Norwegian movie stars born in 1981
Here are 7 famous actors from Norway were born in 1981:
Ryan Wiik
Ryan Wiik (September 23, 1981 Hamar-) a.k.a. Gunnar Ryan Wiik or Gunnar Wiik is a Norwegian actor, film producer, screenwriter and businessperson.
Wiik started his career in the entertainment industry as an actor, debuting in the Norwegian film "Brent av frost" in 1997. He later moved to Los Angeles in 2008 and began producing films, including "The Devil's in the Details" and "Dark Tourist." In 2012, he co-founded WR Entertainment, a production and distribution company based in Norway and Los Angeles. Wiik is also known for his philanthropic work through the Ryan Wiik Foundation, which supports various causes such as education, health, and human rights. In addition to his work in entertainment and philanthropy, Wiik has been an advocate for sustainable living and renewable energy sources.
Wiik has also been recognized for his entrepreneurial ventures, including co-founding The Resource Group, an international human resources consulting firm. In 2017, he launched an eco-tourism project in Nicaragua, which aims to promote sustainable tourism while supporting local communities. Wiik has been involved in several high-profile legal battles, including a lawsuit against the producers of "Baywatch" for breach of contract and fraud, and a case against the Republic of Panama for allegedly expropriating his land holdings. Despite these setbacks, Wiik remains committed to his passion for film and socially responsible business practices. He continues to produce and act in films, most recently starring in the 2020 Norwegian thriller "Utøya: The Island."
Wiik's passion for film and entertainment blossomed when he was just a young teenager. He founded his own theater group, the Norwegian Shakespeare Company, which produced several acclaimed productions before disbanding. Wiik's passion for both the creative and business aspects of the industry led him to pursue a degree in film production from the Los Angeles Film School. He worked on a number of Hollywood productions, including "Spider-Man 2" and "The Da Vinci Code," before venturing into producing his own films.
As a philanthropist, Wiik has made several significant contributions to charity. He founded the Ryan Wiik Foundation in 2013, which supports a range of causes including education, health, and human rights. The Foundation has partnered with organizations like the Red Cross and the Norwegian Cancer Society to provide aid and assistance to those in need.
Wiik's commitment to sustainable living and renewable energy sources is evident through his eco-tourism project in Nicaragua. The project aims to promote eco-tourism while supporting the local community by providing jobs and infrastructure. Wiik personally invested a significant amount of his own funds to get the project off the ground.
Despite the legal battles he has faced, Wiik remains focused on his mission to produce socially responsible films and engage in sustainable business practices. He continues to be an active figure in the entertainment industry, both as a producer and actor, and is highly respected by his colleagues in Hollywood and beyond.
Ulvrik Kraft
Ulvrik Kraft (July 2, 1981 Kristiansand-) also known as Wolf is a Norwegian film producer, actor, film editor, film director and screenwriter.
He is best known for producing and directing the critically acclaimed horror film, "The House That Jack Built" in 2018, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival. Kraft also co-wrote and edited the film alongside renowned director Lars von Trier. In addition to his work in the film industry, Kraft is also known for his activism, particularly on environmental and social justice issues. Before getting into filmmaking, he studied political science and worked in various non-profit organizations. He has been nominated for several prestigious awards throughout his career, including the Palme d'Or at Cannes.
Kraft was born and raised in Kristiansand, Norway, and developed an interest in film at a young age. He began making short films with his friends and decided to pursue a career in filmmaking after completing his studies in political science. In 2005, he met Lars von Trier while working on the film, "Manderlay," and the two quickly formed a close professional relationship.
Kraft has since worked on a number of von Trier's films as an assistant director, editor, and co-writer, including "Antichrist" and "Melancholia." He has also produced several other critically acclaimed films, including "Thelma" and "Border."
In addition to his film work, Kraft is a passionate advocate for environmental and social justice causes. He has been involved in various activist groups and campaigns, working to raise awareness about issues such as climate change, human rights, and animal protection.
Kraft has received numerous awards and nominations for his work, including a European Film Award for Best Editor for "The House That Jack Built," and a Guldbagge Award for Best Film for "Thelma." He is widely regarded as one of Norway's most talented and innovative filmmakers, and continues to push boundaries and challenge audiences with his thought-provoking and often controversial films.
Kraft's passion for filmmaking and activism has also led him to be involved in mentorship programs for aspiring filmmakers. He has served as a mentor for several emerging filmmakers in Norway, helping young talents navigate the challenging and competitive landscape of the film industry.
Kraft's interest in social and environmental issues extends beyond his activism. He is also known for his eco-friendly production methods, minimizing the environmental impact of his film productions by using sustainable materials and reducing waste.
In his free time, Kraft enjoys hiking and exploring the wilderness of Norway. He is also an avid reader and is known to draw inspiration for his films from literature and philosophy.
Kraft's work has been praised for its bold and fearless approach to storytelling, tackling taboo subjects and questioning societal norms. He continues to be a leading voice in Norwegian and international cinema, and his work has received critical acclaim from audiences and critics alike.
Lasse Valdal
Lasse Valdal (October 23, 1981-) is a Norwegian actor.
He grew up in Stavanger, Norway and became interested in acting at a young age, participating in numerous school plays and theater productions. Valdal graduated from the Norwegian National Academy of Theatre in 2006 and has since appeared in several Norwegian films and TV series. His breakout role came in 2006 with his performance in the horror movie Cold Prey, which was a critical and commercial success in Norway. Valdal has also appeared in international projects, such as the History Channel's Vikings (2013-2015) and the Norwegian-American co-production The Last Kingdom (2017). In addition to acting, Valdal is also a trained dancer and has performed in several dance productions. He has been nominated for several awards for his acting, including a Best Supporting Actor nomination at the 2021 Amanda Awards.
Valdal's career has spanned over a decade and he has become one of the most recognized faces in Norwegian film and television. Some of his notable projects include his roles in The Thing About My Folks (2005), The Invisible (2007), The Monitor (2011), The Tunnel (2019), and Okkupert (2015 -2017). His versatility and range as an actor have allowed him to play a variety of roles, from dramatic to comedic, and has been praised by audiences and critics alike.
Valdal is also known for his work in theater, having worked with several prominent Norwegian theater companies such as the Rogaland Theatre, The National Theatre, and the Oslo Nye Teater. His theatrical productions include The Cherry Orchard, The Cabinet Minister, Mamma Mia!, Romeo and Juliet, and Cabaret.
In addition to his acting career, Valdal is also active in environmental issues and has been an advocate for protecting the environment. He has worked with several organizations promoting sustainability and eco-friendly practices, including the Climate Conferences in Paris in 2015 and 2017.
Valdal has been recognized for his contributions to the entertainment industry and the environment, having received several honors including the Norwegian Actor's Union Talent Prize in 2009 and the "Green Carpet Award" for his environmental activism in 2016.
Valdal's passion for the environment has also led him to embark on a personal challenge to live a more sustainable lifestyle. In 2019, he and his family converted a 100-year-old farmhouse into an eco-friendly home, using recycled materials and renewable energy sources. The project was documented in the NRK TV series "Lasse saves the world," where Valdal shares his sustainability journey and encourages viewers to take actions towards a more sustainable future.
Apart from his acting and environmental advocacy, Valdal is also a loving husband and father of two children. He is married to Norwegian actress Hilde Lyrån, whom he met while studying at the Norwegian National Academy of Theatre. The couple has worked together in several theater productions and movies, including the romantic comedy "Sensommer" (2012).
Anders Bye
Anders Bye (December 4, 1981-) is a Norwegian actor.
He earned his degree from the Norwegian National Academy of Theatre in 2008 and has since become a prominent figure in the Norwegian entertainment industry. Bye has appeared in numerous productions, including the TV series "Lilyhammer" and the film "The Orheim Company," for which he received critical acclaim. In addition to his acting work, Bye is also an accomplished writer and has penned several plays that have been performed in Norway. Outside of entertainment, he is an avid outdoorsman and enjoys hiking and skiing in his free time.
Bye was born and raised in Oslo, Norway. He developed a passion for acting from a young age and participated in several theater productions during his school years. After completing his education at the Norwegian National Academy of Theatre, he began his acting career in earnest, quickly establishing himself as one of the most talented young performers in the country.
In 2012, Bye gained international recognition for his role as Roy in the hit TV series "Lilyhammer," which aired on Netflix. His performance was widely praised by critics and audiences alike, and the show helped to further cement his reputation as a rising star in the industry.
Despite his success as an actor, Bye has also maintained a strong interest in writing. He has written several plays and screenplays, many of which have been staged to great acclaim in Norway. His writing often explores themes of identity, relationships, and the human condition, and he is widely regarded as one of Norway's most exciting contemporary playwrights.
In his free time, Bye is an avid outdoorsman and enjoys exploring the stunning natural landscapes of his home country. He is particularly fond of hiking and skiing, and can often be found exploring Norway's breathtaking mountains and fjords.
In addition to his acting and writing careers, Anders Bye is also recognized for his activism and philanthropy. He is an advocate for environmental conservation and has lent his support to various organizations dedicated to protecting Norway's natural resources. He has also been involved in several initiatives aimed at improving access to education and promoting youth empowerment in Norway. Bye's dedication to social and environmental causes has earned him widespread respect and admiration, both as a performer and as an individual. As he continues to pursue his passions and advance his career, it is clear that Anders Bye will remain a prominent figure in the world of Norwegian entertainment and beyond.
Espen Klouman Høiner
Espen Klouman Høiner (August 31, 1981-) also known as Espen Kloumann Hoiner or Espen Klouman-Høiner is a Norwegian actor.
He was born and raised in Oslo, Norway and studied acting at the esteemed National Academy of Dramatic Art in Oslo.
Høiner began his acting career in 2007 and has since appeared in numerous Norwegian TV shows, films and stage productions. He gained widespread recognition for his role as the troubled teenager Joachim in the critically acclaimed TV series "Skam", which became a cultural phenomenon in Norway and internationally.
Aside from acting, Høiner is also a talented writer and has written and directed several short films. He has been awarded the Amanda Award, Norway's top film award, for his work as a writer and actor.
Høiner is known for his versatile range, having played a wide variety of characters across different genres. He is considered one of Norway's most talented young actors and is highly respected by his peers in the industry.
In addition to his successful acting career, Espen Klouman Høiner has also made significant contributions to Norwegian literature. He is the author of several published novels, including "Bruttern" and "Ensomheten i Lydia Ernemans liv", both of which have received critical acclaim in Norway. Høiner's debut novel "Bruttern" was awarded the Tarjei Vesaas' debutantpris, one of Norway's most prestigious literary awards, in 2013.
Høiner is also an advocate for environmental causes and has been involved in several initiatives to promote sustainability and eco-friendly living. He has worked closely with organizations such as Greenpeace and WWF to raise awareness about pressing environmental issues such as climate change and deforestation.
Overall, Espen Klouman Høiner's multifaceted talent, passion, and dedication have made him a prominent figure in Norwegian entertainment, literature, and environmental advocacy.
In addition to his work in the entertainment industry and environmental activism, Espen Klouman Høiner is also involved in several humanitarian efforts. He is a supporter of the Norwegian Refugee Council, an organization that provides aid and assistance to refugees and internally displaced people worldwide. Høiner has travelled to several countries with the organization, including Lebanon and Syria, to witness firsthand the impact of their work and help raise awareness about the refugee crisis.
Høiner is also a vocal advocate for mental health awareness and has shared his personal experiences with depression and anxiety in interviews and public appearances. He has worked with mental health organizations to help promote understanding and reduce stigma surrounding mental illness in Norway.
Outside of his professional pursuits, Høiner is an avid traveler and has visited over 40 countries. He is passionate about experiencing different cultures and has often cited travel as a source of inspiration for his creative work.
Despite his success and accolades, Høiner remains grounded and committed to his craft. He has spoken openly about the challenges of balancing personal and professional life and is known for his humility and kindness on and off set.
Richard Skog
Richard Skog (June 16, 1981 Norway-) is a Norwegian strongman and actor.
Skog was born in Norway and grew up in a small town in the country. He discovered his passion for strength sports at a young age, and began lifting weights as a teenager. He quickly became one of Norway's top amateur strongmen, and went on to win several competitions in his twenties.
In addition to his strongman career, Skog has also pursued acting. He has appeared in several Norwegian films and television shows, including the popular crime drama "Lilyhammer." Skog has also worked as a stunt performer and choreographer in the entertainment industry.
Aside from his professional pursuits, Skog is known for his philanthropic work. He has used his strongman fame to raise awareness and funds for various charities, particularly those focused on children's health and education. Skog is considered one of Norway's most beloved figures, and continues to inspire others through his strength, talent, and generosity.
Skog is also a skilled powerlifter, having won several Norwegian championships in the sport. He holds several national powerlifting records and has competed at the world championships. Skog is known for his impressive feats of strength, including pulling a truck and lifting a car with his bare hands. He has been featured in numerous publications and television programs, showcasing his strength and athleticism.
In addition to his career in entertainment and strength sports, Skog has also worked as a personal trainer and fitness coach. He is passionate about helping others achieve their fitness goals and has trained clients ranging from elite athletes to everyday people looking to improve their health and well-being.
Skog is also an advocate for environmental causes, and has spoken out about the importance of protecting the planet for future generations. He has participated in beach cleanups and other initiatives aimed at reducing plastic pollution and preserving natural habitats.
Despite his many accomplishments, Skog remains humble and dedicated to his craft. He continues to train and compete in strongman and powerlifting events, and is always looking for ways to improve and give back to his community.
Skog's strength and impressive physique have earned him a massive online following. He is an influencer with a significant presence on social media, where he shares workout tips, healthy recipes, and motivational messages with his fans. Skog's dedication to fitness and philanthropy have also earned him recognition from the Norwegian government. In 2019, he was awarded the prestigious "Order of Merit" for his contributions to the country's sports and cultural scene.Skog is married and has two children. He is a devout Christian and has spoken publicly about his faith, saying that it has been a source of strength and inspiration throughout his career. Despite his demanding schedule, Skog prioritizes family time and enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife and children.
Frank Kjosås
Frank Kjosås (July 28, 1981 Øystese-) is a Norwegian actor.
He is best known for his roles in several popular Norwegian TV series such as "Dag", "Kampen for tilværelsen" and "Kielergata". Kjosås has also made appearances in numerous stage plays, both in Norway and internationally. He received widespread critical acclaim for his role in the musical "Next to Normal" which was performed in several countries including Norway, Sweden and Denmark. Kjosås has been awarded the Hedda Award for Best Leading Actor in a Musical twice, in 2015 and 2018.
In addition to his successful acting career, Kjosås has also been involved in music. He released his first album titled "Stjernestøv" in 2019, which received positive reviews from critics and fans alike. Kjosås is known for his versatility as an actor, being able to portray a wide range of characters with ease. His performances have been described as nuanced and emotionally engaging. Despite his success, Kjosås remains grounded and is known for his down-to-earth personality. He has expressed his desire to continue challenging himself as an actor and to take on diverse roles in the future.
Kjosås attended the Westerdals Oslo ACT, a performing arts school in Oslo, Norway, where he trained in acting. After graduating, he started his acting career in the theatre industry, appearing in several plays, including "West Side Story" and "Hair". In 2006, Kjosås made his film debut in "Vinterkyss", for which he received critical praise. He continued to work in film, with notable roles in "Upperdog" and "Jackpot".
Besides his acting career, Kjosås is involved in social activism and uses his platform to support causes he believes in. In 2019, he participated in a charity event for the Norwegian Refugee Council to raise awareness and funds for refugees.
Kjosås is married to Norwegian actress Ine Jansen, and they have a child together. In his free time, he enjoys hiking, skiing, and spending time in nature. Despite being a well-known public figure, Kjosås values his privacy and prefers to keep his personal life out of the public eye.