Stellan Skarsgård is a Swedish actor who began performing as a teenager in Gothenburg, where he was born on June 13, 1951. He rose to national prominence in Sweden before building a career in international film and television. Over the decades he has appeared in blockbuster franchises, prestige dramas, and independent productions, earning awards attention including a Golden Globe. He is also the father of eight children, several of whom have become actors themselves.
His family story is as notable as his acting résumé. With his first wife, My Skarsgård, he had six children; with his current wife, Megan Everett-Skarsgård, he has two more. The Skarsgård name has become synonymous with a modern acting dynasty, though not all of his children work in entertainment.
Who Are Stellan Skarsgård’s Children?
Overview of the Skarsgård children
- Total eight children – six from his first marriage, two from his second.
- Four are established actors – Alexander, Gustaf, Bill, and Valter all work in film and television.
- One works in medicine – Sam Skarsgård is reported to be a doctor.
- Eija is the only daughter – she has been involved in modeling and casting.
Key facts about the family
- Alexander Skarsgård (b. 1976) is the eldest and known for True Blood, Big Little Lies, and Succession.
- Gustaf Skarsgård (b. 1980) is recognized for his role in Vikings.
- Bill Skarsgård (b. 1990) became famous worldwide as Pennywise in It and It Chapter 2.
- Valter Skarsgård (b. 1995) has appeared in Swedish productions such as Lords of Chaos.
- Sam Skarsgård (b. 1982) reportedly works as a heart specialist, according to several biographies.
- Eija Skarsgård (b. 1992) is the only daughter and has worked in modeling or casting.
- Ossian and Kolbjörn Skarsgård are the two youngest sons from Stellan’s second marriage.
Children at a glance
| Name | Year of birth | Known profession |
|---|---|---|
| Alexander Skarsgård | 1976 | Actor (True Blood, Big Little Lies) |
| Gustaf Skarsgård | 1980 | Actor (Vikings) |
| Sam Skarsgård | 1982 | Doctor (heart specialist) |
| Bill Skarsgård | 1990 | Actor (It, It Chapter 2) |
| Eija Skarsgård | 1992 | Modeling / casting |
| Valter Skarsgård | 1995 | Actor (Lords of Chaos) |
| Ossian Skarsgård | 2000s | Private |
| Kolbjörn Skarsgård | 2000s | Private |
Sources consistently note that six of the eight children have followed their father into the entertainment industry, though the careers of Sam, Eija, Ossian, and Kolbjörn are less fully documented. For more on the broader family, see this comprehensive guide from People.
Who Is Stellan Skarsgård’s Wife?
First marriage: My Skarsgård
Stellan Skarsgård was married to My Skarsgård for many years. The couple had six children together: Alexander, Gustaf, Sam, Bill, Eija, and Valter. Their marriage eventually ended, but the family remains close, and several of the children credit their parents for supporting their artistic ambitions.
Although My Skarsgård is frequently mentioned in sources as the mother of Stellan’s older children, little is publicly known about her personal life outside of that role.
Current marriage: Megan Everett-Skarsgård
Stellan’s current wife is Megan Everett-Skarsgård. The couple has two sons, Ossian and Kolbjörn. According to sources, the family divides its time between Sweden and the United States. Details about Megan’s background are limited in the available biographies.
Information about Stellan’s marriages comes mainly from people.com and Wikipedia. See the Town & Country family feature for more context.
What Are the Best Stellan Skarsgård Movies and TV Shows?
His role in Dune (2021) and Dune: Part Two (2024)
Stellan Skarsgård played Baron Vladimir Harkonnen in Denis Villeneuve’s Dune adaptations. His portrayal of the grotesque, calculating villain was widely praised. The character required extensive prosthetic makeup and a digitally altered voice.
His acclaimed performance in Chernobyl
In HBO’s Chernobyl (2019), Skarsgård played Boris Shcherbina, the Soviet official tasked with managing the nuclear disaster response. The miniseries earned him a Golden Globe, according to several sources, though one result also mentions a Golden Globe victory later in 2026 – a claim that is not corroborated elsewhere. He also received Emmy, BAFTA, Critics’ Choice, and SAG nominations for the role.
The 2026 Golden Globe win for Best Supporting Actor reported by one source could not be confirmed by other records and should be treated with caution.
Other major roles
Beyond Dune and Chernobyl, his filmography includes The Hunt for Red October, Good Will Hunting, Mamma Mia!, the Thor films, the Pirates of the Caribbean series, Andor, and more. He has worked consistently since the 1970s, transitioning easily between Swedish-language productions and Hollywood blockbusters.
A detailed list of his credits is maintained on his IMDb page.
How Tall Is Stellan Skarsgård?
Height and age
Stellan Skarsgård’s height is frequently reported as 6 feet 3 inches (190.5 cm). He was born on June 13, 1951, making him in his early 70s. As a young man he was slim with light hair, and early photos show a striking resemblance to his son Alexander.
Images from the 1970s and 1980s, available on sites like E! Online, capture Skarsgård with a leaner build and longer hair, long before his international fame.
Physical transformation over the years
His appearance has changed significantly for roles – he gained weight for Dune and shaved his head for Chernobyl. In his younger years, he often played edgy or intellectual characters in Swedish cinema.
How Old Is Stellan Skarsgård? – A Career Timeline
- 1951 – Born in Gothenburg, Sweden.
- 1960s – Begins acting as a teenager, appearing in Swedish television and theatre.
- 1970s–1980s – Becomes a major star in Sweden, known for roles in films like The Simple-Minded Murderer.
- 1990 – Makes his Hollywood debut in The Hunt for Red October.
- 1997 – Appears in Good Will Hunting, gaining international recognition.
- 2008 – Plays Bill Anderson in Mamma Mia!, a major commercial hit.
- 2011 – Portrays Dr. Erik Selvig in Thor, launching a recurring role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
- 2016 – Stars in Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales.
- 2019 – Wins a Golden Globe for Chernobyl; the miniseries also earns him award nominations.
- 2021 – Appears as Baron Harkonnen in Dune; reprises the role in Dune: Part Two (2024).
What Is Known and What Remains Unclear About Stellan Skarsgård?
| Established information | Information that remains unclear |
|---|---|
| He has eight children – six with My Skarsgård and two with Megan Everett-Skarsgård. | The exact careers of Sam, Eija, Ossian, and Kolbjörn are not consistently reported; some sources say Sam is a doctor, others do not specify. |
| He won a Golden Globe for Chernobyl. | Whether he won a Golden Globe in 2026 is unconfirmed and conflicts with most records. |
| His height is 6’3″. | No official records verify his height; it is based on secondary sources. |
| He has starred in the Dune series, Thor films, and Pirates of the Caribbean. | His exact role in certain Godzilla vs. Kong projects is not definitively listed in the provided references. |
| He was born on June 13, 1951, in Gothenburg. | The early careers of his youngest sons, Ossian and Kolbjörn, are not publicly known. |
What Is Stellan Skarsgård’s Background?
Stellan Skarsgård grew up in Gothenburg, Sweden. He began acting as a teenager and quickly found success in Swedish theatre and film. By the 1970s he was a household name in Sweden. His move into English-language cinema came relatively late, but he proved adaptable, taking on everything from historical epics to science fiction. He has worked with directors such as Lars von Trier, Steven Spielberg, and Denis Villeneuve. Despite his international fame, he continues to appear in Swedish productions and maintains a low-profile personal life away from the spotlight.
Where Does the Information About Stellan Skarsgård Come From?
Most biographical details about Stellan Skarsgård originate from verified sources such as Wikipedia, IMDb, and major entertainment publications. The following references were used in this article:
- E! Online – Skarsgård family guide
- Town & Country – Children and family explained
- People – Everything to know about the Skarsgård family
- Biography – Skarsgård family brothers and movies
- Hello! Magazine – Meet Stellan Skarsgård’s 6 kids
- Business Insider – Skarsgård siblings guide
Summary: Who Is Stellan Skarsgård?
Stellan Skarsgård is a highly respected Swedish actor with a career spanning over five decades. He has eight children, many of whom have become actors in their own right. His most celebrated roles include Baron Harkonnen in Dune and Boris Shcherbina in Chernobyl, the latter earning him a Golden Globe. While his family life is well documented, some details about the careers of his younger children and certain recent awards remain unconfirmed by multiple sources.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are Stellan Skarsgård’s siblings?
Stellan Skarsgård has siblings, but their names and backgrounds are not widely publicized. Most biographical sources focus on his children rather than his own siblings.
How many sons does Stellan Skarsgård have?
He has seven sons: Alexander, Gustaf, Sam, Bill, Valter, Ossian, and Kolbjörn. His only daughter is Eija.
Are any of Stellan Skarsgård’s children also actors?
Yes. Alexander, Gustaf, Bill, and Valter all work as actors. Sam works in medicine, and Eija in modeling/casting.
Is Stellan Skarsgård in Chernobyl?
Yes, he played Boris Shcherbina in the 2019 HBO miniseries Chernobyl. The role earned him a Golden Globe and other award nominations.
What did Stellan Skarsgård play in Dune?
He played Baron Vladimir Harkonnen, the main antagonist in Denis Villeneuve’s Dune (2021) and Dune: Part Two (2024).
How many children does Stellan Skarsgård have?
He has eight children: six with his first wife My, and two with his current wife Megan.
What is Stellan Skarsgård’s net worth?
Net worth figures vary across sources. The research provided does not include a verified estimate.
Is Stellan Skarsgård related to Alexander Skarsgård?
Yes, Alexander is Stellan’s eldest son. Both are actors.
Where was Stellan Skarsgård born?
He was born in Gothenburg, Sweden, on June 13, 1951.
Oliver Bennett is Managing Editor at ShowbizUK.co.uk, responsible for daily editorial planning, the publishing schedule, newsroom workflow, article commissioning and final editorial preparation.