Two time Emmy nominated actor Nikolaj Coster-Waldau was born in Rudkøbing, Denmark on 27 July 1973. He spent the majority of his childhood in Tybjerg with his two sisters while being raised by his mother after his parents’ divorce. His passion for the arts led him to the Danish National School of Theater and Contemporary dance where he attended from 1989 to 1993.
Nikolaj Coster-Waldau’s breakout role came soon after he graduated when he starred in Nattevagten in 1994. The film is a thriller that focuses on the life of a law student who takes a job at a morgue where dark secrets lie. Coster-Waldau stars as the main character Martin alongside Kim Bodnia, Sofie Gråbol, and Lotte Andersen. This role led to his fame in Denmark and soon jump started his American career as well.
In 2001, Coster-Waldau debuted in the United States in Black Hawk Down. This launched his American career and led to one of his most known roles in HBO’s television series Game of Thrones where he played Jaime Lannister for all eight seasons. Coster-Waldau continues to act in both American and Danish films, but has also entered the producing and screenwriting industry as well. He currently is an ambassador for L’oreal in the brand’s “Because I’m Worth It” campaign and is an active UNDP Goodwill Ambassador focused on raising awareness for the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals project.
Coster-Waldau has announced that he will be joining Jennifer Garner in the new Apple TV limited series The Last Thing He Told Me based on Laura Dave’s novel. The Last Thing He Told Me is a #1 New York Times bestseller, so hopefully Coster-Waldau and his co-star will live up to the book’s expectations and grant him yet another Emmy nomination.
Most Famous Filmography
Nattevagten (Nightwatch) 1994
Black Hawk Down 2001
Wimbledon 2004
Headhunters 2011
Mama 2013
Oblivion 2013
Gods of Egypt 2016
Shot Caller 2017
Game of Thrones 2011-2019
Against the Ice 2022
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