Danes plays spy boss Carrie Anderson, a 27-year-old agent recruited from college who doggedly tries to determine if ex-PoW Marine Sgt Nicholas Brody, played by Damian Lewis, was "turned" by his Middle East captors.
"Until now, only a handful of people knew my character mirrors a brilliant CIA operative," said Danes.
In reality, a CIA agent Claire only identifies as "Jen" is also a brilliant college recruit aged 27 who spent five years hunting down the Al Qaeda leader. He was killed in a raid by US Navy Seals in Pakistan in May last year, reported Express online.
"I was allowed to meet with her at CIA headquarters in Langley, Virginia. She introduced me to her colleagues, so I'd get a true feel for my part.
"While her efforts will remain unsung in public, she should know in very many ways I owe my Emmy to her," said Danes.