Alexander Skarsgard Then and Now

Alexander Skarsgard Then

Alexander Skarsgard, born Alexander Johan Hjalmar Skarsgård on August 25, 1976, in Stockholm, Sweden, hails from a family deeply entrenched in the arts and sciences. 

His father, Stellan Skarsgård, is a renowned actor, while his mother, My, is a physician. Alexander is the eldest of six children, with siblings Bill, Gustaf, Eija, Sam, and Valter. 

Notably, Bill, Gustaf, and Valter have also pursued acting careers, with Bill achieving recognition for his portrayal of Pennywise in the Stephen King adaptations “It” (2017) and “It Chapter Two” (2019). 

The Skarsgård family further extends to two half-brothers from Stellan’s second marriage.

Alexander’s foray into acting began at a young age. At seven, he was cast in his first film role, Kalle Nubb, in the 1984 Swedish drama “Åke and His World” (“Åke och hans värld”), directed by Allan Edwall, a friend of his father. 

His early career saw a significant boost when he starred in the Swedish television series “The Dog That Smiled” (“Hunden som log”) in 1989. 

Despite the fame that followed, Alexander found the attention uncomfortable and decided to step away from acting for the next seven years.

At 19, Alexander joined the Swedish military, serving in the SäkJakt unit, which focused on anti-terrorism and anti-sabotage operations. 

He completed his military service in 1996 and then pursued academic interests, enrolling at Leeds Metropolitan University in England to study English. 

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After spending six months at the university, he later moved to New York City in 1997 to take a theater course at Marymount Manhattan College, further honing his acting skills. 

In 2011, Alexander’s connection to Leeds Metropolitan University was honored with an honorary degree, recognizing his accomplishments and contributions to the arts.

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Alexander Skarsgard Acting Career

After spending six months in New York City, Alexander Skarsgård returned to Stockholm and immersed himself in the world of acting, taking on roles in theatrical productions as well as various television and film projects. 

His big break in Hollywood came serendipitously while vacationing in the United States, where he auditioned for and secured the role of Meekus in Ben Stiller’s supermodel comedy “Zoolander.” 

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This opportunity marked his entry into the American film industry and opened doors for future roles. 

Back in Sweden, Skarsgård continued to build his filmography with the 2002 romantic comedy “Hundtricket – The Movie” (“The Dog Trick”) and the 2004 short film “Heartbeat.”

In 2004, Alexander relocated to Los Angeles to further pursue his acting career. 

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He quickly landed roles in the films “Double Shift” and “Om Sara” (“About Sara”), as well as the NBC miniseries “Revelations” in 2005. 

The following year was particularly prolific, with appearances in five films: “The Last Drop,” “Never Be Mine,” “Kill Your Darlings,” “Score,” and “Exit.” 

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His breakthrough role in American television came in 2008 when he portrayed Brad “Iceman” Colbert in the critically acclaimed HBO miniseries “Generation Kill,” based on the 2004 book by Evan Wright.

Alexander’s career reached new heights with his role as Eric Northman, a Viking vampire, on HBO’s “True Blood.” 

Initially auditioning for the role of Bill Compton, Skarsgård’s performance as Eric Northman became iconic, and he appeared in 76 episodes over seven seasons. 

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During his tenure on “True Blood,” he also expanded his portfolio by starring in Lady Gaga’s “Paparazzi” music video in 2009, guest-starring on HBO’s “Eastbound & Down” in 2013, voicing Stefan in the animated film “Metropia,” and featuring in several movies such as “Trust Me” (2010), “Battleship” (2012), “What Maisie Knew” (2012), and “The Giver” (2014).

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Skarsgård continued to demonstrate his versatility with a variety of roles. In 2015, he co-starred with Kristen Wiig in the comedy “The Diary of a Teenage Girl.” 

The following year, he made a cameo appearance in “Zoolander 2,” starred in the British buddy cop film “War on Everyone,” and took on the titular role in “The Legend of Tarzan,” which grossed $356.7 million globally. 

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His portrayal of Perry Wright, an abusive husband, in the HBO series “Big Little Lies” from 2017 to 2019, earned him critical acclaim and numerous awards.

In 2018, Alexander’s film appearances included “Mute,” “The Hummingbird Project,” and “Hold the Dark.” 

He also guest-starred on Comedy Central’s “Drunk History” and played Gadi Becke in the BBC One drama “The Little Drummer Girl.” 

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His recent film work includes “The Aftermath” (2019), “Long Shot” (2019), “The Kill Team” (2019), and “Passing” (2021). 

In 2021, he starred as Nathan Lind in “Godzilla vs. Kong,” which achieved significant box-office success, grossing over $400 million. 

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From 2020 to 2021, he portrayed the charismatic and menacing Randall Flagg in the miniseries adaptation of Stephen King’s “The Stand.”

Continuing his success on television, Alexander landed a recurring role as Lukas Matsson on HBO’s critically acclaimed series “Succession” in 2021. 

This role further cemented his status as a versatile and talented actor capable of delivering compelling performances across a range of genres and mediums.

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Alexander Skarsgard Movies

• Åke and His World (Åke och hans värld) (1984) 
• Idag röd (TV Movie) (1987)
• The Dog Trick (Hundtricket – The Movie) (2002) 
• Heartbeat (Short Film) (2004) 
• Double Shift (Dubbelliv) (2005)
• About Sara (Om Sara) (2005) 
• Exit (2006) 
• Kill Your Darlings (2006) 
• The Last Drop (2006)
• Never Be Mine (Neverné hry) (2006)
• Järnets änglar (2007)
• Zoolander (2001) 
• Revelations (Miniseries) (2005) 
• Generation Kill (Miniseries) (2008) 
• Metropia (Animated Film) (2009) – Stefan (Voice)
• Beyond the Pole (2009) 
• 13 (2010)
• Trust Me (2010) 
• Melancholia (2011) 
• Battleship (2012) 
• What Maisie Knew (2012)
• Disconnect (2012)
• The East (2013)
• The Giver (2014)
• Hidden (2015) 
• The Diary of a Teenage Girl (2015) 
• War on Everyone (2016)
• The Legend of Tarzan (2016) 
• Zoolander 2 (2016) 
• Mute (2018)
• The Hummingbird Project (2018) 
• Hold the Dark (2018) 
• The Aftermath (2019) 
• Long Shot (2019) 
• The Kill Team (2019) 
• Passing (2021) 
• Godzilla vs. Kong (2021) 
• The Northman (2022) 
• Infinity Pool (2023) 
• Lee (2023)
• Eric Larue (2023)

Alexander Skarsgard’s Personal Life

Alexander Skarsgård, despite his high-profile acting career, has largely kept his personal life private. 

However, his romantic relationships have occasionally made headlines. 

While he remains unmarried, Skarsgård has been linked to several notable figures in the entertainment industry.

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During his time on “True Blood,” Skarsgård was rumored to be dating his co-star Evan Rachel Wood. 

Their on-screen chemistry led to speculation about an off-screen romance, although neither confirmed a long-term relationship. 

Following his time with Wood, Skarsgård’s love life continued to attract media attention.

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Skarsgård was also romantically linked to actress Kate Bosworth. The two were often seen together, sparking rumors of a relationship that intrigued fans and the media alike. Their connection, however, did not develop into a lasting partnership.

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Additionally, Alexander was rumored to be involved with Elizabeth Olsen. The pair were seen together at various events, leading to speculation about a budding romance. 

As with his other relationships, Skarsgård remained discreet, allowing the rumors to swirl without giving much away.

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Alexander Skarsgard Now

Alexander Skarsgård, now 47 years old, has firmly established himself as a versatile and talented actor in both Swedish and international cinema. 

Born in Stockholm as the son of acclaimed actor Stellan Skarsgård, Alexander began his acting career at the tender age of seven. 

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However, the pressures of early fame led him to step away from the spotlight at 13. 

His hiatus from acting allowed him to explore other interests, including serving in the Swedish Navy, which instilled in him a sense of discipline and resilience.

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Returning to acting with renewed vigor, Skarsgård’s breakout role in the US came with the comedy film “Zoolander,” where he played the memorable character Meekus. 

This role marked the beginning of a successful career in Hollywood, leading to a variety of roles that showcased his range as an actor. 

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Over the years, he has seamlessly transitioned between television and film, gaining critical acclaim for his performances in projects like “True Blood,” “Generation Kill,” and “Big Little Lies.”

In recent years, Skarsgård has continued to captivate audiences with his compelling performances. His 2023 projects include the films “Infinity Pool,” “Lee,” and “Eric Larue.” 

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“Infinity Pool,” a psychological thriller, has been noted for its intense and gripping storyline, allowing Skarsgård to delve into a complex character.

“Lee” presents a historical drama, adding another layer to his diverse filmography, while “Eric Larue” offers a poignant exploration of contemporary issues.

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Alexander Skarsgård’s ability to embody a wide array of characters, from a Viking vampire to a troubled military officer, demonstrates his versatility and dedication to his craft. 

As he continues to take on challenging roles and explore new genres, Skarsgård remains a prominent figure in the entertainment industry. 

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His journey from a child actor in Sweden to an internationally recognized star reflects his enduring passion for storytelling and his commitment to his profession.

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Alexander Skarsgard’s Net Worth

Alexander Skarsgård, a multifaceted talent from Sweden, has made significant contributions to the entertainment industry as an actor, producer, writer, and director, amassing a net worth of $14 million. 

His diverse skill set and dedication to his craft have not only earned him critical acclaim but also substantial financial success, reflecting his versatility and enduring presence in both Swedish and international cinema.

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