AllMovie

Multilingual Scandinavian actor Jesper Christensen juggled cinematic, television and theatrical roles with great aplomb, but spent several decades in mostly local fare and only began to receive international crossover attention after he reached middle age. Born in 1948, Christensen signed for some of his first professional roles on northern European television during the mid-'70s in such long-form features as Luder (1975), Ellen's Sang (1975), and Stroemer (1976). He subsequently moved into big screen Scandinavian features, hitting his peak with Kjell Grede's ingenious but criminally overlooked life in the arts drama Hip Hip Hurrah! (1987) and Grede's well-received follow-up, Good Evening, Mr. Wallenberg (1990). Several key roles brought Christensen audience exposure in the U.S., catalyzed by his star-making turn in the Dogme comedy Italian for Beginners; these included contributions to the 21st and 22nd James Bond vehicles, Casino Royale (2006) and Quantum of Solace (2008).