Phoebe Campbell has built a reputation as one of Britain’s most promising actors. Known for playing Rhaena Targaryen in HBO’s “House of the Dragon,” Campbell brings depth to every role. Born September 11, 1997, in England, Campbell identifies as nonbinary and uses they/them pronouns. Their journey from drama school to HBO success shows their exceptional talent and range.
Early Life and Education
Campbell attended James Allen’s Girls’ School (JAGS) in Dulwich before starting their professional training. They showed acting talent early, participating in school productions that helped shape their future career. Their passion for performance led them to pursue formal training at one of Britain’s most prestigious institutions.
Campbell graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Acting from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in 2022. During their time at RADA, they took on diverse roles including Nora in “Bold Girls” and Bridget in “Cyprus Avenue.”
Their student work also included playing Sarah Bonetta Davies in “The Gift” and Ophelia in “Hamlet.” Campbell’s RADA training built a solid foundation for their professional career, allowing them to master various performance techniques.
Campbell received the RADA Henry Marshall Prize for Most Outstanding Armed Performance. This award recognized their exceptional stage combat skills, with distinctions in both armed and unarmed combat from the British Academy of Stage and Screen Combat.
Their training also developed versatility with accents and dialects. Campbell mastered Leeds, General American, RP, Jamaican, and Manchester MME accents, adding to their performance toolkit.
Breaking Into Television
Campbell began their television career in 2016 with a role as Petra in BBC’s “Home From Home.” This initial break gave them valuable on-camera experience and opened doors to further opportunities in British television.
In 2017, they appeared in an episode of the popular ITV series “Midsomer Murders” as Tara Lockston. Though a supporting role, it provided exposure on a well-established show with a loyal audience.
Campbell’s early work included “The Last Dragonslayer” (2016) where they played “Girl at Stuffco.” They also appeared in the award-winning short film “Heart’s Ease” (2018) as Jenny, working with producer Jassa Ahluwalia.
While building their screen resume, Campbell maintained connections to theater through their company Spies Like Us. With this group, they performed in productions like “A View from a Bridge” and “Our Man in Havana.”
These early roles, though modest, allowed Campbell to gain experience and build a reputation for versatility. Each project added depth to their growing portfolio and prepared them for bigger opportunities ahead.
Rise to Fame with House of the Dragon
Campbell’s career took a major leap when they joined HBO’s “House of the Dragon” as Lady Rhaena Targaryen. The “Game of Thrones” prequel brought them international recognition and positioned them alongside established stars like Matt Smith and Emma D’Arcy.
Set in George R.R. Martin’s fantasy world, the series allowed Campbell to showcase their acting range in a complex character. Their portrayal of Rhaena Targaryen connected with audiences and critics alike, earning praise for its depth and authenticity.
The challenges of working on such a large production included mastering horseback riding and adapting to elaborate costumes and set pieces. Campbell’s training in stage combat proved valuable for the physical demands of the role.
Campbell’s chemistry with co-stars added to the show’s appeal. Their scenes with Emma D’Arcy highlighted the family dynamics central to the Targaryen storyline, bringing emotional weight to the fantasy narrative.
As of 2025, Campbell continues with the series, confirmed to return for the third season currently in production. Their ongoing role provides both job security and growing international exposure.
Theater Success
While building their television career, Campbell maintained strong ties to theater. In 2022, they made their professional stage debut in an English Touring Theatre production of “The Importance of Being Earnest” as Cecily Cardew.
Their performance earned glowing reviews, with the Evening Standard describing it as “effervescently bouncy” and Theatre Weekly calling it “flawless.” This critical acclaim established Campbell as a theater talent to watch.
For this role, Campbell won “Best Non-Binary Performer in a Play” at the Black British Theatre Awards. This recognition celebrated both their talent and contribution to diversity in British theater.
They later joined the Royal Shakespeare Company’s West End production of “Hamnet” at the Garrick Theatre. This adaptation of Maggie O’Farrell’s novel further showcased their range and ability to handle classical material.
Most recently, in 2024, Campbell took on the role of Nikki in “Alma Mater” at the Almeida Theatre. The play, written by Kendall Feaver and directed by Polly Findlay, tackles sexual assault allegations between young activists.
Unique Performance Style
Campbell brings physical precision to their roles, drawing on their background in movement and stage combat. Their BASSC combat training adds authenticity to action sequences, whether on stage or screen.
Their musical abilities enrich their performances. With an alto singing voice and piano skills (Grade 6), Campbell can handle roles requiring musical elements, adding another dimension to their performances.
Campbell’s athletic background supports their physical approach to acting. Experience in netball (county level), competitive swimming, and various team sports gives them stamina and body awareness that translate to performance.
What sets Campbell apart is their commitment to authentic representation. As a nonbinary performer, they bring lived experience to their work, helping to broaden representation in the entertainment industry.
Campbell’s approach combines technical skill with emotional truth. Their formal training provides technique, while their genuine connection to material creates performances that resonate with audiences across mediums.
Recent Projects and Future Prospects
Campbell’s work on “House of the Dragon” Season 3 forms the backbone of their current schedule. HBO’s continued investment in the series provides them with a high-profile platform that reaches global audiences.
Their stage work in “Alma Mater” allowed them to tackle contemporary issues. Campbell described the character Nikki as “a female part who takes up so much space, has such unfiltered dialogue, and demands to be heard.”
Between filming seasons of “House of the Dragon,” Campbell balances television work with theater projects. This dual career path allows them to maintain artistic growth while building commercial success.
Campbell maintains a selective approach to roles, choosing projects that offer artistic challenges rather than simply pursuing fame. This strategy has built a respected body of work across different performance contexts.
Looking ahead, industry watchers expect Campbell to continue their trajectory toward larger roles. Their training, versatility, and proven success position them well for long-term career growth in both British and international productions.
Personal Life and Advocacy
Campbell keeps their personal life private, focusing public attention on their work rather than private matters. This professional approach maintains boundaries while building their career.
As a nonbinary performer, Campbell’s presence in high-profile projects like “House of the Dragon” helps increase visibility for gender-diverse talent. Their success challenges traditional casting limitations in the industry.
Campbell’s representation by the prestigious Curtis Brown Group Ltd. (agents Jessica Jackson and Frances Stevenson) reflects their professional standing. This agency connection provides access to quality projects and career guidance.
Beyond acting, Campbell brings their athletic skills to their daily life. Their background in competitive sports has cultivated discipline that serves their professional development and personal well-being.
Campbell’s work ethic, drawn from their training and sports background, drives their consistent delivery across projects. This reliability makes them valuable to productions and helps sustain career momentum.
Cultural Impact and Recognition
Campbell’s casting in “House of the Dragon” comes amid broader conversations about diversity in fantasy television. Their role helps expand the genre’s representation of gender-diverse performers and characters.
Critical response to Campbell’s work highlights their ability to bring nuance to roles. Reviews praise their authentic performances that avoid stereotypes while creating memorable characters.
Their win at the Black British Theatre Awards recognized not just individual talent but contribution to changing industry standards. Such recognition helps create paths for other performers from underrepresented backgrounds.
Campbell’s work bridges traditional classical training with contemporary perspectives. This combination refreshes classic material while bringing depth to new works, creating performances that feel both timeless and current.
As they build their body of work, Campbell contributes to a new generation of British performers bringing fresh approaches to storytelling. Their career reflects evolving audience expectations for authentic, diverse representation in entertainment.
Phoebe Campbell stands at the beginning of what promises to be a significant career. With their foundation in classical training, proven success across mediums, and commitment to authentic performance, they represent the changing face of British acting talent making waves on international stages.
