50 Facts About Peter Stormare

Early Life and Education

Peter Stormare's journey began in Sweden, where his early experiences shaped his future in acting.

1. Peter Stormare was born Rolf Peter Ingvar Storm in Kumla, Sweden, on August 27, 1953. His family later moved to Arbrå, where he spent most of his childhood.

2. Stormare's early interest in the performing arts led him to the Royal Dramatic Theatre in Stockholm, where he studied acting. This prestigious institution played a crucial role in honing his skills.

3. He changed his surname to Stormare when he discovered that he shared it with a senior student at the acting academy. Before settling on Stormare, he briefly considered changing his name to Retep Mrots, which is "Peter Storm" spelled backward.

4. The surname Stormare translates to "stormer" in Swedish, reflecting his dynamic and energetic personality.

Theatre Background

Before making a name in Hollywood, Stormare built a solid foundation in theatre.

5. Stormare's first experience with filmmaking came in an uncredited role in Ingmar Bergman's "Fanny and Alexander" (1982). This early exposure laid the groundwork for his future success in both Swedish and international cinema.

6. He spent over a decade with Sweden's acclaimed Royal Dramatic Theater. This extensive stage experience honed his acting skills and provided a solid foundation for his future roles.

Breakthrough and Hollywood Success

Stormare's talent soon caught the attention of international filmmakers, leading to his breakthrough in Hollywood.

7. Stormare's first international exposure came in a small supporting role in the film "Awakenings" (1990), starring Robin Williams and Robert De Niro. This role marked the beginning of his journey into Hollywood.

8. His breakthrough performance came in 1996 with his role as Gaear Grimsrud in the Coen brothers' film "Fargo." This role cemented his status as a versatile and talented actor.

9. In 1998, Stormare played one of the Nihilists in the Coen brothers' "The Big Lebowski." This iconic film further solidified his reputation as a master of playing complex and often unpredictable characters.

10. The same year, Stormare appeared in Michael Bay's blockbuster "Armageddon," playing a Russian cosmonaut. This role showcased his ability to handle both dramatic and action-packed scenes.

Television Roles

Stormare's versatility extends to the small screen, where he has taken on various memorable roles.

11. Stormare's first series regular role was on "Watching Ellie" (NBC, 2002-2003), a short-lived series starring Julia Louis-Dreyfus.

12. He later became a series regular on the first two seasons of "Prison Break" (Fox, 2005-09; 2017-) playing John Abruzzi. This role showcased his ability to handle complex and dramatic storylines.

13. In 2016, Stormare created, wrote, and starred in the private detective-comedy series "Swedish Dicks" (Pop). This project allowed him to showcase his creative side and explore new aspects of his acting career.

14. Stormare also co-starred in the short-lived American sitcom "LA To Vegas" (Fox 2018) as a disheveled Russian gambler. This role highlighted his ability to play a wide range of characters.

Voice Acting and Video Games

Stormare's distinctive voice has made him a sought-after talent in the world of video games and animation.

15. Stormare has lent his voice to several video games, including "Mercenaries: Playground of Destruction," "Mercenaries 2: World in Flames," and "Icewind Dale 2."

16. He voiced characters in the video games "Destiny" (2014) and "Destiny 2" (2017). His distinctive voice has become synonymous with these gaming franchises.

17. Stormare also voiced a character in the video game "Until Dawn" (2015). This role showcased his versatility in voice acting and his ability to adapt to different gaming genres.

Music Career

Beyond acting, Stormare has explored his passion for music, adding another dimension to his creative pursuits.

18. After Bono of U2 heard some of Stormare's music, he encouraged him to make an album. In 2002, Stormare released his first album, "Dallerpölsa och småfåglar."

19. Stormare plays in a band called Blonde from Fargo and runs a record label called StormVox. This musical project showcases his creative side and his ability to explore different artistic mediums.

20. He appeared in the music video for the song "Uprising" by the Swedish power metal band Sabaton. This collaboration highlights his involvement in the music industry and his ability to connect with various artistic projects.

21. Stormare also appeared in the clips "Steh Auf" and "Frau & Mann" of the metal project Lindemann. This role demonstrates his willingness to explore different musical genres and collaborate with diverse artists.

Memorable Film Roles

Stormare's filmography boasts a remarkable variety of projects, showcasing his range as an actor.

22. Some of his notable films include "The Lost World: Jurassic Park" (1997), "Playing God" (1997), "Windtalkers" (2002), "Minority Report" (2002), and "Constantine" (2005).

23. Despite his extensive filmography, Stormare has received critical acclaim for several of his performances. For example, his role in "Minority Report" earned him an 89% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

24. Stormare is known for taking on challenging and diverse roles. His ability to immerse himself fully in the characters he portrays has earned him a reputation as a dedicated and passionate actor.

25. He has portrayed numerous villains throughout his career, bringing a sense of menace and unpredictability to each role. His portrayal of Lucifer in "Constantine" is particularly notable for its complexity and depth.

Guest Appearances and Cameos

Stormare's talent has led to numerous guest appearances and cameos in popular television series.

26. In 1998, Stormare appeared in an episode of "Seinfeld" as Slippery Pete. This guest role showcased his ability to fit seamlessly into established television series.

27. Stormare also appeared in an episode of "Swift Justice" in 1996. This early television role demonstrated his growing presence in the entertainment industry.

28. In 2003, Stormare played Ernst Röhm in the television film "Hitler: The Rise of Evil." This role highlighted his ability to portray historical figures with depth and nuance.

29. Stormare appeared in an episode of "Joey" in 2004 as Viktor. This role further solidified his presence in American television.

30. He starred in the short-lived series "Watching Ellie" (NBC, 2002-2003) as Ingvar. This role marked one of his early series regular positions in television.

31. Stormare became a series regular on "Prison Break" (Fox, 2005-09; 2017-) playing John Abruzzi. This role showcased his ability to handle complex and dramatic storylines.

32. He appeared in an episode of "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation" in 2007 as a guest star. This role demonstrated his versatility in handling different genres and formats.

33. In 2008, Stormare guest-starred in an episode of "Monk" as Petya Lovak. This role highlighted his ability to fit into established television series with ease.

34. Stormare also appeared as a guest star in an episode of "Hawaii Five-0" in 2010. This role showcased his continued presence in modern television.

35. In 2009, Stormare guest-starred in an episode of "Entourage" as Aaron Cohen. This role further demonstrated his ability to adapt to various television genres.

36. Stormare voiced Sir Slicer in an episode of "Adventure Time" in 2010. This role marked one of his many voice acting credits in animation.

37. In 2014, Stormare appeared in an episode of "Longmire." This role showcased his continued presence in modern television and his ability to handle diverse characters.

38. Stormare also appeared in an episode of "Arrow" in 2014. This role highlighted his versatility in handling different genres and formats.

39. In the same year, Stormare guest-starred in an episode of "The Blacklist." This role demonstrated his ability to fit seamlessly into established television series.

International Collaborations

Stormare's talent has led to collaborations with filmmakers and artists from around the world.

40. Stormare starred in the Eli Roth–produced film "Clown" in 2014. This role showcased his ability to handle horror and thriller genres with ease.

41. In 2011, Stormare appeared alongside Kevin Spacey and Daniel Wu in the Chinese film "Inseparable." This role marked one of his many international collaborations.

42. Stormare played Dr. Roth in the 2007 film "Premonition." This role highlighted his ability to handle dramatic and intense scenes.

43. In 2007, Stormare starred in the film "Svartvattnet," which was filmed in Sweden and Norway. This role demonstrated his commitment to working on diverse and international projects.

44. Stormare was offered a role in the ABC television series "Lost" for a period of one year but declined. This decision showcased his selective approach to projects and his dedication to choosing roles that align with his artistic vision.

Philosophy and Approach to Acting

Stormare's unique philosophy and approach to acting have contributed to his success and longevity in the industry.

45. Stormare believes that there is no better training for an actor than performing on stage in front of a paying audience. He emphasizes the importance of stage experience in developing an actor's skills and confidence.

46. His enthusiasm and contagious energy on set have made him a beloved figure in the entertainment industry. His approach to acting, which includes showing up on time with a smile and offering suggestions, has earned him praise from directors and casting agents alike.

47. Stormare's ability to immerse himself fully in the characters he portrays has earned him a reputation as a dedicated and passionate actor.

48. He is known for taking on challenging and diverse roles, bringing a sense of menace and unpredictability to each role.

49. Stormare's portrayal of Lucifer in "Constantine" is particularly notable for its complexity and depth.

50. His distinctive voice has made him a sought-after talent in the world of video games and animation.

The Legacy of Peter Stormare

Peter Stormare's career is a testament to his versatility and passion for acting. From his early days in Swedish theater to becoming a Hollywood icon, he's shown an incredible range. Whether playing a villain in "Fargo" or a quirky character in "The Big Lebowski," Stormare brings depth and energy to every role. His work in video games, music, and even commercials highlights his diverse talents. Stormare's dedication to his craft and his ability to adapt to various mediums make him a standout figure in entertainment. His enthusiasm and unique approach have left a lasting impact on both audiences and colleagues. With a career spanning over four decades, Peter Stormare continues to captivate and inspire, proving that true talent knows no bounds.