Viggo Mortensen Biography

Birthday: October 20, 1958

Birthplace: New York

Personal Facts (Courtesy of Touchstone Pictures and "Hidalgo"): Since his screen debut as a young Amish Farmer in Peter Weir’s “Witness,” Viggo Mortensen’s ('Frank T. Hopkins' in "Hidalgo") 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,” Sean Penn’s “Indian Runner,” Brian DePalma’s “Carlito’s Way,” Ridley Scott’s “G.I. Jane,” Tony Scott’s “Crimson Tide,” Andrew Davis’s “A Perfect Murder,” Ray Loriga’s “La Pistola de mi Hermano” and Tony Goldwyn’s “A Walk on the Moon.” Most recently, he received critical praise for his role as Aragorn in the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy.

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.

Mortensen 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. He is also an accomplished poet, photographer and painter, and is currently working on his fourth book of poetry. Gallery showings of his photography and paintings have been featured in New York, Los Angeles, Cuba, Denmark, and New Zealand.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
"Hidalgo" Photo Gallery
Interview with Viggo Mortensen
Viggo Mortensen Movie News, Photo Galleries and Websites