Early Life and Education
Born on December 6, 1963, in Næsby, Odense, Denmark, Ulrich Thomsen developed an early interest in acting. After completing high school, he took an unconventional path by traveling to the United States, where he worked as a pizza delivery boy in Beverly Hills. This period in his life exposed him to different cultures and experiences before he returned to Denmark to pursue his true passion, acting.
Thomsen enrolled at the Danish National School of Theatre and Contemporary Dance in Copenhagen, where he studied acting from 1989 to 1993. Following his graduation, he performed at some of Copenhagen’s most prestigious theaters, including Dr. Dantes Aveny, Mungo Park, and Østre Gasværks Teater. These early performances allowed him to showcase his talent and establish himself within the Danish acting community.
Ulrich Thomsen’s Acting Career
Ulrich Thomsen made his film debut in 1994 with “Nightwatch,” directed by Ole Bornedal. Although it was a minor role, it paved the way for bigger opportunities. Over the next few years, he appeared in several Danish films, including “The Biggest Heroes” (1996), directed by Thomas Vinterberg, and “Sekten” (1997), directed by Susanne Bier.
His breakthrough came in 1998 when he starred as Christian in “Festen (The Celebration)”, a film directed by Thomas Vinterberg. This groundbreaking film, which was part of the Dogme 95 movement, received international acclaim and won the Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival.
Following his success in “Festen”, Thomsen gained international recognition and landed a role in the James Bond film “The World Is Not Enough” (1999), playing the Russian henchman Sasha Davidov. This marked his Hollywood debut and opened the doors to more international projects.
In the early 2000s, Ulrich Thomsen continued to build an impressive filmography. He appeared in “Flickering Lights” (2000), a Danish crime comedy directed by Anders Thomas Jensen, and in “Killing Me Softly” (2002), an English-language thriller.
In 2009, Thomsen played the primary antagonist, Jonas Skarssen, in Tom Tykwer’s action thriller “The International,” where he starred alongside Clive Owen and Naomi Watts. His chilling portrayal of a ruthless banker added to his repertoire of complex characters.
From 2013 to 2016, Thomsen took on a significant television role as Kai Proctor in “Banshee,” a Cinemax original series. Playing a powerful and menacing crime lord in a small town, Thomsen delivered a performance that was both intimidating and layered, further cementing his reputation as a versatile and compelling actor.
Ulrich Thomsen’s Personal Life
Ulrich Thomsen is married to Cathrine Ekehed, and the couple has two children, Alma and Alvin. His daughter, Alma Ekehed Thomsen, has followed in his footsteps and pursued acting. Interestingly, they both appeared in the Danish TV series “Face to Face,” portraying a father and daughter.
Fluent in Danish, English, and German, Thomsen’s linguistic skills have enabled him to take on a wide range of international roles. A dedicated vegan, he maintains a lifestyle that reflects his personal beliefs and values.
