Jesper Christensen Movies
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). ~ Nathan Southern, All Movie Guide