Could it be that there’s a new acting dynasty and it’s name is “Skarsgård”? Alexander is getting lots of fame in his role of Eric on True Blood, and his dad has always been a prominent actor, and now he’s working on several films and brother Gustaf is getting acclaim in Sweden. In the article below, Stellan Skarsgård talks about his sons, their success and his new film roles.
Alexander, Stellan and Gustaf at The King’s Speech Awards Season party on Feb. 7, 2011
Stellan Skarsgård has been on Hollywood’s radar for a bit, most recently playing Halle Berry’s therapist in “Frankie and Alice.”
His eldest son Alexander plays Eric Northman on “True Blood,” and son Gustaf was in the recent film “The Way Back.”
“Alexander was considered for several consecutive years the sexiest man in Sweden. He’s a very nice guy. But the Swedish film industry is pretty small so he left for the States and got the great role in ‘Generation Kill’ that propelled him into ‘True Blood.’
“And my son Bill [Gustaf] is in ‘Simple Simon,’ which is Sweden’s entry for the Oscars,” Skarsgård said.
The 59-year-old father of seven, who spoke from his Stockholm home, stars in this week’s Swedish crime comedy “A Somewhat Gentle Man” as Ulrik, a just-sprung career criminal who finds that his former boss expects him to return to the assassination game.
“I think Ulrik was never pleased with his job because he is a gentle man and spent his entire life in ‘bad company,’ you could say,” Skarsgård said.
The role of Ulrik asks the actor to convey much without speaking.
“When I read the script I heard some producers thought it was a very sad dramatic story, but I saw it as a funny story and so did (director) Hans Petter Moland. The setting is not very glamorous to say the least but it is very funny.”
With a character who “doesn’t say or do anything for the first 45 minutes, the question was, How do we make him present? He’s still the lead. We agreed to let everything bounce off his face, so you follow his internal thought.”
Ultimately Ulrik finds meaning in his life through his only son — which for Skarsgård was easy.
“I am very tight with my children,” he said.
Skarsgård, who co-stars in the upcoming “Thor,” just finished Swedish location filming for Hollywood’s version of “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” as Martin Vanger.
How does he decide what to do next?
“A role has to interest me in some way. Usually I try to do something different after the film I’ve just done. When I’ve done a big commercial production, I like to find something small and strange.”
source: bostonherald.com
How nice to read about this amazing clan and their successes. I’ve seen Stellan in a few films and have always enjoyed his performances. Alex is top notch as Eric Northman. I look forward to seeing more of the Skarsgard family on screen as the sons’ recognition spreads.
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Stellan must be very proud of his family!
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I have enjoyed many of Stellan’s performances over the years. He must be so pleased his kids are making a name for themselves in his chosen field.
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Big fan of Pirates of the Caribbean and Stellan’s performance. Sounds like an acting dynasty in the making. How nice that 2 of his sons are following in his footsteps.
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Very talented and good looking family!
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Bill is another younger son, not Gustaf !
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