You probably know him as the guy who finally gave Daenerys Targaryen what she wanted. Michiel Huisman. The name itself sounds like expensive European leather, and his career has been just as polished. But if we’re being real, a huge chunk of the internet isn't searching for his Dutch filmography or his indie folk music. They're searching for Michiel Huisman naked because, well, the man has made a bit of a habit of it on premium cable.
It’s kind of funny how certain actors become the "designated" person for these scenes. Huisman has basically become the gold standard for male nudity in prestige TV. From the muddy camps of Essos in Game of Thrones to the sleek, alcoholic haze of The Flight Attendant, he’s shown a lot of skin. And honestly? He doesn't seem to care.
The Daario Naharis effect and breaking the internet
When Huisman took over the role of Daario Naharis in Season 4 of Game of Thrones, he had big shoes to fill. Or, more accurately, a long wig to replace. But he truly solidified his place in the fandom during a specific scene with Emilia Clarke. You know the one. Daenerys tells him to take off his clothes. He obliges.
That moment was basically the male version of "breaking the internet." While the show was often criticized for its treatment of female characters, Huisman’s scene felt different. He later told Interview Magazine that he actually liked the role reversal. It was a woman taking control of her own pleasure. He was just the "victim," as he jokingly put it.
The reaction was massive. Even Anna Kendrick famously tweeted about it, wondering why HBO hadn't shown more of him. It’s a weird kind of fame, right? To be known as the guy who helped balance the nudity scales on one of the biggest shows in history.
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Why Michiel Huisman is the "pro" at filming sex scenes
If you think filming those scenes is sexy, ask Kaley Cuoco. She had never done a "true" sex scene before The Flight Attendant. She was terrified. She was literally "hovering" over Huisman like she was using a public restroom because she didn't know where to put her body.
Huisman, having done this "30 or 40 times" (his words), had to basically coach her through it. He told her to just sit down. It takes a certain level of professional detachment to be that comfortable. He’s the guy you want on set for these things because he makes it un-weird. He understands that it’s just choreography. It’s like a dance, but with less clothing and more "privacy patches."
A history of being comfortable on camera
It’s not just the big American hits. Huisman has been doing this since his early days in the Netherlands. If you look back at his Dutch work—things like Phileine Says Sorry or the iconic Black Book—he’s never been shy. The European film industry is way less uptight about bodies than Hollywood. By the time he got to HBO, he already had a decade of experience being "natural."
- Treme: As Sonny, he played a street musician with a lot of baggage and a few shirtless scenes.
- The Flight Attendant: He played a dead guy for most of it, but the flashbacks and the opening episode featured plenty of intimacy.
- Echo 3: Even in a gritty military thriller, the physicality of his roles often involves showing off the results of a very strict gym regimen.
What his wife thinks (and why it matters)
It’s gotta be weird for a partner, right? Seeing your husband as a global sex symbol? Huisman has been married to Dutch actress Tara Elders since 2008. They have a daughter. When asked about the constant focus on his "assets," Tara reportedly said it "beats the alternative." Basically, she’d rather people think her husband is hot than the opposite.
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That kind of support is probably why he’s so chill about it. There’s no drama at home. He’s a working actor, and sometimes the work requires a birthday suit.
The reality of the "naked" search trend
People search for this because they want to see if the hype is real. It is. But beyond the aesthetics, there’s a conversation about the "female gaze." Huisman is one of the few male actors who has leaned into being the object of desire without it feeling exploitative. He’s handsome, sure, but he’s also a really good actor. You don’t get nominated for SAG Awards just for having a nice back.
He’s managed to transition from "the hunk from Game of Thrones" to a legitimate leading man in shows like The Haunting of Hill House. In that show, he didn't need to take his shirt off to be the center of attention. He played a grieving, slightly arrogant author perfectly. That’s the range.
How to approach the hype
If you're looking for the "best" Michiel Huisman moments, you're going to find them in Game of Thrones (specifically Season 4, Episode 7) and the pilot of The Flight Attendant. But if you actually want to see why he’s a star, watch The Age of Adaline. He manages to hold his own against Blake Lively and Harrison Ford. That’s a lot harder than taking off your pants.
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Takeaway for fans and curious searchers
Huisman is a pro. He’s not bothered by the "sex symbol" label, and he’s used his comfort with nudity to help his co-stars feel safe on set. Here is how you can keep up with his work without just looking at screenshots:
- Watch his range: Check out Echo 3 on Apple TV+ for his action chops.
- Follow the music: He was the lead singer of a band called Fontane. It’s a different side of him.
- Respect the craft: Understand that for actors like Huisman, these scenes are a small, often uncomfortable part of a much larger job.
The fascination with Michiel Huisman naked isn't going away anytime soon. As long as he keeps taking roles in prestige dramas, he’ll probably keep showing up in those "steamiest moments" lists. And honestly, he’s probably fine with that. He's busy working, raising a family, and being one of the most successful Dutch exports in Hollywood history.
To see his latest work, you can find him in the Rebel Moon saga or catch up on The Flight Attendant on Max. He’s consistently proving that while he might have started as a "victim" of the female gaze, he’s stayed around because he’s a powerhouse talent.