Peter Stormare
The legendary Peter Stormare !
Peter Stormare, the renowned Swedish actor, has made a lasting mark in the film industry with a career spanning decades.
He first gained recognition as a stoic psychopath in the Coen Brothers’ “Fargo” in 1996, a role that catapulted him into Hollywood. With his striking blond hair and devilish yet alluring eyes, Stormare made a name for himself as a versatile villain in numerous films, including “The Big Lebowski,” “The Lost World: Jurassic Park,” “John Wick,” “Constantine,” “Minority Report,” “Chocolat,” “Bad Boys 2,” “Armageddon,” and “22 Jump Street.” He has also graced the small screen with appearances in TV series such as the comedy show “Swedish Dicks,” “Prison Break,” “The Blacklist,” and the Starz original series “American Gods.”
Born in Kumla, Sweden as Rolf Peter Ingvar Storm, he grew up knowing that beyond the window of his home of Sweden, Hollywood awaited him. That is because since Peter Stormare was 5 years old, he always thought everything was possible.
Before his Hollywood stardom, Stormare was already celebrated in his native Sweden as an actor, director, producer, and playwright. He began his career in the theatre and, during the 1980s, emerged as a young leading star at the Royal Dramatic Theatre under the mentorship of the iconic Swedish filmmaker and theatre director, Ingmar Bergman.
The collaboration between Peter Stormare and Ingmar Bergman began when Peter trained as an actor at the Royal Dramatic Theatre. Bergman soon became his mentor, a father figure, and their bond endured throughout their lives.
Bergman once described Stormare as “something different, odd, and frenzied,” reflecting the deep connection they shared.
Undoubtedly, the creative and strong-willed Ingmar Bergman held a special place in Peter’s heart. Peter fondly recalls Bergman’s words, “Jesus Christ, I always knew you were a hell of an actor, but you beat me as a director.” Their enduring friendship spanned many years until Bergman’s passing.
While Stormare is often associated with his villainous roles, he has consistently strived to bring depth and authenticity to his characters, avoiding stereotypical portrayals.
In addition to his Hollywood career, Peter Stormare served as the Artistic Director of the Tokyo Globe Theatre, where he directed productions like “Hamlet,” “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” and “Miss Julie.” He also directed “Miss Julie” in New York City and participated in productions at the Actors Studio and The Public Theatre in New York, including “Rasputin” and “The Swan” alongside Frances McDormand. His diverse contributions to the world of theater, both in Sweden and internationally, have further enriched his legacy as a multifaceted artist.