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.
