Nikolaj Coster-Waldau

Nikolaj Coster Waldau is the leading actor for New Amsterdam, in the role of John Amsterdam. He received his education at Statens Teaterskole in Copenhagen in 1993, and his breakthrough in Danish film came with the 1994 hit Nattevagten (Nightwatch). He is currently cast as Frank Pike in the Fox sci-fi series backdoor pilot Virtuality.
== Biography ==
=== Family background ===
Coster-Waldau lives in Denmark with his wife, Greendlandic actress and former Miss Greenland, Nukâka Motzfeldt and two young daughters named Saffina and Philippa.
=== Career ===
Coster-Waldau was educated at the National Theater School in Denmark between 1989-1993. He had his debut as Laertes in Hamlet at the Betty Nansen Theater. His role in movie Nightwatch (1994) made him famous in Denmark. After leaving his handprint on the European film and television industry, he made his transition to American cinema.
In 2001, He began his U.S. career with a starring role in Ridley Scott’s critically acclaimed, multi-Academy-Award-winning "Black Hawk Down" as Medal of Honor recipient Gary Gordon. Next, he landed a lead role in Michael Apted’s "Enigma" co-starring Kate Winslet, Dougray Scott and Saffron Burrows.
Coster-Waldau’s charm and range as an actor have garnered him multiple roles with many of his previous directors. Scott brought Coster-Waldau back for his 2005 epic film "Kingdom of Heaven" starring Orlando Bloom, Liam Neeson and Eva Green. Additionally, Richard Loncraine, who first cast Coster-Waldau in his 2004 film "Wimbledon" alongside Paul Bettany and Kirsten Dunst, brought him back for "Firewall", a thriller starring Harrison Ford and Bettany.
Aside from acting, he has also written, produced and directed films in his native Denmark. He is the Executive Vice President of Hemmingsen Entertainment Corporation and affiliate Hemmingsen Creek Productions.
== Filmography ==
He has appeared in ten Danish movies:
* Nattevagten (1994)
* Nattens engel (1998)
* Vildspor (1998)
* Antenneforeningen (1999)
* Misery Habour (1999)
* På fremmed mark (2000)
* Manden bag døren (2003)
* Rembrandt (2003)
* Den gode strømer (2004)
* Supervoksen (2006)
* Himmerland (2008)
He has also played supporting parts in these non-Danish productions:
* Black Hawk Down (2001)
* Enigma (2001)
* My Name Is Modesty: A Modesty Blaise Adventure (2003)
* Wimbledon (2004)
* Kingdom of Heaven (2005)
* Firewall (2006)
* Underbar och älskad av alla (Wonderful and loved by everyone) Swedish film (2006)
* De unge år: Erik Nietzsche sagaen del 1 (The Early Years: Erik Nietzsche Part 1) Swedish (2007)
* Kautokeino-opprøret (2008)
* New Amsterdam (2008)
== References ==
== External links ==
* Seat42f Interview With Nikolaj Coster-Waldau
* 
== Interviews ==
Video interview on YouTube From Hollywood 411:
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