Lena Headey Praises 'Warrior' Emilia Clarke for Sharing Her Near Death Experience

They play bitter rivals on Game Of Thrones.

But in real life Lena Headey has nothing but respect for Emilia Clarke, praising her co-star on Friday for sharing her recent near-death experience with the world.

"It took me a while to know this woman (there are 64000 of us after all) Not until she spoke to me about her experience did I fully realize the warrior she truly is (MOD for real x209840000) she does really great things for causes that deserve it," she wrote on Instagram regarding the Mother of Dragons.

"She's kind and determined and funny and aware. #Thursday's MVP ... Here's to @emilia_clarke."

On Thursday Emilia revealed in a New Yorker essay that she survived two life-threatening aneurysms and brain surgery, all while filming the smash hit HBO fantasy series.

"Just when all my childhood dreams seemed to have come true, I nearly lost my mind and then my life," she wrote, explaining that she had just finished filming Season 1 when she suffered her first aneurysm, aged just 24.

"I knew I was faltering. In my worst moments, I wanted to pull the plug," she recalled. "I asked the medical staff to let me die. My job -- my entire dream of what my life would be -- centered on language, on communication. Without that, I was lost."

Dealing with immense pain, sickness and drowsiness throughout the "GOT" press tours, she survived two brain surgeries, and came out stronger on the other side.

Following an outpouring of support in the wake of her essay, a clearly touched Emilia took to Instagram on Friday to give thanks, and encourage others to share their survival stories.

"A million million thank you's to everyone who has read shared and sent love for my story, it's a beautiful thing to behold and I can't quite believe how many of you this has affected!" she wrote.

"@sameyouorg is ready to hear your stories, how you recovered and what could have made that recovery experience better. By hearing your stories we can build a case for an improved aftercare experience for all in the future...who wouldn't want that! #sameyoucharity #love #sometimestheworldshowsyouwhatkindesslookslike #thankyou."

Emilia's Daenerys Targaryen and Lena's Cersei Lannister are on a collision course as they prepare to battle for the Iron Throne in the final season of Game Of Thrones, which kicks of on HBO on April 14.