Introduction

Christopher Kit Harington (born 26 December 1986, London) shot to global fame as Jon Snow in Game of Thrones (2011–2019), earning Golden Globe and Emmy nominations for his standout role

. Since the end of the fantasy saga, Harington has diversified, embracing theatre, drama and film with renewed focus and maturity.

Early Life & Training

A graduate of the Royal Central School of Speech & Drama (2008), Harington made his West End debut in War Horse as Albert Narracott, later appearing in True West, Doctor Faustus, Henry V and Slave Play

. These roles reinforced his theatrical credibility beyond television.

Breakthrough: Game of Thrones

Jon Snow became a cultural icon, anchoring eight seasons of dramatic tension and emotional arcs. Filmed across Northern Ireland and Iceland, the character’s evolution propelled Harington to international renown and critical recognition

Career Beyond Westeros

  • In 2017, he created, produced, and starred in Gunpowder for BBC, portraying Robert Catesby, his real-life ancestor

Roles in film include Pompeii (2014), Testament of Youth, Eternals (as Marvel’s Dane Whitman), and voice work in the How to Train Your Dragon series

On TV: guest spot in Criminal: UK (2020), Modern Love (2021), Extrapolations (2023), and main role in Industry Season 3 (2024) as Henry Muck

In 2023–24 he starred in Blood for Dust, The Beast Within, and most recently was cast in the thriller sequel Family Plan 2 opposite Mark Wahlberg and Michelle Monaghan, filmed partly in London and due for release Christmas 2025

Recent & Upcoming Projects

  • In 2024, he featured in the West End transfer of Slave Play — a bold and provocative production that sparked public debate

He reunites with Sophie Turner in gothic horror The Dreadful, playing lovers despite their years-long sibling portrayal in Game of Thrones—Turner admitted fans may find it “really weird”

Personal Life & Advocacy

Kit married co-star Rose Leslie in 2018 and they now share two children. He has spoken openly about his struggles with anxiety, alcoholism and ADHD, pursuing sobriety and mental wellness as part of his journey toward maturity

. They reside in Suffolk, where they gained planning permission to convert a Tudor barn while preserving local bat habitats

. Harington also supports charities such as Mencap and refugee rights campaigns.

Why It Matters: His Evolving Legacy

  1. Versatility: Transitioned from a fantasy hero to complex roles in historical drama, psychological thrillers, and anthology series.
  2. Depth of Craft: Stage roles like Henry V and Slave Play showcase his range and dedication to character evolution.
  3. Advocacy: Harington’s openness about mental health adds a human dimension to his public persona.
  4. Continued Relevance: With roles in major upcoming projects (The Dreadful, Family Plan 2, The Beast Within), he remains relevant across genres and platforms.