Stellan Skarsgård became a star in his teens through the title role in the TV-seies _"Bombi Bitt och jag" (1968) (mini)_ . Between the years 1972-88 he was employed at The Royal Dramatic Theatre in Stockholm, where he participated in "Vita rum" (1988), August Strindberg's "Ett drömspel" (1986) and "Mäster Olof" (1988). Simultaneously Skarsgård did outstanding film roles, noatably in Enfaldige mördaren, Den (1982) by Hans Alfredson and with Fred Ward in Noon Wine (1985) (TV). The fantastic performance gave him both a well-earned Guldbagge and Silver Berlin Bear. He portrayed the Skagen-painter Sören Kröyer in Hip hip hurra! (1987) and the Swedish ambassador Raoul Wallenberg in _God afton, Herr Wallenberg (1990)_ , both directed by Kjell Grede. Täcknamn Coq Rouge (1989) and Demokratiske terroristen, Den (1992) he played Jan Guillou's Swedish superagent Carl Hamilton. He also had the leading part in the Oscar nominated Oxen (1991) directed by the world-famous cinematographer Sven Nykvist. Skarsgård did his first (but small) role in an big American film with The Unbearable Lightness of Being (1988). The role of Captain Tupolev in The Hunt for Red October (1990) was at supposed to be biggest part in a Hollywood-film, but unfortunately it was cut down. His breakthrough instead came with Lars von Trier's Breaking the Waves (1996) opposite newcomer Emily Watson. After that Skarsgård got several supporting roles in American films, such as in My Son the Fanatic (1997), Gus Van Sant's Good Will Hunting (1997) and Steven Spielberg's Amistad (1997).

Swedish actor

His wife is a doctor.

Been friends with Peter Stormare since 1976.

He has six children with his wife My Skarsgård: Alexander Skarsgård (born 1976), Gustaf Skarsgård (born 1980), Sam Skarsgård (born 1982), Bill Skarsgård (born 1990), Eija Skarsgård (born 1992) and Valter Skarsgård (born 1995).

Signed the appeal Swedish Film Workers for Peace and Freedom in an Independent Palestine. [2001]

Claims people frequently mistake him for Liam Neeson.

Was considered for the part of Oskar Schindler in Schindler's List (1993).

Released the single "Bombi Bitt/Ler Mot Dej" in 1968, of which he is very ashamed today.

Jennifer Connelly and Paul Bettany's son Stellan was named after Skarsgard, who is a friend of Bettany's.

Invited to join AMPAS in 2005.