From swinging a sword in Game of Thrones to shaking up red carpets and fighting for digital rights, Maisie Williams has carved out a career that’s anything but ordinary. She shot to global fame as the fierce and fearless Arya Stark, winning hearts with her raw talent, intensity, and unforgettable one-liners.
But Maisie didn’t stop at Westeros. Off-screen, she’s become a bold fashion disruptor, a rising tech entrepreneur, and a passionate activist for online safety and mental health. In this deep dive, we’ll explore how Maisie transformed from a child star into a modern-day icon, balancing creativity, advocacy, and personal evolution with unshakable authenticity.
🌱 Early Life and Humble Beginnings
Maisie Williams was born on April 15, 1997, in Bristol, England, as Margaret Constance Williams. Raised by her mother after her parents separated when she was a baby, Maisie spent her childhood in Clutton, Somerset, in a working-class household.
She was the youngest of four siblings and always full of energy. Early on, her interests leaned toward dance, not drama. She trained in ballet, freestyle, street, and tap dancing at a local performing arts school. Her dream? To become a professional dancer or choreographer.
Little did she know that destiny had something else in store.
🎭 The Game of Thrones Breakthrough
At just 12 years old, Maisie auditioned for the role of Arya Stark in HBO’s Game of Thrones. With no formal acting experience and only one audition under her belt, she beat out hundreds of hopefuls to land the life-changing role.
Arya Stark wasn’t just a character—she was a cultural icon. Fierce, independent, and quietly emotional, Arya’s journey from noble daughter to faceless assassin became one of the most celebrated arcs in television history. Over eight seasons, fans watched Maisie grow up both on and off-screen.
Her portrayal earned her multiple award nominations, including an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress.
🎬 Maisie Williams – Film & TV Roles Table
| Title | Year | Role | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Game of Thrones | 2011–2019 | Arya Stark | TV Series | Breakthrough role; 8 seasons |
| The Secret of Crickley Hall | 2012 | Loren Caleigh | TV Miniseries | British supernatural thriller |
| The Falling | 2014 | Lydia Lamont | Film | Indie film debut; critically acclaimed |
| Cyberbully | 2015 | Casey Jacobs | TV Film | Psychological drama based on online abuse |
| Doctor Who | 2015 | Ashildr / Me | TV Series | Recurring role across multiple episodes |
| iBoy | 2017 | Lucy | Netflix Film | Sci-fi crime thriller |
| Mary Shelley | 2017 | Isabel Baxter | Film | Period drama biopic |
| Early Man | 2018 | Goona (Voice) | Animated Film | Stop-motion comedy by Aardman |
| Then Came You | 2018 | Skye Aitken | Film | Romantic comedy-drama |
| The New Mutants | 2020 | Rahne Sinclair / Wolfsbane | Film | X-Men franchise entry; delayed release |
| Two Weeks to Live | 2020 | Kim Noakes | TV Series | Action-comedy series |
| The Owners | 2020 | Mary | Film | Horror thriller |
| Gen:LOCK | 2019–2021 | Cammie MacCloud (Voice) | Animated Series | Voice role in sci-fi anime-style series |
| Pistol | 2022 | Jordan Mooney | TV Miniseries | Biopic series about the Sex Pistols |
| The New Look | 2024 | Catherine Dior | TV Series | Apple TV+ drama about Christian Dior |
| Sinner v. Saints (TBA) | Upcoming | Susan Atkins | Film | Set to portray the Manson family member |
💼 The Entrepreneur: From Actress to Tech Visionary
Maisie isn’t just a performer. She’s a founder and creative entrepreneur. In 2019, she launched Daisie, a social app built to connect creators in art, fashion, film, and tech. Her goal? To eliminate gatekeeping in the creative industry.
She’s also worked with brands like Cartier, H&M, and Audi, expanding her profile into fashion and activism.
🧨 Public Controversies and Unfiltered Truths
Maisie has never been afraid to speak her mind, even when it sparks debate.
Gender Identity & Body Image
During her teenage years on Game of Thrones, Maisie often felt uncomfortable with how Arya was styled—her chest was bound, and her femininity downplayed. She later confessed that this affected her perception of her own body and identity.
H&M Campaign Backlash
In 2021, Maisie became a sustainability ambassador for H&M. Fans and critics accused the brand of “greenwashing,” and some criticized her for supporting a fast fashion label. Maisie acknowledged the backlash but defended her intentions to promote sustainability from within.
Childhood Trauma Revelation
In a raw podcast interview, Maisie opened up about her traumatic childhood, revealing that her father exposed her to emotional manipulation. This vulnerability resonated deeply with fans, who praised her bravery for speaking out.
💘 Personal Life: Relationships, Identity & Mental Health
Maisie dated creative director Reuben Selby for several years. The couple were often spotted at fashion events, sporting gender-fluid outfits and bold styles. They amicably split in 2023 but remained on good terms.
She’s been open about struggling with anxiety and identity, especially during her years in the spotlight. Through therapy and self-reflection, she’s embraced her authenticity—something that reflects in her fashion choices, interviews, and social posts.
Maisie hasn’t publicly labeled her sexuality but has openly supported LGBTQ+ causes and often plays gender-defying roles.
🧑🤝🧑 Friendships and Industry Connections
One of her closest industry friends is Sophie Turner, who played Sansa Stark. Their real-life friendship became fan-favorite content across social media. Maisie’s also collaborated with fashion designers, tech developers, and Gen Z activists—making her circle refreshingly diverse.
📱 Social Media Power & Fan Following
Maisie’s online presence is a mix of art, humor, and activism. She has:
- Over 10 million Instagram followers
- A loyal Twitter base that follows her memes and opinions
- Engaging TikToks where she shows her fun, casual side
She often shares fashion experiments, candid thoughts on mental health, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of her work. Despite being a global star, her tone remains relatable—something fans truly admire.
💰 Net Worth and Lifestyle
As of 2025, Maisie Williams is estimated to have a net worth of $6–8 million. Her wealth comes from:
- Game of Thrones salary (peaking at around $150K per episode in later seasons)
- Film and TV roles
- Brand endorsements and fashion campaigns
- Equity in her tech startup
She lives a relatively low-key life, valuing privacy, creativity, and purpose over lavish displays of wealth.
🔮 What’s Next for Maisie?
Maisie Williams is just getting started. She’s said in interviews that she wants to direct, produce, and continue championing youth empowerment through technology and storytelling.
Upcoming plans may include:
- More biographical or fashion-forward roles
- Continued development of Daisie
- Directorial ventures or launching her own production house
- Deeper involvement in climate change activism and tech-led social change
She’s also teased future collaborations with designers, writers, and platforms aimed at challenging norms.
🧾 Lesser-Known Facts About Maisie Williams
- Her nickname “Maisie” comes from a British comic strip.
- She’s a trained dancer in multiple genres.
- She loves anime and once dyed her hair bubblegum pink.
- She voiced a character in a stop-motion animated film.
- She designed a digital fashion line using NFTs.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is Maisie Williams married?
No, she is currently not married.
Did Maisie Williams have plastic surgery?
There’s no public confirmation; she supports body positivity and natural expression.
What’s her biggest role outside Arya Stark?
Most critics point to Pistol or The New Look as standout performances.
Is she still friends with Sophie Turner?
Yes, though both have busy schedules, they remain supportive of each other.
What does she do now besides acting?
She’s an entrepreneur, fashion collaborator, and tech founder.
🎤 Final Thoughts
Maisie Williams isn’t just a former child star—she’s a modern icon who embraces flaws, speaks truth, and evolves with intention. Whether slaying enemies on screen or dismantling creative barriers off it, she’s always moving forward. From her fierce fight scenes to her quiet moments of vulnerability, Maisie shows us that true power comes from authenticity, resilience, and a fearless sense of self.
