The Swedish actor has been in 150 films and TV shows, from « Breaking the Waves » and « Mamma Mia! » to « Andor. » He talks about his Golden Globe-winning performance in « Sentimental Value, » playing a filmmaker-father trying to reconcile with his actress-daughters.
Actor Stellan Skarsgård may be well-known in Sweden – his picture is prominently displayed at the airport – but he dismisses that it is a big deal. « Sweden is a small country! » he laughs.
He’s self-effacing, and while Skarsgärd was recognized during our stroll through his hometown of Stockholm, respectful, shy Swedes may help keep any Hollywood-actor-ego in check. Skarsgärd noted, « They don’t say like Americans – OH MY GOD, IT’S YOU!!! »
He’s recognizable from any number of roles over the decades, from Hollywood blockbusters (« The Hunt for Red October », « Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End »), popular streaming shows (« Andor »), European art-house fare (« Breaking the Waves »), and even an ABBA musical.
I said, « This morning I was watching you singing in ‘Mamma Mia’. »
« Oh. Watching is okay, but listening to it? » Skarsgärd laughed. « I’ve tried to get into projects where I enjoy myself and have a fun time. And that’s why I’m not bored. I made 150 films. I still love it, you know? »
« It seems impossible to make that many films », I said.
« Well, some are very short. »
His break came at age 16 on Swedish television, in « Bombi Bitt och jag. » Now, at 74, he’s reached a new high, in the Norwegian film « Sentimental Value. » He plays a once-successful filmmaker trying to reconcile with his estranged daughters.
