Alexander Skarsgård comes from a bloodline of actors from Sweden, but it was only after making the move to Hollywood with Zoolander in 2001, that he became a recognizable face. His popularity further skyrocketed with his stint in the television series True Blood, in which he portrayed the role of a vampire Eric Northman.
The Swede in Skarsgård is still extremely prominent especially when it comes to humility. In an interview, the Big Little Lies star spoke about winning accolades for his performances, an intriguing rule about bragging rights in Sweden, and how the Royal Family came into the scheme of things.
Alexander Skarsgård On The Swedish Royal Family’s Dilemma
Swedish actor Alexander Skarsgård is one of Hollywood’s most desirable stars today. Apart from his good looks and charisma, the True Blood actor has also earned a lot of praise for his strong performances on screen. His portrayal of a sadistic husband in Big Little Lies won him an Emmy and a Golden Globe that year.
Interestingly, Skarsgård revealed that he was rather hesitant to accept praise or brag about his performances, owing to a rule Sweden called the Law of Jante, which discouraged people from expressing pride or pleasure in their own achievements or material possessions. This rule though, was potentially pretty complicated for the Royal Family and their stature. Skarsgård revealed their dilemma to The Late Show With Stephen Colbert.
”Think it’s slightly schizophrenic for them as they are the Royal Family but they are also Swedes. So They’re like, ‘I’m the King, sorry’”
The Zoolander star jokingly added that since he was from Sweden, he did not believe in the ostentatious show of achievement and asked his host Stephen Colbert to tone down his praise accordingly.
Where Are Alexander Skarsgård’s Trophies And Awards?
Since it was revealed that Swedish law did not encourage people to publicize their achievements, Alexander Skarsgård has gone on record to state that this rule compounded his uneasiness every time he received an award. The charismatic actor has received many accolades and trophies for his performances but confessed that, due to his adherence to the Law of Jante, he could not bring himself to display them.
In an appearance at The Late Night with Stephen Colbert, the actor spoke of his dilemma in trying to figure out what he should do with his awards or where to store them. He ultimately went with the only possibility he could think of.
“I didn’t know what to do with the trophies. Like, how do I, as a Swede – I’m obviously very proud of them but I’m a swede so I can’t like, just put them up on the mantlepiece or display them. So, I kept them at a friend’s place.”
Subsequently, the trophies found their way back to Skarsgård, who then stashed them away in a suitcase. The Legend of Tarzan actor ridiculed himself for this action and his inability to rise above these protocols.
