Kit Harington, known for his role in “Game of Thrones,” recently shared how the “Harry Potter” audiobooks have played a significant role in his mental well-being, particularly following his journey to sobriety and the loss of his mother. The actor discussed his experiences during a recent episode of Bustle’s “One Nightstand” series, where he highlighted books that have profoundly influenced his life.
In the upcoming HBO adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s beloved book series, Harington portrays the flamboyant character of Gilderoy Lockhart in the second season. This role has rekindled his connection to the “Harry Potter” universe, making his insights into the impact of the series particularly poignant. Harington emphasised that audiobooks, especially those read by the talented Stephen Fry, have offered him comfort during some of his life’s most challenging moments.
Reflecting on his past struggles, Harington revealed a personal insight about coping with sleeplessness after he gave up alcohol. He stated, “I’ve always had this problem about going to bed. I used to drink myself to sleep because I hated — my brain would be so busy at nighttime.” The transition to sobriety led him to seek alternative ways to calm his mind, with listening to “Harry Potter” audiobooks becoming a nightly ritual. He expressed how hearing Fry’s narration provided much-needed solace during these times, noting, “There’s something so comforting about it.”
The desire for comfort in literature took on greater significance for Harington after the passing of his mother, Deborah, in 2025. He shared that the stories offered him a vital source of support during this painful period, underscoring the deep emotional connection he holds with the books. “It helped me through that,” he shared candidly, asserting the importance of these narratives to his mental health.
Beyond his affinity for “Harry Potter,” Harington also reminisced about his early love for reading. He mentioned classics such as Jill Murphy’s “The Worst Witch” and Maurice Sendak’s “Where the Wild Things Are,” reflecting on how these stories nurtured his imagination as a child. However, he admitted that the distractions of modern life have affected his reading habits in adulthood, saying, “I think the same thing has got me that’s got so many people … I have attention problems and the phone is kryptonite.”
During the conversation, other literary works that left an impression on him included “Any Human Heart” by William Boyd and David Szalay’s “Flesh,” both of which he praised for their depth and resonance. Harington also discussed George Orwell’s “1984,” a novel that profoundly shaped his worldview during his teenage years. He candidly remarked, “It made me intensely paranoid as a teenager and made me really truly believe that the world that he describes there is one that was just around the corner.”
The themes explored in “1984” continue to echo in contemporary society, making its relevance all the more significant to Harington. He noted, “The amazing thing about that book is it always feels like that world is just around the corner. It feels like that right now for maybe slightly different reasons, but it’s always there.” This reflection underscores the timeless nature of literature and its power to provoke thought about the world around us.
In addition to his acting role, Harington is also contributing to a new full-cast audiobook of “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets,” where he embodies Gilderoy Lockhart. His dual engagement with the series—as both a cast member and a narrator—demonstrates the deep connection he has with the stories crafted by Rowling.
As Harington prepares to step back into the magical world of “Harry Potter,” he continues to advocate for the healing power of literature. His experiences highlight the importance of storytelling not only as a form of entertainment but also as a means of coping with life’s challenges. Through his candid reflections, Harington offers a reminder of how these cherished books can provide comfort, solace, and understanding in both dark and light times.