Kit Harington

Kit Harington is a British actor who became one of the most recognizable faces on television through his iconic portrayal of Jon Snow in HBO’s Game of Thrones. Born Christopher Catesby Harington in London, England, he grew up in Worcestershire and did not learn that his given name was Christopher until he was 11 years old. He studied drama at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, and his professional career began on the London stage with a critically acclaimed performance in the National Theatre’s production of War Horse in 2008.

Harington was cast as Jon Snow in Game of Thrones in 2011, a role that would define his career and make him a global star. Over eight seasons from 2011 to 2019, he portrayed the brooding, honorable bastard son of Ned Stark who eventually became a central figure in the battle for the Iron Throne. The show became the most-watched series in HBO history, and Harington earned two Emmy nominations for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for his performance. His salary reportedly reached $500,000 per episode in the later seasons.

Beyond Game of Thrones, Harington has pursued a diverse range of projects. He voiced Eret in the How to Train Your Dragon franchise, appeared in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Dane Whitman in Eternals (2021), and starred in the West End production of True West. He returned to the stage in various productions that showcased his classical training and theatrical roots. There were also reports of a Jon Snow spin-off series in development at HBO, though the project went through various stages of development.

Harington married his Game of Thrones co-star Rose Leslie in 2018, and the couple has two children together. He has been open about his personal struggles, including checking into a wellness retreat in 2019 for stress and alcohol-related issues, and has since become an advocate for mental health awareness. His endorsement deals, including a high-profile partnership with Dolce and Gabbana fragrance line, have supplemented his acting income, bringing his estimated net worth to $14 million.