It can hardly have escaped anyone’s attention that Swedish actress Alicia Wikander is currently the sweetheart of Hollywood. Receiving an Oscar, marrying film star Michael Fassbender, coupled with fantastic acting ability, grace and poise, has positioned her firmly as the actress of her generation.
As I read about Alicia, I became curious about other Swedish actresses who have conquered Hollywood. To my surprise, she is the latest in a list of Swedish actresses stretching back 100 years. I found that there was at least one Swedish actress who broke through per decade (with questionable exception of the 90’s) and who made the Transatlantic step from Nordic success to international recognition and fame.
Here’s the list,
- 2010s – Alicia Wikander
- 2000s – Noomi Rapace
- 1990s – Urma Thurman (pushing it I know – she has roots in Trelleborg)
- 1980’s – Lena Olin
- 1970’s – Maud Adams
- 1960’s – Ann Margret
- 1950s – Anita Ekberg
- 1940’s – Ingrid Bergman
- 1930’s/20’s – Greta Garbo (dominated the 20’s and 30’s)
- 1920’s – Sigrid Holmquist
- 1910’s – Anna Q Nilsson
Other internationally-famous Swedish actresses, past and present
- Rebecca Ferguson (2010’s)
- Sofia Helin (2010’s)
- Malin Åkerman (2000’s)
- Britt Ekland (1960’s)
- Viveca Lindfors (1950’s)
- Zarah Leander (1940’s – Europe, refused to relocate to USA)
Maybe you have a favourite that I have missed out? If so, who?
Watching the Swedes 
Viveca Lindfors