Alexander Skarsgård “Instinctively Pushed Against” Becoming an Actor

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Alexander Skarsgård‘s path to becoming an actor wasn’t straightforward. He was initially hesitant to follow in his father, Stellan Skarsgård’s, footsteps. Stellan has had a successful acting career since the 1970s, appearing in many well-known films and series, including Deep Blue Sea, Breaking the Waves, Good Will Hunting, Andor, Pirates of the Caribbean, Dune, and The Avengers.

Alexander Skarsgård, father to actors Bill, Valter, and Gustaf Skarsgård, recently discussed why he chose a career in acting during an appearance on Variety’s Awards Circuit podcast.

I never dreamed of being an actor growing up. In fact, I actively tried to avoid it, and in some ways, I still do. I think because people expected me to follow in my father’s footsteps, I naturally rebelled. I ended up doing a little acting as a child almost by chance. A friend of my dad’s, a Swedish director, needed a boy my age, and I just happened to fit the bill. I worked on a few projects in Sweden between seven and thirteen, but it never felt like a potential career path – it was more of a fun experience. Honestly, the best part was the craft services table, especially when they had Cinnabons!

I stopped acting at age 13 after appearing in a TV movie filmed in Sweden. Back then, there were only two channels, so a lot of people watched everything on TV. I started getting recognized in public, which was really overwhelming for a thirteen-year-old kid who was already feeling awkward. The attention just wasn’t good for me, and I really disliked it. I quit acting for eight years, hoping to find something else I enjoyed. I wasn’t very successful at that, and now I’m back to doing this.

Alexander Skarsgård Says It’s “Such a Joy Hanging Out” with His Father


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Later in the interview, Skarsgård discussed his father’s recent success with the film Sentimental Value. Both Sentimental Value and Skarsgård’s own film, Pillion, are gaining attention as awards season approaches.

He jokingly mentioned they’d once talked about trying to damage the person’s reputation, but quickly added that it was all in fun. He explained they’ve actually known each other for a while, attending festivals and socializing together. He’s really happy to see this person thriving and enjoying success right now.

I’m just so thrilled for him and how well the film is being received. Watching him travel and accept all the wonderful praise has been deeply touching, honestly. It’s been a truly beautiful experience to witness his joy and success.

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In a 2023 interview with The Wrap, Skarsgård revealed he still expresses gratitude to his father for every role he lands. Despite having worked for over twenty years and appearing in projects like Infinity Pool, Succession, War on Everyone, Murderbot, and Big Little Lies, he continues to appreciate his father’s support.

I constantly battle self-doubt and worry that I’m unqualified for any job. It feels especially frustrating because people often assume I only get opportunities due to my father’s profession as an actor, which makes things seem too easy.

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2026-01-11 17:03