Connie Nielsen biography, photos, personal life, family and children, height 2025

Connie Nielsen Biography

Connie Nielsen is a Danish actress who shot to fame playing Lucilla in the epic "Gladiator" (2000) and its sequel "Gladiator II" (2024), and as Queen Hippolyta in the DC cinematic universe.

She's racked up dozens of film projects, working with outstanding directors from Ridley Scott to Lars von Trier. In August 2025, audiences saw her in the action thriller "Nobody 2" alongside Bob Odenkirk.

Actress Connie Nielsen in black trousers and a black blouse against a blue background — Connie Nielsen

Childhood and Family

Connie Inge-Lise Nielsen was born on July 3, 1965, in the coastal town of Frederikshavn in northern Denmark, and grew up in the nearby village of Elling.

Her father, Bent Nielsen, worked as a bus driver, while her mother, Laila Matzigkeit, was an insurance clerk who had a passion for theater – she performed in amateur productions and wrote scripts for them.

It was her mother who sparked Connie's love for the stage. By 15, she was already performing alongside her in local revues and variety shows.

Connie Nielsen as a child holding her mother's hand — Connie Nielsen as a child with her mother

Her parents were devout members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) and raised their daughter in that faith. They had no idea their girl would go on to conquer Hollywood and speak eight languages fluently.

At 18, Connie made a bold move – she left for Paris and started working as a model. For a young woman from provincial Denmark, it was a leap into the unknown.

Paris was just the first step. Italy came next, with drama school in Rome and master classes with Lidia Styx at Milan's Piccolo Teatro. To this day, Connie considers Lidia Styx her most important mentor.

Those years of European training paid off big time. Nielsen now speaks eight languages fluently: Danish, Swedish, Norwegian, English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish. Her polyglot abilities later became one of her biggest assets in building an international career.

Young Connie Nielsen in close-up — Young Connie Nielsen

Acting Career

Nielsen's career kicked off with small roles in European cinema. She made her debut in the French comedy "Where'd You Come From? Nobody Saw Where You Went" (1984) alongside Jerry Lewis. For several years, she worked on Italian and French projects, honing her craft and gaining experience.

Her breakthrough came in 1997 when she played Christabella Andreoli in "The Devil's Advocate" opposite Al Pacino and Keanu Reeves. The role of the devil's seductive assistant opened Hollywood's doors, but real fame arrived three years later.

Connie Nielsen with long curly hair stands next to Al Pacino talking to Keanu Reeves — Connie Nielsen in "The Devil's Advocate"

In 2000, Connie landed the role of Lucilla in Ridley Scott's blockbuster "Gladiator," starring alongside Russell Crowe and Joaquin Phoenix. Her character – the proud but politically powerless sister of the tyrant Commodus and former lover of the gladiator Maximus – became one of the most memorable female roles in historical cinema. Many were shocked that Nielsen didn't receive an Oscar nomination for this brilliant performance.

Fun fact: Nielsen is a serious Roman Empire history buff. Her collection includes authentic 1st-century AD jewelry purchased from antique dealers. During the filming of "Gladiator," Ridley Scott regularly consulted her on historical accuracy.

Connie Nielsen as Lucilla sits pensively on a golden throne — Connie Nielsen in "Gladiator"

After "Gladiator," the actress's career soared. In 2002, she appeared in the psychological thriller "One Hour Photo" with Robin Williams, playing a mother whose family becomes the object of a photo lab technician's obsessive attention.

In 2003, her filmography expanded with the action films "The Hunted" with Benicio del Toro and "Basic" with John Travolta. For her role in "The Hunted," Connie underwent serious training: she worked with FBI agents in Portland and Los Angeles, learned weapons handling and how to behave in dangerous situations.

These skills came in handy on the set of "Basic":

I already knew how to handle a gun and understood how to physically conduct myself in threatening situations.

Connie Nielsen

In 2004, Nielsen starred in the Danish drama "Brothers" (Brødre) directed by Susanne Bier. This work earned Connie the Bodil Award for Best Actress, as well as the Best Actress award at the San Sebastián Film Festival.

Connie Nielsen and a dark-haired man press their foreheads together — Connie Nielsen in "Brothers"

In the mid-2000s, Connie worked extensively in television. In 2006, she appeared in several episodes of the cult series "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" as Detective Dani Beck, temporarily replacing Christopher Meloni's regular partner.

Later, she played a lead role in the political drama "Boss" (2011-2012) opposite Kelsey Grammer, and also appeared in the thriller "The Following" (2014) with Kevin Bacon.

Nielsen has never shied away from challenging and provocative projects. In 2014, she appeared in Lars von Trier's controversial film "Nymphomaniac" alongside Charlotte Gainsbourg, Jamie Bell, and Uma Thurman.

Connie Nielsen with a serious expression standing next to a young girl — Connie Nielsen in "Nymphomaniac"

A new wave of popularity came with her role as Queen Hippolyta in DC's blockbusters. Since 2017, she's appeared in three franchise films: "Wonder Woman," "Justice League" (not counting Zack Snyder's director's cut), and "Wonder Woman 1984."

Her Hippolyta is a wise, powerful ruler who raised Diana, the Wonder Woman played by Gal Gadot. Connie herself says she'd love to continue with the franchise: "Fans around the world absolutely loved the Themyscira chapter. Not continuing that story would be a terrible loss."

Connie Nielsen in leather armor and a golden Amazon crown — Connie Nielsen in "Wonder Woman"

In 2021, Nielsen starred in the action thriller "Nobody" with Bob Odenkirk, the story of a former hitman forced to dust off his old skills to protect his family. Connie speaks about working with Odenkirk with genuine admiration: "He's such a wonderful, warm person. He literally ran between scenes thanking all the extras – and we had about a thousand background actors every day."

Returning to the role of Lucilla in "Gladiator II" 24 years after the first film was a nerve-wracking experience for Nielsen. "I was nervous," she admitted in an interview with CBS Mornings. "People are very protective of the first film. So many people told me on the streets: 'Don't make a sequel, because the first one is perfect.'"

When asked about what kind of characters attract her professionally, Connie said:

I'm definitely more drawn to chaos than order. The thing is, women's roles out there are very clichéd. If we limit ourselves to only being lovers or mothers, we're limiting ourselves.

Connie Nielsen

Personal Life and Hobbies

Connie has two sons. Her eldest, Sebastian, was born on November 26, 1989. His father is Italian actor Fabio Sartor.

From 2004 to 2012, Nielsen dated Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich, also Danish. They have a son together, Bryce Thadeus Ulrich-Nielsen, born on May 21, 2007.

Connie Nielsen and Lars Ulrich pose at a party — Connie Nielsen and Lars Ulrich

Since the mid-2000s, Connie has lived in the San Francisco Bay Area, in Marin County. She moved there during her relationship with Ulrich, fell in love with the place, and stayed after their split.

Every day I look out my window and see the Golden Gate Bridge and the entire bay. Then I walk my dog at the top of the hill and see Berkeley, Oakland, and the Richmond Bridge...

Connie Nielsen

Connie isn't just an actress and singer (she also trained in vocals and dance) – she's a philanthropist too. She founded the nonprofit Human Needs Project and the Road To Freedom Scholarships program for children from underprivileged communities.

Nielsen is a major collector of designer sunglasses, with over 200 pairs in her collection.

Connie Nielsen in an evening gown poses with her sons on the red carpet — Connie Nielsen with her sons in 2025

Connie Nielsen Now

2025 has been an incredibly busy year for Connie. In March, she appeared at the 97th Academy Awards ceremony, taking the stage at the Dolby Theatre alongside Lily-Rose Depp, Elle Fanning, John Lithgow, and Bowen Yang.

In August 2025, the action film "Nobody 2" was released, with Connie reprising her role as Becca Mansell, wife of Bob Odenkirk's character. In the sequel, Hutch's family goes on vacation, but instead of relaxation, they face off against a ruthless criminal played by Sharon Stone.

But the biggest project of 2025 is, of course, the "Robin Hood" series for MGM+. In March, it was announced that Nielsen would play Eleanor of Aquitaine in this ten-episode project. Her character is described as "one of the most influential women in history – a strategist, a ruler who outmaneuvered kings and led crusades, she sees the world for what it is – a battlefield."

Connie Nielsen and Sean Bean in period costumes inside a castle — Connie Nielsen in the series "Robin Hood"

Filming took place in Serbia, with Connie joined by Sean Bean as the Sheriff of Nottingham, Jack Patten as Robin, and Lauren McQueen as Marian. The series premiere is scheduled for November 2, 2025.