Dolph Lundgren

Dolph Lundgren
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Name:
Dolph Lundgren
Real name:
Hans Lundgren
Who is:
, martial artist
Birth date:
(67 y.o.)
Place of birth:
Stockholm, Sweden
Height:
6'4 ft ()
Weight:
243 lb (110 kg)
Birth Sign:
(characteristic)
Chinese zodiac:
Links:

Photos: Dolph Lundgren

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Dolph Lundgren's Biography

Dolph Lundgren is a renowned Swedish and American actor, director, and producer, as well as an athlete, chemist, and martial artist. He shot to stardom playing Ivan Drago in Sylvester Stallone's "Rocky IV." He has also directed and starred in several action films. Lundgren typically takes on tough-guy roles in action films: assassins, soldiers, and athletes.
Dolph Lundgren
Dolph Lundgren

Childhood and Youth

Dolph Lundgren was born on November 3, 1957, in the suburb of Stockholm, Spånga, to a typical middle-class family. He grew up with his younger brother Johan and two sisters, Annika and Katarina.
Dolph Lundgren as a child
Dolph Lundgren as a child
As a kid, Dolph struggled with his health. He wasn't strong or well-built and often got picked on by other kids. His relationship with his father was also strained. The actor recalls frequently enduring his father's angry outbursts directed at him and his mother, often being called a loser.
Dolph Lundgren's family
Dolph Lundgren's family
This treatment only made the boy more determined to prove himself. Dolph began attending karate classes and eventually took up Kyokushin. His persistence and hard work soon paid off. Through intense training, Dolph got stronger, put on weight, and sharpened his fighting skills.

Education

Dolph Lundgren excelled in his studies and aspired to become a chemical engineer like his father. After finishing school, he went to study in the USA, where he studied chemistry at the Washington State University and Clemson University. But he couldn't finish his degree because Lundgren was called up for Marine Corps service in 1979.
Young Dolph Lundgren
Young Dolph Lundgren
After his service, he continued his studies in Sydney and earned a Master's degree in chemistry. There, he met rising star Grace Jones, the flamboyant singer known for her vocal performance of Astor Piazzolla's Libertango, and accompanied her to America as her bodyguard. Incidentally, Dolph had already graduated from the Sydney institution with a master's degree in chemical sciences.

Acting Career

When Dolph arrived in Hollywood, he landed a small part in "A View to a Kill" (1985) through his connection with Grace Jones.
Dolph Lundgren's Moment in A View to a Kill
Dolph's real breakthrough came that same year when he played Russian boxer Ivan Drago in Sylvester Stallone's "Rocky IV." This role became pivotal and iconic for Lundgren's career, launching him into a string of tough-guy roles as soldiers, athletes, and mercenaries."}~
Rocky vs Drago (Stallone vs Lundgren)
After such a breakthrough, he starred in "Masters of the Universe," "Red Scorpion," "The Punisher," and "Dark Angel." These films flopped with audiences, and critics savaged Lundgren's performances. Despite the harsh reviews, Dolph kept pushing forward with his acting career.
Sylvester Stallone And Dolph Lundgren Revisit Rocky IV Fight
In 1991, "Showdown in Little Tokyo" hit theaters and helped Dolph redeem himself. During the filming, the actor met Brandon Lee, who played one of the main roles.
Dolph Lundgren in Showdown in Little Tokyo
Dolph Lundgren in Showdown in Little Tokyo
In 1992, "Universal Soldier" hit theaters and proved popular with audiences, though critics still found the Swedish actor too "wooden." On set, Dolph worked alongside the famous Jean-Claude Van Damme and the charming Ally Walker.
Dolph Lundgren in Universal Soldier
Dolph Lundgren in Universal Soldier
His career then hit a rough patch, despite appearing in commercially successful films like "The Shooter" and "Blackjack." Dolph didn't bounce back until the early 2000s. In 2005, he made his directorial debut with the action film "The Mechanik," in which he also played the lead role.
Dolph Lundgren in The Mechanik
Dolph Lundgren in The Mechanik
In 2010, the Swedish actor starred in "Universal Soldier: Regeneration" and Sylvester Stallone's new successful action film "The Expendables." Dolph worked alongside action legends like Jason Statham, Jet Li, and Terry Crews. The action-packed franchise rolled on with sequels in 2012 and 2014. Around the same time, Lundgren thrilled fans with his guest spot on the hit TV series "Arrow" alongside Stephen Amell.
Dolph Lundgren Universal Soldier 1992 - Bobbie Wygant Archive
In addition to film roles, in 2017 Dolph Lundgren participated in the shooting of the music video for "Believer" by the popular rock band Imagine Dragons.
Imagine Dragons - Believer

Sports Achievements

Dolph dominated the sports world. In 1977, he claimed victory in a grueling bout at the Swedish Championship, then held onto his title for three straight years. He also made his mark at the 1979 World Championship and earned a 2nd dan black belt in karate.
Dolph Lundgren holds a black belt in karate
Dolph Lundgren holds a black belt in karate
After meeting Sylvester Stallone, the actor dove into bodybuilding. He puts in hour-long morning sessions six days a week

In 2007, Lundgren stepped into the ring against Oleg Taktarov on the Russian show 'King of the Ring,' but came up short.

Dolph Lundgren's Personal Life

Dolph Lundgren once romanced his "boss" Grace Jones, and they're still tight today.
Dolph Lundgren and Grace Jones
Dolph Lundgren and Grace Jones
In 1994, the actor married Anette Qviberg, a Swedish jewelry designer. After tying the knot, the couple relocated to Spain, where they raised their daughters Ida (born in 1996) and Greta Lundgren (born in 2001).
Dolph Lundgren: The more I cheated, the more my wife spent my money
The pair wanted to give their kids a normal childhood far from the Hollywood spotlight (although in 2009, Ida played a small role in the movie "Command Performance" alongside her father). In 2011, the couple publicly announced their divorce.
Dolph Lundgren and Anette Qviberg Announce Divorce
Dolph Lundgren and Anette Qviberg Announce Divorce

Dolph Lundgren Now

The actor's career has clearly hit a new stride – he's hot property in Hollywood again. In December 2018, the science fiction movie "Aquaman" starring Jason Momoa was released, where Dolph played the villainous role of King Nereus, who plots to kill Aquaman.
Dolph Lundgren is now in demand again in Hollywood
Dolph Lundgren is now in demand again in Hollywood
Around the same time, the action flick "Black Water" hit theaters with Dolph Lundgren in a major role. He reprised his role as Ivan Drago in "Creed II," a sequel about a young athlete trained by Rocky, with Michael B. Jordan in the lead role. In 2023, he returned to the role of Gunner Jensen in the fourth installment of "The Expendables" and to the role of King Nereus in the "Aquaman" sequel.
Drago meeting with Rocky - Creed II

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