Swedish actresses who were born in 1939
Here are 11 famous actresses from Sweden were born in 1939:
Birgitta Pettersson
Birgitta Pettersson (January 7, 1939 Uppsala-) is a Swedish actor.
Pettersson began her acting career in the late 1950s and quickly became a well-known performer in Swedish theatre, film, and television. She has had notable roles in numerous popular Swedish films and television series, including "The Emigrants" and "The New Land". Additionally, Pettersson has performed on stage in various productions of classic plays, such as "A Streetcar Named Desire" and "The Glass Menagerie". In recognition of her contributions to the arts, she was awarded the Royal Medal for Merit in 2003 by the Swedish King Carl XVI Gustaf. Pettersson continues to act and remains active in the Swedish theatre community.
She has also been recognized for her work outside of acting. In 2010, she was awarded the prestigious O'Neill Scholarship from the Swedish Actors' Union, which provides financial support for professional development and artistic projects. Pettersson used the scholarship to study acting with famed American acting teacher and coach Larry Moss in Los Angeles. She has also served as a board member of the Swedish Academy of Dramatic Arts and as a jury member for the Stockholm International Film Festival. In addition to her artistic pursuits, Pettersson has been involved in social and political causes, particularly women's rights and issues affecting the elderly. She has been an advocate for improving healthcare for the elderly and has spoken out against ageism and age discrimination in the entertainment industry.
Inger Taube
Inger Taube (August 14, 1939 Gothenburg-December 23, 1996 Stockholm) also known as Asta Inger Margareta Taube or Asta Inger Margareta Ahman was a Swedish actor and fashion model. She had one child, Jesper Taube.
Inger Taube began her career in the late 1950s as a fashion model and later transitioned to acting. She appeared in several Swedish films throughout the 1960s and 1970s, including "Siska", "Moebius", and "End Station". Taube was also a popular public figure and was known for her beauty and fashion sense.
In addition to her acting and modeling career, Taube was also a trained nurse and worked in a hospital for a time. She was known for her charitable work and was involved in several organizations that supported children and people with disabilities.
Tragically, Inger Taube died in 1996 at the age of 57 after suffering from cancer. She is remembered as a talented performer and a humanitarian who dedicated her life to helping others.
Taube was born into a family of artists and writers. Her father, Evert Taube, was a well-known poet, composer, and singer, and her mother, Astri Bergman Taube, was an author and artist. Inger Taube was the second of three children and grew up in a creative and bohemian environment. She studied acting at the renowned drama school, The Royal Dramatic Theatre in Stockholm, and made her stage debut in the early 1960s.
Taube was also an accomplished singer and recorded several albums throughout her career. Her music was heavily influenced by her father's work and included many of his songs, as well as traditional Swedish folk songs.
Inger Taube was a beloved figure in Sweden and her death was mourned by many. She is remembered for her talent, beauty, and her commitment to improving the lives of others. Today, a scholarship in her name is awarded to aspiring young actors and singers.
Ulla Strömstedt
Ulla Strömstedt (November 27, 1939 Stockholm-June 13, 1986 Cannes) also known as Ulla Stroemstedt, Ulla Stromstedt or Ulla Strömstedt-Cole was a Swedish actor.
She was born into a family of artists and musicians, and began her career as a stage actor at the age of 18. She quickly became a well-known face in the Swedish entertainment industry and eventually transitioned to film and television. Her breakout role came in the 1960s, with a lead part in the Swedish TV series "Söderkåkar".
In the 1970s, Strömstedt moved to London to expand her career internationally. She appeared in several British television shows and films, including the popular spy series "The Avengers". She also became a familiar face on the stage in London's West End, earning critical acclaim for her performances.
Despite her international success, Strömstedt returned to Sweden in the 1980s and continued to act in both film and television. However, her career was tragically cut short when she passed away at the age of 46 from cancer while attending the Cannes Film Festival in 1986. Her legacy continues to live on as one of Sweden's most beloved actors.
In addition to her acting career, Strömstedt was also known for her activism. She was a prominent figure in the Swedish feminist movement and advocated for women's rights both on and off screen. Strömstedt was also an accomplished artist and writer, publishing a collection of poetry and exhibiting her paintings in galleries throughout Europe. She was widely admired for her talent, intelligence and beauty, and was often described as a free-spirited and passionate individual. With her captivating performances and unwavering dedication to her causes, Ulla Strömstedt remains an icon in Swedish culture and the entertainment industry.
Katja Bergström
Katja Bergström (March 31, 1939 Örnsköldsvik-) is a Swedish actor.
She is best known for her work in Swedish television dramas and films. Bergström began her acting career in the 1960s, appearing in several productions for the Royal Dramatic Theatre in Stockholm. She later transitioned to film and television work, and gained widespread recognition for her performances in the popular Swedish TV series "Rederiet". In addition to her acting work, Bergström has also been involved in various cultural and political endeavors throughout her career. She was appointed as a cultural advisor to the Swedish government in 2003, and has been an active supporter of various environmental and human rights causes.
Bergström has had a prolific acting career, appearing in over 40 films and television series. Some of her notable film credits include "Giliap" (1975), "The Brothers Lionheart" (1977), and "The Simple-Minded Murderer" (1982). In addition to "Rederiet", Bergström has also had recurring roles in other popular Swedish television series like "Varuhuset" and "Skilda Världar".
Outside of her acting work, Bergström has been active in politics and cultural initiatives. She was a member of the Swedish government's cultural committee from 1992-1996, and was appointed as a cultural advisor to the government in 2003. She has also been a board member of the cultural organization KLYS and has served as the chairman of the Swedish Actors' Equity Association.
In terms of activism, Bergström has been involved in various causes related to the environment and human rights. She has been an ambassador for the World Wildlife Fund and has supported organizations like Greenpeace and Amnesty International. Bergström was awarded the Swedish Order of the Polar Star in 2017 for her contributions to Swedish culture and society.
Maja Olsson
Maja Olsson (September 3, 1939 Landskrona-) otherwise known as Margareta Olsson is a Swedish actor.
She started her career in the late 1950s and went on to become one of Sweden's most celebrated actors of stage, film, and television. Olsson trained at the Swedish National Academy of Mime and Acting before making her stage debut in 1961. She is best known for her roles in the films "The Magic Flute" (1975), "Fanny and Alexander" (1982), and "The Best Intentions" (1992). In addition to acting, Olsson has also directed several plays and received numerous awards for her outstanding performances. She has been a member of the Royal Dramatic Theatre in Stockholm since 1967.
Throughout her career, Maja Olsson has received numerous awards and recognition for her contributions to Swedish cinema and theater. In 2000, she was awarded the prestigious gold medal for the Arts (Litteris et Artibus) by the Swedish King.
Aside from her work in the theater, Maja Olsson has also had great success as a television actress. She is well-known for her work in several popular television series such as "Sally and Freedom" (1979), "Skärgårdsdoktorn" (1997-2000), and "Anderssons Älskarinna" (2001).
Olsson has been very vocal about her dedication to the craft of acting, and has emphasized the importance of approaching each role as a unique, individual character with their own set of motivations and desires.
In addition to her work on stage and screen, Maja Olsson has also lent her voice to several audiobooks and radio dramas. Her talent and versatility have made her one of Sweden's most respected actors, and she continues to inspire new generations of performers.
Monica Strömmerstedt
Monica Strömmerstedt (August 10, 1939 Karlskrona-October 20, 2011) was a Swedish actor and author.
She began her acting career in the 1960s, appearing in numerous Swedish films and TV shows such as "The Emigrants" and "Scenes from a Marriage," both directed by Ingmar Bergman. Strömmerstedt also made a name for herself as a writer, publishing several novels and short story collections throughout her career. In addition to her creative pursuits, she was also a devoted advocate for animal welfare and activism. Strömmerstedt continued working until her death in 2011, leaving behind a legacy as one of Sweden's most talented actors and writers.
During her long and illustrious career, Monica Strömmerstedt appeared in over 50 films and TV shows. She was particularly renowned for her performances in Bergman's "The Emigrants" (1971), for which she won the Guldbagge Award for Best Supporting Actress, and in "Scenes from a Marriage" (1973). However, Strömmerstedt was not limited to acting, and over the years she demonstrated a remarkable range of talents. In addition to her work as an author, she was also a prolific translator, having translated several foreign works into Swedish. Strömmerstedt was a passionate advocate for animal welfare and conservation, and actively supported several organizations that worked towards this cause. In 2003, she published a book titled "Tassar och tassavtryck" ("Paws and Pawprints"), which featured stories and anecdotes about her own pets and other animals she had encountered throughout her life. Her impact on Swedish culture and society was profound, and her death was widely mourned by fans and contemporaries alike.
Maria Hörnelius
Maria Hörnelius (May 22, 1939 Sundsvall-) also known as Hörnelius, Maria is a Swedish actor and musician.
She began her acting career in the 1960s and has worked in numerous film, television, and stage productions. She is best known for her roles in the films Den allvarsamma leken (The Serious Game) and Äppelkriget (The Apple War). Aside from acting, Hörnelius is also a talented musician and has released several albums throughout her career. She is highly respected in the Swedish artistic community and has received numerous awards and accolades for her contributions to Swedish cinema and music.
Hörnelius, born Maria Kristina Elisabet Hörnelius, grew up in Sundsvall, Sweden, and initially pursued a career as a singer before transitioning to acting. In addition to her film and television work, Hörnelius has also appeared in numerous stage productions, both in Sweden and internationally. She has toured extensively as a musician, performing her own songs as well as covers of popular Swedish and international hits.
Throughout her career, Hörnelius has been recognized for her talent and contributions to Swedish culture. In 2013, she received the prestigious Guldmasken award for her performance in the stage production of "Den goda människan från Sezuan" ("The Good Person of Szechwan"). She has also been awarded the Swedish royal medal, Litteris et Artibus, for her artistic achievements.
Hörnelius remains an active figure in the Swedish cultural scene, continuing to perform and act in new productions. Despite her many accomplishments, she is known for maintaining a down-to-earth demeanor and a deep commitment to her craft.
Lena Ewert
Lena Ewert (February 1, 1939 Annedal-) is a Swedish actor and film director.
Lena Ewert began her career as an actor in the 1960s, performing in regional theaters before landing roles in Swedish film and television. She made her directorial debut with the 1977 film "Älskade Lotten," which received critical acclaim and marked her as one of Sweden's most promising young directors. Throughout her career, Ewert has directed numerous feature films and television programs. Her work often explores themes of social justice and human rights, and she is known for her ability to create complex and sympathetic characters. In addition to her filmmaking, Ewert has been an outspoken advocate for women's rights and has worked to promote gender equality both in the film industry and in Swedish society more broadly. She has been honored with numerous awards for her work, including several Guldbagge Awards, Sweden's highest distinction for film.
In 1983, Lena Ewert directed the film "Tuppen," which became one of the highest-grossing Swedish films of all time. The success of the film catapulted Ewert to international fame and helped establish her as one of the leading filmmakers of her generation. In addition to her film work, Ewert has also been heavily involved in Swedish theater, both as an actor and director. She has worked with some of the country's most prestigious theater companies, including the Royal Dramatic Theatre in Stockholm. Throughout her career, Ewert has remained committed to social justice causes and has been an outspoken advocate for the rights of immigrants and refugees in Sweden. She has also been actively involved in promoting LGBT rights and is a supporter of the Swedish LGBT rights organization RFSL. Despite her many accomplishments, Lena Ewert has remained humble and committed to her craft, and she continues to inspire young filmmakers and actors in Sweden and beyond.
Moniqa Sunnerberg
Moniqa Sunnerberg (May 3, 1939 Linköping-) is a Swedish actor.
Sunnerberg began her acting career in the late 1950s and has since appeared in numerous stage productions, films, and TV series. She is particularly known for her work in Swedish cinema, having starred in critically acclaimed films like "The Emigrants" (1971), "The New Land" (1972), and "Face to Face" (1976).
In addition to her acting work, Sunnerberg has also worked as a director and writer for both stage and screen. She has received several awards for her contributions to Swedish theatre and cinema, including the Royal Swedish Academy of Fine Arts' prestigious Eugene O'Neill Award in 2004.
Throughout her career, Sunnerberg has remained dedicated to promoting the arts and supporting young actors, serving as a mentor and teacher at several drama schools in Sweden.
She was born as Moniqa Margareta Sunnerberg in Linköping, Sweden, and grew up in a family that was passionate about the arts. Her father was a pianist and her mother was an actress. Sunnerberg was drawn to the world of acting and theatre from a young age and went on to study at the prestigious Dramatens elevskola, the drama school associated with the Royal Dramatic Theatre in Stockholm.
After completing her training, Sunnerberg made her stage debut in a production of Henrik Ibsen's "A Doll's House" at the Royal Dramatic Theatre in 1959. She quickly gained a reputation as a versatile and talented performer and went on to work in theatre productions across Sweden, including productions of works by August Strindberg, William Shakespeare, and Tennessee Williams.
In the 1960s, Sunnerberg began to make a name for herself in Swedish cinema. She appeared in a number of popular films, including "The Virgin Spring" (1960) and "The Silence" (1963) directed by Ingmar Bergman. But it was her performance in the epic film "The Emigrants" directed by Jan Troell that brought her international acclaim. The film, which was nominated for five Oscars, including Best Picture, starred Sunnerberg and her frequent co-star Max von Sydow as a Swedish couple who emigrate to the United States in the 19th century.
Despite her success in film, Sunnerberg continued to work in theatre throughout her career, and also directed and wrote several productions. She was a respected teacher and mentor to young actors, serving as a professor at the Stockholm Academy of Dramatic Arts and the Gothenburg University School of Drama. Sunnerberg was married to the actor and director Ernst-Hugo Järegård from 1980 until his death in 1998.
Karin Ekström
Karin Ekström (July 5, 1939 Hammarby, Stockholm-) is a Swedish actor.
She is best known for her work in Swedish cinema and television, with a career spanning over five decades. Ekström started her career in the late 1950s and has since then appeared in more than 40 films and TV series. Some of her notable films include "The Man Who Quit Smoking" (1972), "A Handful of Love" (1974), and "The Simple-Minded Murderer" (1982).
In addition to her acting career, Ekström has also been an active advocate for animal rights and environmental issues. She has been involved with organizations such as the Animal Welfare Alliance and the Swedish Association for the Protection of Birds. Her activism has earned her several awards and recognitions, including the Swedish Animal Welfare Association’s Honorary Prize in 2015.
Ekström got her start in acting at the age of 16 when she joined a theater group in her hometown of Stockholm. She continued to perform with various theater groups before making her film debut in 1959 in the movie "The Dock of the Rascals." Throughout her career, Ekström has received critical acclaim and has won several awards for her performances. She won the Guldbagge Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the film "Fanny and Alexander" (1982), directed by Ingmar Bergman. Ekström has also worked extensively on television, with roles in popular Swedish series such as "Wallander" and "Beck". Despite her success, Ekström has remained humble about her achievements and has emphasized the importance of focusing on the work rather than the fame. She has been described as a respected figure in Swedish acting circles and as a passionate advocate for causes close to her heart.
(June 19, 1939 Bromma-August 14, 1986 Österåker Municipality) also known as Inger Elisabet Axö was a Swedish actor.
She began her career in the 1960s and quickly became a household name in Sweden. She appeared in numerous films, TV series, and stage productions throughout her career, earning critical acclaim for her nuanced and versatile performances.
In addition to her work as an actor, Axö was also a talented singer and dancer. She was known for her grace and poise on stage, and her performances often incorporated elements of these other art forms.
Despite her success, Axö struggled with personal demons throughout her life. She battled addiction and mental health issues, and ultimately died of a drug overdose in 1986 at the age of 47.
Despite her untimely death, Axö's legacy as one of Sweden's most talented and beloved performers endures to this day. She is remembered for her singular talent and her contributions to Swedish culture and the arts.
Axö was born in Bromma, a suburb of Stockholm, Sweden in 1939. From a young age, she showed an interest in the arts and began taking dance and singing lessons. She attended the Royal Dramatic Theatre's acting school in Stockholm, where she honed her skills and developed her talent.
In 1963, Axö landed her first film role in the Swedish movie "Det är hos mig han har varit" (He's Been at My Place). Her natural talent and onscreen presence quickly caught the attention of audiences and critics alike, and she went on to star in numerous Swedish films throughout the 1960s and 1970s. Some of her most notable roles include "Vindingevals" (1967), "Utvandrarna" (1971), and "Släpp fångarne loss, det är vår!" (1975).
Axö also made a name for herself on the stage, performing in productions of Shakespeare's plays and other dramas. She was widely regarded as one of Sweden's most talented stage actors, and her performances were always in high demand.
Despite her success, Axö's personal life was tumultuous. She struggled with addiction and mental health issues, and these challenges took a toll on her career and personal relationships. She was married twice and had two children.
Tragically, Axö passed away in 1986 at the age of 47 from a drug overdose. Her death was a shock to the Swedish arts community, and she was mourned by fans and colleagues alike. Today, she is remembered as a talented and versatile performer who made a significant contribution to Swedish culture and the arts.