The power of being yourself: Abigail Thorn's path from YouTube to HBO

Abigail Thorn: From PhilosophyTube to HBO's "House of the Dragon"

Abigail Thorn's journey has been nothing short of incredible. She's gone from creating philosophy videos on YouTube to landing a role in HBO's "House of the Dragon." This career milestone is a testament to Thorn's talent, hard work, and the power of community.

PhilosophyTube: Showcasing creativity and intellect

Thorn's YouTube channel, PhilosophyTube, started with a simple goal: make philosophy accessible to everyone. She tackled complex topics like ethics, identity, and political philosophy, wrapping them up in entertaining, theatrical packages that kept viewers coming back for more. These videos not only demonstrated Thorn's intellectual prowess but also showcased her natural flair for performance and storytelling.

Building a supportive community

As PhilosophyTube grew, so did its community. Thorn's fans weren't just passive viewers; they were active participants in a thriving community. They'd offer feedback and suggest new ideas, which Thorn often incorporated into future videos. This wasn't just a one-way street. Thorn even had a video series dedicated to responding to her viewers’ comments and suggestions. This back-and-forth created a space where Thorn could hone her craft, experimenting with different presentation styles and narrative techniques.

The relationship between Thorn and her audience became a catalyst for her success. She recognized their role in supporting her work: "Luckily what I'm trying to do with the channel really resonated with people in a way that made them happy to chip in. The fans really supported me, which is incredible. If I was dependent solely on advertising I just couldn't do that."

Through Patreon, fans directly contributed to Thorn's work, providing financial stability during crucial periods. This support allowed Thorn to attend professional drama school, where she could refine her acting skills and build on her natural talent.

From YouTube to the big screen

Thorn's journey to mainstream media wasn't just about community support – it was about talent, hard work, and seizing opportunities. A pivotal moment came with her involvement in "The Prince." This project showcased Thorn's acting abilities and opened doors in the industry, playing a crucial role in her journey to "House of the Dragon."

Her casting as Sharako Lohar in the HBO series demonstrates how the combination of individual talent and community backing can break industry barriers, paving the way for increased trans representation in mainstream media. Thorn showed her excitement for the role on Instagram: "I LOVE Sharako, she's an ass-kicking action babe in the biggest show in the world — a dream come true!"

Expanding her reach

Thorn's talent continues to shine across various media. She lent her voice to Nocturne in the video game "Baldur's Gate 3" and is set to appear in the Star Wars spinoff "The Acolyte." These diverse roles demonstrate her versatility as an actor and her ability to captivate audiences across different platforms.

An inspiration for creators

Thorn's success stands as an inspiration for creators everywhere. It shows that with talent, hard work, and a supportive community, it's possible to transition from online content creation to mainstream media. Her journey reminds us that success often comes from a combination of individual skill and the backing of those who believe in your vision.

Abigail Thorn's story is one of talent meeting opportunities, of hard work paying off, and of a community rallying behind a gifted creator. As she continues to make waves in the entertainment industry, one thing is clear: this is just the beginning for this multifaceted performer. To support Abigail's ongoing work and be part of her journey, head over to her Patreon!