Who does Olivia Cooke play in House of The Dragon?

Olivia Cooke is an English actress who plays the role of Alicent Hightower the second wife of King Viserys.

Alicent Hightower is the most beautiful woman in the Seven Kingdoms and the daughter of Otto Hightower, the King’s Hand.

Alicent Hightower grew up in the Red Keep, close to the king and his inner circle, and she possesses both courtly grace and keen political acumen.

She was a key figure in the war that follows his death. In short, King Viserys wanted his daughter from a previous marriage, Rhaenyra, to take his place on the Iron Throne while he was still alive.

But Alicent wants Aegon, the king’s firstborn son, to take the throne instead. This brings about “continent-burning warfare” that explodes between Queen Alicent and Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen

Cooke explained to Vogue in an interview about the show saying “It’s centred on two women who are pitted against each other partly because they are stronger together they are used as pawns in this patriarchal society,”

“And it’s so bad how much it mirrors what’s happening right now in 2022.” It suddenly feels like a very urgent and important story to tell.”