Kit Harington
The British actor whose brooding intensity and iconic portrayal of a brooding hero defined a generation of fantasy television and made him a global star.
Born 1986 (age 40)·British actor·Birthday: December 26·Millennials
Biography
Kit Harington didn't just play Jon Snow; for nearly a decade, he embodied the soul of 'Game of Thrones.' Trained at London's Central School of Speech and Drama, he landed the role of the brooding, honorable bastard of Winterfell straight out of school, a part that would shape his life and career. Harington's performance, grounded in a palpable sense of integrity and simmering emotion, became the moral compass of the show's sprawling, often brutal narrative. He weathered the literal and figurative storms beyond the Wall, his character's journey from outcast to leader resonating deeply with millions. The role earned him award nominations and instant fame, but Harington has since worked to diversify his portfolio, tackling stage roles in 'Doctor Faustus' and 'True West,' and leading historical dramas like 'Gunpowder.' His post-Thrones path reflects an actor consciously navigating the shadow of a defining character, seeking complex roles that challenge the heroic mold he helped create.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Kit was born in 1986, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Kit Was Born
The biggest hits of 1986
#1 Movie
Top Gun
Best Picture
Platoon
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Kit's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1986Born
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1991Started school
Soviet Union dissolves; World Wide Web goes public
Gas: $1.14/galHome: $82,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" — Bryan AdamsBest Picture: The Silence of the Lambs
1999Became a teenager
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Could drive
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2004Could vote
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2007Turned 21
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2016Turned 30
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
2026Turned 40
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Received a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for his role as Jon Snow in 'Game of Thrones.'
- Starred in the HBO series for all eight seasons, becoming one of the most recognizable faces on television globally.
- Made his professional stage debut in the leading role of 'War Horse' at the National Theatre in London.
- Voiced the character of Eret in the 'How to Train Your Dragon' film franchise.
Did You Know?
His full name is Christopher Catesby Harington; 'Kit' is a traditional nickname for Christopher.
He is a direct descendant of John Harington, the 16th-century inventor of the flush toilet.
He performed many of his own stunts on 'Game of Thrones,' including sword fights.
He met his wife, Rose Leslie (who played Ygritte), on the set of 'Game of Thrones.'
“I'd like to be remembered as a hard worker. Someone who was decent, and tried their best, and was kind.”
