Game of Thrones star Kit Harington didn't know his real name until he was 11 years old

It's a chilly winter morning in Acton, west London, and Christopher Catesby Harington is taking his first steps into the world. Born on December 26, 1986, this little bundle of joy would grow up to become one of the most recognizable faces in the entertainment industry. But for over a decade, this young boy's name was not what it seemed. His parents, it turns out, had chosen a different name for him - Kit Harington - and it was this name that would stick with him for the rest of his life.

As he grew older, Kit would become synonymous with his iconic role as Jon Snow in the hit HBO series Game of Thrones. But little did anyone know that for the first 11 years of his life, Kit had no idea that Christopher Catesby Harington was, in fact, his real name. It wasn't until he sat a placement test at school that the truth finally came to light. The teacher looked at him with a mixture of confusion and amusement, saying, "No, you're Christopher Harington, I'm afraid." The 11-year-old Kit was taken aback by this revelation, and it marked the beginning of a bizarre existential crisis.

In an interview with Interview magazine in 2012, Kit recalled the moment he learned his real name. "They looked at me like I was completely stupid," he said, chuckling at the memory. "I felt that's who I was. I'm not really a Chris." It's clear that Kit had always identified with his stage name, and he saw no reason to change it now. Despite the revelation, he decided to stick with Kit, and it's a decision that has served him well.

As Kit grew into his role as Jon Snow, he became an integral part of the Game of Thrones cast. His performance earned him widespread recognition, and he went on to star in several West End productions, including Doctor Faustus, True West, and Henry V. He even made a splash in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Dane Whitman in Eternals, hinting at a bigger future in the MCU. Since the end of Game of Thrones, Kit has continued to work in the industry, starring in Industry as Sir Henry Muck.

It's interesting to note that Kit's journey is evidence of the power of identity and how it shapes our lives. For him, Kit was always the name that mattered, and he's carried it with him throughout his career. It's a reminder that our names may not always define us, but they can certainly shape our perceptions of ourselves.

As I reflect on Kit's story, I'm struck by the idea that our names can be both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, they provide us with a sense of identity and belonging. On the other hand, they can also limit us and define us in ways we may not want to be defined. Kit's story is a reminder that our names are just one aspect of who we are, and that it's up to us to define ourselves and our own identities.

• Kit Harington was born Christopher Catesby Harington on December 26, 1986.
• He was known as Kit from birth and didn't learn his real name until he was 11 years old.
• Kit played the iconic role of Jon Snow in Game of Thrones.
• He has since appeared in several West End productions and Marvel movies.
• Kit continues to work in the entertainment industry, starring in Industry as Sir Henry Muck.

As I delve deeper into Kit's story, I'm struck by the idea that his journey is not unique. Many of us have experienced a crisis of identity at some point in our lives, whether it's due to a change in circumstances or a revelation about our past. Kit's story serves as a reminder that our identities are complex and multifaceted, and that it's up to us to navigate these complexities and find our own sense of self.

Kit's story is a powerful reminder of the importance of identity and how it shapes our lives. His journey serves as evidence of the idea that our names may not always define us, but they can certainly shape our perceptions of ourselves. As I reflect on his story, I'm struck by the idea that our identities are complex and multifaceted, and that it's up to us to navigate these complexities and find our own sense of self.

As Kit continues to work in the entertainment industry, it's clear that he's not slowing down anytime soon. With his latest role in Industry as Sir Henry Muck, he's shown that he's still got what it takes to captivate audiences and deliver memorable performances. As I look to the future, I'm excited to see what's next for Kit and how he'll continue to shape the industry with his unique talent and charisma.

As I finish writing this piece, I'm left with a sense of awe at Kit's journey and the complexities of identity that he's navigated. His story is a powerful reminder that our names may not always define us, but they can certainly shape our perceptions of ourselves. As I look to the future, I'm excited to see what's next for Kit and how he'll continue to shape the industry with his unique talent and charisma.