Key Takeaways
- Mikkelsen’s danish-white background reflects his cultural roots.
- His older brother, Lars, is also an actor.
- He married his wife, Hanne Jacobsen, in 2000.
The acclaimed actor Mads Mikkelsen is of danish-white ethnicity and has often represented his Danish heritage and Caucasian roots in cinema.
Born on November 22, 1965, in Copenhagen, Denmark, Mikkelsen grew up in a family deeply immersed in Danish culture.
His father, Henning Dittmann Mikkelsen, worked as a cab driver, while his mother, Bente Christiansen, was a nurse.
In his 2023 film “The Promised Land,” Mads Mikkelsen responded to concerns about the lack of diversity by highlighting the film’s 1750s Danish setting, where diversity was historically limited.
Director Nikolaj Arcel acknowledged a subplot about racism but emphasized that diversity wasn’t a primary focus due to the story’s historical accuracy.
Although few believed Mikkelsen’s approach to this issue underscored his connection to his Danish roots and the cultural narratives that define his work, that wasn’t true.
He has often advocated bringing light to Danish history through the work of arts.
Similarly, his older brother Lars, a well-known actor who showcases their family’s significant role in Danish arts, further extends the Danish representation.
About a year and a half older than his brother, Lars Mikkelsen has gained widespread recognition for his portrayal of Grand Admiral Thrawn in various “Star Wars” media.
Throughout his career, Mikkelsen has remained closely tied to his Danish heritage, often choosing roles that resonate with his cultural background.
Mads Mikkelsen’s Family: From Marriage To Children
In 2000, Mads Mikkelsen married choreographer Hanne Jacobsen, with whom he had been in a relationship since 1987.
Together, they have two children: their son Carl, born in 1997, and their daughter Viola, born in 1992.
Mikkelsen celebrated his family and credited their influence when he dedicated his 2023 Bambi Award for “Actor International” to his granddaughter, Maria, noting that the award shared a name with his daughter’s favorite film.
A family man indeed!
In Case You Didn’t Know
- As a child, Mads aspired to an athletic career and trained in gymnastics.
- He holds a black belt in karate, which he integrates into his action sequences.
- In 2015, he appeared in the music video for Rihanna’s popular track, “Bi*ch Better Have My Money.”
