Ólafur Darri Ólafsson

Ólafur Darri Ólafsson (born 3 March 1973) is an Icelandic and American actor, screenwriter, and producer, known for his roles in films such as ''Children'', '' The Deep'', '' The Secret Life of Walter Mitty'', and '' Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga'', in addition to television series such as ''Fangavaktin'', '' Trapped'', '' NOS4A2'', '' Lady Dynamite'', and '' Severance''. He has also provided the Icelandic voice of characters in animated films such as ''Ice Age'', '' Lilo & Stitch'', ''Brother Bear'', and '' Kung Fu Panda''.

Early life and education

Ólafur Darri Ólafsson was born in the US state of Connecticut on 3 March 1973, the son of Icelandic parents. His mother is a nurse, and his father was studying medicine in Connecticut at the time of his birth, thus granting Ólafur both Icelandic and American citizenship. He returned to Iceland with his parents when he was around four years old.

Ólafur grew up in Reykjavík, where he was educated at Reykjavík Junior College. He has admitted that he did not initially enjoy the change from the US to Iceland. When he was first sent to play outside, he instead stood still and cried until he was taken home. He also struggled to develop a sense of independence as a child, with his mother taking a job as the school nurse at his school so that he would agree to attend.

He graduated from the Icelandic Drama School in 1998.

Career

Ólafur became involved in numerous productions with the National Theatre of Iceland and Reykjavík City Theatre, in addition to various independent theatre groups. He co-founded the Vesturport theatre company in Reykjavík.

Ólafur is perhaps best known internationally for his role as Andri, Seyðisfjörður's chief of police, in the series '' Trapped''. Series creator Baltasar Kormákur has said that Ólafur was chosen because he was not a typical leading man. Ólafur said that he based the character on his own father. ''The Guardian'' called his performance "as remarkable as the landscape".

In 2016, Ólafur appeared in the music video for "Winter Sound" by Of Monsters and Men.

In 2019, Ólafur was cast as Bing Partridge in the AMC series '' NOS4A2''.

Ólafur has also provided the Icelandic voice of various characters in animated films such as ''Ice Age'', '' Lilo & Stitch'', ''Brother Bear'', and '' Kung Fu Panda''.

Personal life

Ólafur is in a relationship with Icelandic dancer Lovísa Ósk Gunnarsdóttir, with whom he has two daughters (born in 2010 and 2014).

Noted for his private nature, Ólafur has said that he struggles with public attention and prefers to watch films and cook for friends at home.

Selected filmography

Film

Television

Video games

Awards and nominations

References

External links

*
*

{{Authority control

Living people
1973 births
Male actors from Connecticut
American people of Icelandic descent
Icelandic male film actors
Icelandic male television actors
21st-century Icelandic male actors
20th-century Icelandic male actors
American male film actors
American male television actors
American male voice actors
20th-century American male actors
21st-century American male actors