Krister Henriksson (born 12 November 1946) is a highly acclaimed Swedish actor. He is widely recognized for his extensive work across film, television, and theatre, both within Sweden and internationally.
Early Life and Education Born in Häverö, Stockholm County, Sweden, Henriksson pursued his acting training at the Swedish National Academy of Mime and Acting (Teaterhögskolan) in Malmö, where he studied from 1968 to 1971. Upon graduation, he quickly established himself as a formidable presence in the Swedish theatre scene.
Theatre Career Throughout his career, Henriksson has maintained a profound connection to the stage. He is a prominent and long-standing member of the Royal Dramatic Theatre (Dramaten) in Stockholm, where he has graced numerous critically acclaimed productions. His theatrical repertoire spans a wide range, encompassing classical plays by playwrights such as William Shakespeare, Molière, and Anton Chekhov, as well as significant contemporary works. He is particularly renowned for his intense, nuanced, and psychologically complex character portrayals.
Film and Television Henriksson's prolific career in film and television spans several decades, featuring a diverse array of Swedish productions.
- Wallander Series: He achieved significant international recognition for his compelling portrayal of Inspector Kurt Wallander in the Swedish television series Wallander (2005-2013). Based on Henning Mankell's popular crime novels, Henriksson took over the role from Rolf Lassgård and starred in 32 episodes, earning widespread critical acclaim for his nuanced interpretation of the melancholic and troubled detective.
- Other Notable Roles: His filmography includes acclaimed performances in films such as Veranda för en tenor (A Tenor's Story) (1998), for which he won a Guldbagge Award, and Familjehemligheter (Family Secrets) (2001). He has also appeared in various other television series, including Modus (2015-2017).
Awards and Recognition Henriksson has received numerous prestigious awards and accolades for his contributions to Swedish performing arts:
- Guldbagge Award: He has been honored with the Guldbagge Award for Best Actor (Sweden's premier film award) on two occasions: in 1999 for his role in Veranda för en tenor and in 2002 for Familjehemligheter.
- O'Neill Award: In 2004, he was awarded the O'Neill Award, one of Sweden's most esteemed theatre accolades, recognizing outstanding artistic achievement in theatre.
- Johan Ulfstjerna Scholarship: Awarded by the Swedish Academy, acknowledging his significant contributions to the theatrical landscape.
Personal Life Krister Henriksson is married to actress Cecilia Nilsson.