Birth name
Viggo Peter Mortensen
Nickname
Vig
Height
5' 11" (1.80 m)Mini biography
Since his screen debut as a young Amish Farmer in Peter Weir's Witness (1985), Viggo Mortensen's career has been marked by a steady string of well-rounded performances. Critics have continually recognized his work in over thirty movies, including such diverse projects as Jane Campion's Portrait of a Lady, The (1996), Sean Penn's Indian Runner, The (1991), Brian De Palma's Carlito's Way (1993), Ridley Scott's G.I. Jane (1997), Tony Scott's Crimson Tide (1995), Andrew Davis's Perfect Murder, A (1998), Ray Loriga's Pistola de mi hermano, La (1997), and Tony Goldwyn's Walk on the Moon, A (1999). Born in New York to a Danish father and an American mother, Mortensen spent the early part of his childhood in Manhattan. His family traveled a great deal and he spent several years living in Venezuela, Argentina and Denmark. He began acting in New York, studying with Warren Robertson. He appeared in several plays and movies, and eventually moved to Los Angeles, where his performance in "Bent" at the Coast Playhouse earned him a Drama-logue Critic's Award. Mortensen is also an accomplished poet, photographer and painter. He is the ex-husband of Exene Cervenka, the singer of the punk band X. Had a book of poetry printed before he was known. The title: "Ten Last Night." Speaks fluent English, Spanish and Danish. Father of Henry Mortensen. He actually painted the large murals in his artist's studio in the film Perfect Murder, A (1998). Lived in South America from age 2 to age 11. Is a photographer. Has been photographing for years, recently debuted with an exhibition at the Robert Mann Gallery in NYC. - American Photo, July/August 2000 Writes poetry in his spare time. Is also a jazz musician - he has released three CDs so far. Worked as a truck driver while living in Denmark Broke a tooth while filming a fight sequence for "The Two Towers". Replaced Stuart Townsend in the role of Aragorn/Strider in The Lord of the Rings, after filming began. Got so into his character of Aragorn that 'The Lord Of The Rings' director Peter Jackson once addressed him as Aragorn for over half an hour, and Viggo didn't even realise it. Was named one of the 50 Most Beautiful People by People Magazine in 2002 He has two younger brothers Graduated from St. Lawrence University in Canton, New York in 1980 with a degree in Government and Spanish. An accomplished horseman in his spare time, Mortensen requested that his Lord of the Rings character Aragorn be given more saddle-time than was originally scripted. He also kept his on-screen horse nearby during the entire principal photography schedule in order to ride in his off-hours and strengthen his relationship with the horse. As Viggo lived in Argentina as a child, he is a fan of Argentine soccer team San Lorenzo. Broke a toe during the filming of The Two Towers, in the scene where he kicks an orc helmet. Owner of publishing company Perceval Press. He is a New York Mets fan. Visits Denmark at least 3 times a year. In 2003 he had a booksigning, an art exhibition opening and The Lord of The Rings premiere. Worked as a trucker during his time in Denmark. Danish-AmericanPersonal quotes
On the role of an actor in film: "It comes down to the fact that you supply the blue, and they supply the other colors and mix them with your blue, and maybe there's some blue left in the painting and maybe there isn't. Maybe there wasn't supposed to be any there in the first place. So have some fun and make a good blue and walk away." "I don't plan [my career]; I wait and hope the right thing will find me."
