Danish movie stars born in 1937
Here are 9 famous actors from Denmark were born in 1937:
Jørgen Leth
Jørgen Leth (June 14, 1937 Aarhus-) is a Danish film director, poet, screenwriter, film producer, film editor, actor, author and sports commentator. His children are called Karoline Leth, Asger Leth, Kristian Leth and Thomas Leth.
Leth is known for his avant-garde style and has directed several critically acclaimed films, including "The Perfect Human" (1967) and "66 Scenes from America" (1982). He has also directed several documentaries, including the Oscar-nominated "Ghosts of Cité Soleil" (2006) about gang violence in Haiti. Leth has published several collections of poetry and has also written books on cycling, a sport he is passionate about. In addition to his work in film and literature, Leth has served as a sports commentator for Danish television and has covered several Olympic Games. He has received numerous awards for his work, including the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Copenhagen International Documentary Film Festival in 2019.
Leth began his career in filmmaking in the 1960s and quickly established himself as a leading figure in the Danish avant-garde film movement. His films are known for their experimental and abstract nature, often pushing the boundaries of traditional narrative structure. In addition to his own work, Leth has mentored and influenced several generations of filmmakers in Denmark and beyond.
Leth's interest in sports has also been a significant part of his life and work. He has been an avid cyclist since childhood and has written extensively about cycling, including two books on the subject. He has also produced and directed documentaries about cycling and has served as a commentator for cycling events.
In recent years, Leth has continued to work on film projects, including the documentary "Notes on Love" (2016), which explores different aspects of love through a series of vignettes. Despite his prolific career, Leth has remained humble and dedicated to his craft, always striving to push himself and his art to new heights.
Willy Rathnov
Willy Rathnov (May 13, 1937 Roskilde-August 29, 1999 Denmark) a.k.a. Kaj Willy Rasmussen or Kay Willy Rathnov was a Danish actor. His child is called Charlotte Rathnov.
Rathnov began his acting career in 1959, and went on to appear in over 60 films throughout his career. He was particularly known for his work in comedic roles, and became a beloved figure in Danish cinema. In addition to his film work, Rathnov also appeared in several television shows and stage productions.
Outside of his acting career, Rathnov was politically active and was a member of the Social Democratic Party of Denmark. He was also a vocal advocate for animal rights and supported several animal welfare organizations throughout his life.
Rathnov passed away in 1999 at the age of 62. He left behind a rich legacy in Danish cinema and is considered one of the most iconic comedic actors in the country's history.
One of Willy Rathnov's most famous roles came in the 1980s when he starred as Krumme in the popular Danish film series "Krummerne". His portrayal of the mischievous and lovable character won the hearts of audiences of all ages and cemented his status as a comedy icon in Denmark. In addition to his acting career, Rathnov also competed in several car races throughout his life and was known for his love of fast cars. Despite his success in the entertainment industry, Rathnov remained humble and was admired by many for his kind and down-to-earth nature. Today, he is remembered as a true legend of Danish cinema, with many of his films and performances still beloved by fans around the world.
Bent Mejding
Bent Mejding (January 14, 1937 Svendborg-) is a Danish actor, film director and theatre director. His children are called Anna Theil Mejding and Lars Mejding.
Mejding started his acting career in the early 1960s and quickly became a well-known face in Danish theatre and film. He has appeared in over 100 films and TV productions, including the popular 1970s TV drama "Matador". In addition to acting, Mejding has also directed several films and plays, and has received numerous awards for his work in both areas.
Mejding is also known for his activism and has been involved in many social and political causes throughout his career. He served as the chairman of the Danish Actors' Association for several years and has also been an advocate for environmental protection and animal rights.
Despite his long and successful career, Mejding has remained humble and dedicated to his craft. He continues to act and direct in Denmark and is considered one of the country's most respected and beloved performers.
Mejding was born in Svendborg, Denmark, and raised in a family of artists - his father was a painter and his mother a sculptor. He studied at the Royal Danish Theatre School, where he graduated in 1960. He started his career as a stage actor in Copenhagen, where he quickly established himself as one of the leading actors of the time, appearing in numerous productions at the Royal Theatre and other prominent venues.
Mejding made his film debut in 1962 in the Danish film "Det Støver Stadig" ("There's Still Dust"), and went on to appear in many Danish films and TV shows throughout the 1960s and 1970s. He gained international recognition in the 1980s, thanks in part to his performances in Lars von Trier's groundbreaking TV series "Riget" ("The Kingdom") and its sequel "Riget II" ("The Kingdom II").
In addition to his acting career, Mejding has also directed several successful feature films and TV productions, including "Sundays in August" (1996) and "A Piece of My Heart" (2017). He has been recognized with numerous awards for his work, including the Danish film industry's prestigious Bodil and Robert awards, and the lifetime achievement award of the Danish Actors' Association.
Mejding's activism has included support for causes such as climate change, animal welfare, and refugee rights. He has been a frequent commentator on social and political issues in Denmark, and has used his influence as an artist to raise awareness and promote change. Despite his advancing age, Mejding remains a vital and active presence in Danish cultural life, and continues to inspire audiences with his work on stage and screen.
Finn Nielsen
Finn Nielsen (April 21, 1937 Esbjerg-) is a Danish actor. He has two children, Kasper Nielsen and Anton Nielsen.
Finn Nielsen initially studied electrical engineering before discovering his passion for acting. He went on to study at the National Theatre School in Copenhagen and began his career in theater. In the 1960s, he began appearing in Danish films and TV series, and became a well-known actor in Denmark. He is particularly remembered for his role as the tax inspector Joseph Knag in the TV series "Matador".
Aside from his acting career, Nielsen has also been involved in politics, serving as a member of parliament for the Social Democrats from 1988 to 1990. He has also been an advocate for environmental causes, and was a member of the Danish Climate Commission. In 2012, he was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Order of Dannebrog for his contributions to Danish culture.
Finn Nielsen continued to act in film, television, and theater throughout his career, starring in several acclaimed Danish films, such as "Soldier of Orange" (1977) and "Paradise Express" (1979). He also appeared in international productions, such as "Red Sonja" (1985) and "A World Apart" (1988). In addition to acting, Finn Nielsen has also written screenplays and directed for film and television. He directed several episodes of the Danish TV series "The Kingdom" (1994-1997) and worked as a writer on the TV series "Charlot og Charlotte" (1996). Finn Nielsen has been recognized for his contributions to Danish culture with several awards, including the Bodil Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role in 1980 and a lifetime achievement award from the Robert Awards in 2017. He continues to act and is considered one of Denmark's most respected actors.
Elith Nulle Nykjær
Elith Nulle Nykjær (February 8, 1937 Gentofte Municipality-) also known as Elith 'Nulle' Nykjær Jørgen, Elith 'Nulle' Nykjær, Elith Nulle Nykjær Jørgensen, Elith Nykjær or Elith Nykjær-Jørgensen is a Danish screenwriter, actor, television director, jazz musician and film score composer.
Nykjær began his career in the entertainment industry as a jazz musician, playing the trumpet and the piano. He later transitioned into acting and appeared in a number of Danish films and television series in the 1960s and 1970s. In the 1980s, he focused on writing screenplays and directing for television and film. Nykjær is known for his work on several popular Danish television shows, including the crime drama "Rejseholdet" (2000-2004) and the political thriller "Borgen" (2010-2013). He has also composed music for a number of films and television shows, and has received several awards for his contributions to Danish film and television. Outside of his work in entertainment, Nykjær is also known for his political activism and has been involved in various left-wing political movements in Denmark.
In addition to his impressive career in entertainment and contribution to politics, Elith Nulle Nykjær is also known for his passion for history and photography. He has published several books on Danish history and culture, and his photographs have been exhibited in galleries across Denmark. Nykjær has been recognized for his contributions to Danish culture with numerous awards, including the Knight's Cross of Dannebrog and the Honorary Award of the Danish Film Academy. He continues to be an active member of the Danish entertainment industry and political scene, and is highly regarded as a talented and influential figure in Danish culture.
Henrik Stangerup
Henrik Stangerup (September 1, 1937 Frederiksberg-July 3, 1998 Copenhagen) was a Danish film director, screenwriter, actor and author.
He studied literature, art history and philosophy at the University of Copenhagen before beginning his film career in the 1960s. Stangerup wrote several novels, including "The Road to Lagoa Santa" and "The Seducer", both of which were later adapted into films. He also wrote screenplays for several Danish films, including "Fear X" and "A Day in October". As a director, he was known for his films "Stille dage i Clichy" and "Barbara". Stangerup committed suicide in 1998 at the age of 60.
Stangerup's work was often controversial and challenged societal norms. He was inspired by the French New Wave and Jean-Luc Godard's use of unconventional storytelling techniques. In addition to his writing and film work, Stangerup was also a respected literary critic and essayist, contributing to several Danish newspapers and magazines.
Throughout his career, Stangerup received numerous accolades for his work, including the Nordic Council's Literature Prize in 1970 for "The Road to Lagoa Santa". He was also awarded the Danish Academy's Nordic Prize for "The Seducer" in 1974. Despite his success, Stangerup struggled with depression and alcoholism, which ultimately led to his tragic death.
Hans Rostrup
Hans Rostrup (July 26, 1937 Frederiksberg-January 16, 2005) was a Danish actor.
He was known for his work in both film and television, and he appeared in over 50 films in his career. Rostrup began acting in the 1950s and quickly gained notoriety for his skill and versatility. He was especially known for his ability to play a wide range of characters, from comedic to dramatic roles. In addition to his work as an actor, Rostrup was also a filmmaker, screenwriter, and author, having published several books throughout his lifetime. He received numerous awards and recognitions for his contributions to Danish cinema, including the Robert Award for Best Supporting Actor in 1993. Despite his success, Rostrup remained humble and devoted to his craft. He passed away in 2005 at the age of 67.
Rostrup was born to a family of artists and intellectuals. His father was a well-known Danish radio journalist, and his mother was a painter. Rostrup was particularly interested in the arts, and he originally wanted to become a painter like his mother. However, after discovering his love for acting in his teenage years, he decided to pursue a career in the entertainment industry instead.
Rostrup was a dedicated actor known for his meticulous approach to his roles. He often spent weeks or even months researching and preparing for a part, immersing himself in the character's world and backstory. His commitment to acting earned him both critical acclaim and a loyal following in Denmark and beyond.
Throughout his career, Rostrup collaborated with some of Denmark's most renowned directors and actors, including Lars von Trier, Henrik Ibsen, and Palle Kjaerulff-Schmidt. He was also a frequent guest on Danish television variety shows and talk shows, where he displayed his wit and charm.
In addition to his acting career, Rostrup was an avid writer and filmmaker. He directed several short films and documentaries, and he wrote several plays and screenplays. His autobiography, "Ganske Vist," was published in 2004, a year before his death.
Rostrup was married twice and had four children. He was a beloved figure in Danish culture, and his legacy continues to inspire new generations of actors and filmmakers.
Flemming Dyjak
Flemming Dyjak (July 7, 1937 Copenhagen-December 29, 2011) was a Danish actor.
He made his professional debut in the theatre in 1963 and also had a successful career in film and television. Some of his notable works include "Manden der tænkte ting" (1973), "Matador" (1978-1981) and "Krummerne" (1991-1998). Dyjak was also a skilled voice actor, lending his voice to various cartoons and documentaries. He remained active in the industry until his death in 2011 at the age of 74.
Dyjak was born to Polish parents who had immigrated to Denmark before his birth. He grew up in Copenhagen and attended the Danish National School of Theatre and Contemporary Dance. In addition to his acting career, Dyjak was also a writer and translator, having translated several plays and books from Polish to Danish.
Throughout his career, Dyjak received numerous accolades for his work in theatre, film, and television. In 1973, he won the Danish Film Critics Association's Best Actor award for his performance in "Manden der tænkte ting". He was also awarded the prestigious Tagea Brandt Rejselegat (Tagea Brandt Travel Scholarship) in 1979, which allowed him to travel and study theatre in Poland.
Dyjak was known for his versatility as an actor, having played a wide range of characters in both dramatic and comedic roles. He was highly respected by his colleagues in the industry for his dedication to his craft and his kind and humble demeanor.
After his death, Dyjak's legacy in Danish theatre and film was celebrated by his fellow actors and fans alike. His body of work remains a testament to his talent and his contributions to Danish culture.
Etienne Glaser
Etienne Glaser (September 18, 1937 Copenhagen-) is a Danish actor, screenwriter and film director. He has one child, Pernilla Glaser.
Etienne Glaser is known for his work in both film and television. He began his career as an actor in the mid-1960s, appearing in several Danish and international productions. He later branched out into screenwriting and directing, and has since made several acclaimed films. In addition to his film career, Glaser has also worked extensively in television, both as an actor and director. Throughout his career, he has received numerous awards and nominations for his work, including several prestigious Danish film awards. Outside of his work in entertainment, Glaser has also been involved in various humanitarian and philanthropic efforts, particularly those focused on improving the lives of children and refugees.
In the early years of his acting career, Etienne Glaser notably appeared in the film "Gertrud" directed by Carl Theodor Dreyer. He also starred in the television series "Matador" which is considered one of the most successful Danish TV productions of all time. Glaser's directorial debut was with the 1980 film "A Charming Man" which was well-received by critics and audiences alike. He went on to helm several other films such as "Mickey and the Dragon" and "The Black Madonna". In addition to his directing work, he has also written screenplays for several films including "In My Life" and "The Elephant Man".
Throughout his career, Glaser has also been recognized for his contributions to the arts in Denmark. He was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Order of the Dannebrog in 2002, and in 2016, he received the Lauritzen Award for his significant contributions to Danish film. In recent years, Glaser has taken on fewer projects, but remains active in the film industry as a mentor to young filmmakers.