience from her early days on the show. During an appearance on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, she revealed that a high-ranking person on set told her she would be getting an acting coach after just her second day of filming.
“On my second day on House of the Dragon, one of the — I’m not gonna say who, but someone very high up — pulled me aside and was like, ‘Um, we’re gonna get you an acting coach,’” Alcock said, whispering the words as if still feeling the impact of that moment.
The comment clearly affected her confidence. “It just confirmed everything that I’ve kind of known to be true, [which] is that I’m not very good at my job,” she joked, though her tone suggested she was partly serious. The audience reacted with sympathy, but Alcock quickly lightened the mood by adding, “You know what I mean! I was like, ‘I can’t do this. This is terrible. This is a big mistake.’”
Jimmy Fallon, however, strongly disagreed with the criticism. “Oh, I’m so sorry. From the very first episode, you were a fan favorite,” he told her, with the crowd cheering in support. Fallon even playfully scolded the unnamed person, turning to the camera and saying, “Look at her! You’re totally wrong, buddy.”
Despite the rough start, Alcock’s performance was widely praised by fans and critics alike. Her portrayal of young Rhaenyra Targaryen became one of the most talked-about aspects of the show. Many viewers admired her ability to capture the strength and complexity of the character, proving that she didn’t need to doubt herself.
Alcock’s honesty about her early struggles makes her even more relatable. Many actors face moments of self-doubt, especially when working on such a big project. House of the Dragon is a major series with high expectations, being a prequel to the hugely popular Game of Thrones. Stepping into that world as a young actress must have been intimidating, but Alcock handled it with grace.
She didn’t let the criticism stop her. Instead, she used it as motivation to improve. Whether or not she actually worked with an acting coach, her performance spoke for itself. Fans loved her fierce and emotional take on Rhaenyra, and her scenes were some of the most memorable in the show’s first season.
Alcock’s story is a reminder that even successful people face challenges. What matters is how they respond. Instead of giving up, she pushed through and delivered a performance that won over millions of viewers. Her journey shows that self-doubt doesn’t have to hold a person back—sometimes, it can push them to work even harder.
Looking back, Alcock can now laugh about the experience, but it clearly left a mark. Her willingness to share such a personal moment makes her even more endearing to fans. It’s not easy to admit when you feel unsure of yourself, especially in front of a large audience. But by doing so, she has inspired others who might be going through similar struggles.
The entertainment industry can be tough, with high expectations and constant pressure. Alcock’s experience highlights how even talented actors can feel like they’re not good enough. But as she proved, perseverance and hard work can lead to great success.
Her time on House of the Dragon may have started with doubt, but it ended with her becoming one of the show’s standout stars. Fans are eager to see where her career goes next, and if this experience is anything to go by, she’ll continue to impress with her talent and determination.
In the end, Alcock’s story is one of resilience. She faced criticism early on but didn’t let it define her. Instead, she rose above it and proved that she belonged in the world of House of the Dragon. Her honesty about the challenges she faced makes her not just a great actress, but also a role model for anyone who has ever doubted themselves.
The next time she steps onto a set, she’ll likely do so with more confidence, knowing that she’s already won over audiences worldwide. And as for that unnamed high-up person who doubted her? Well, the fans—and Jimmy Fallon—have made it clear: Milly Alcock is more than good enough. She’s outstanding.
