Stellan Skarsgård

Stellan John Skarsgård, born on June 13, 1951, is a distinguished Swedish actor recognized for his collaborations with director Lars von Trier, notably appearing in acclaimed films such as Breaking the Waves (1996), Dancer in the Dark (2000), Dogville (2003), Melancholia (2011), and Nymphomaniac (2013). Skarsgård has showcased his talent in English-speaking films as well, including The Unbearable Lightness of Being (1988), The Hunt for Red October (1990), Good Will Hunting (1997), Ronin (1998), and King Arthur (2004).
In addition to his notable roles in independent and art house cinema, Skarsgård has ventured into blockbuster territory with appearances in major franchises such as Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest (2006) and Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End (2007). He also graced the screen in musical hits like Mamma Mia! (2008) and thriller blockbusters like Angels and Demons (2009) and David Fincher's adaptation of The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo (2011). Skarsgård's recent notable film role includes his portrayal in the sci-fi epic Dune (2021).


Skarsgård's presence extends to television, where he delivered a remarkable performance as Boris Shcherbina in the HBO miniseries Chernobyl (2019), earning him a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor – Series, Miniseries or Television Film, as well as a Primetime Emmy Award nomination. He continues to showcase his talent on the small screen with his role in the Star Wars prequel series Andor (2022), streaming on Disney+. Skarsgård's versatility and talent have solidified his status as one of Sweden's most accomplished actors, earning acclaim across various mediums and genres.


Stellan John Skarsgård was born in Gothenburg, Sweden, to Gudrun (née Larsson; born 1930) and Jan Skarsgård (1920–1998). His upbringing was marked by frequent moves, leading him to reside in various cities during his childhood, including Helsingborg, Totebo, Kalmar, Marielund, and Uppsala. This nomadic lifestyle likely contributed to his adaptability and diverse range of experiences, which have undoubtedly enriched his approach to acting.


Stellan Skarsgård embarked on his acting journey at a young age, accumulating considerable experience in film, television, and stage by the age of 21. His early career was primarily focused on Swedish television and films, with notable roles such as his portrayal of Swedish diplomat Raoul Wallenberg in "Good Evening, Mr. Wallenberg," a film highlighting Wallenberg's efforts to save Holocaust victims.
Skarsgård's collaboration with director Lars von Trier is particularly noteworthy, with the actor appearing in six of von Trier's films, including "Breaking the Waves," "Dancer in the Dark," and "Melancholia." He also shares a close working relationship with Norwegian director Hans Petter Moland, starring in several of his films and considering him a close friend.


In terms of his American film career, Skarsgård made his debut in the 1985 film "Noon Wine" and later appeared in notable roles such as Captain Tupolev in "The Hunt for Red October" (1990) and Bootstrap Bill Turner in the "Pirates of the Caribbean" franchise. He gained recognition for his portrayal of Dr. Erik Selvig in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, appearing in multiple films including "Thor," "The Avengers," and "Avengers: Age of Ultron."
Skarsgård's versatility is evident in his involvement in various projects, from blockbuster films like "Mamma Mia!" to critically acclaimed dramas like "Dune." Additionally, he has made appearances in music videos, showcasing his diverse talents beyond the realm of acting.


Stellan Skarsgård's personal life has been marked by two marriages and a large family. In April 1975, he married Swedish doctor My, with whom he had six children: Alexander (born 1976), Gustaf (born 1980), Sam (born 1982), Bill (born 1990), Eija (born 1992), and Valter (born 1995). Notably, Alexander, Gustaf, Bill, and Valter have followed in their father's footsteps and pursued careers in acting, while Eija ventured into modeling for a period.
Skarsgård and My divorced in May 2007, after over three decades of marriage. In January 2009, Skarsgård married Irish screenwriter and producer Megan Everett. Together, they have two sons. In 2016, Skarsgård shared that he had undergone a vasectomy, indicating that he believed eight children were sufficient for his family.


Stellan Skarsgård's upbringing in a household of humanist, atheist parents shaped his views on religion and spirituality. Despite having a religious grandmother and an atheist grandfather, he experienced no conflicts within the family due to their mutual respect for differing beliefs. Following the September 11 attacks, Skarsgård embarked on reading the Bible and the Quran, ultimately condemning both for what he perceives as inherent violence.
Skarsgård is a vocal critic of religious independent schools in Sweden's educational system and has expressed his skepticism about the concept of God, considering it absurd. He has also criticized the notion of a God demanding constant worship, deeming such a deity unworthy of reverence.
In 2009, Skarsgård joined other non-religious figures, including Christer Sturmark, Björn Ulvaeus, and Christer Fuglesang, in authoring an article for Dagens Nyheter advocating for secularity. The group also took aim at the United Nations for its stance on blasphemy laws, highlighting the importance of free expression and separation of religion and state.

References

1.  "Stellan Skarsgård: "Yes Lars, I'll be there"". The Talks. 19 September 2012. Archived from the original on 24 February 2016. Retrieved 4 January 2024.
2. ^ ""Chernobyl" is on track to becoming the highest-rated TV series ever". The Economist. 3 June 2019. ISSN 0013-0613. Retrieved 4 June 2019.
3. ^ Thyselius, Erik; Lindblad, Göran (1999). Vem är det?: Svensk biografisk handbok: Volume 44. Norstedt. p. 1004.
4. ^ "Hollywood's Lonely Hero". Stellanonline.com. Archived from the original on 22 January 2009. Retrieved 5 March 2010.
5. ^ "Stellan Skarsgard (Bootstrap Bill) Biography". Starsontop.com. 13 January 2007. Archived from the original on 8 February 2012. Retrieved 5 March 2010.
6. a b Gross, Larry (1998). "Stellan Skarsgård". BOMB Magazine. Archived from the original on 5 August 2011. Retrieved 3 August 2011.
7. ^ Stiller opp for Moland Archived 26 March 2009 at the Wayback Machine www.dagsavisen.no