10 fun and interesting Viggo Mortensen facts

1. Viggo Mortensen, Actor, Goes by Many Names

Viggo Mortensen, born Viggo Peter Mortensen Jr., is an actor who goes by many names. He is known to his friends and family as Vig, Guido, and Cuervo, and is widely recognized for his roles in films such as The Lord of the Rings trilogy and Captain Fantastic. His full birth name, Viggo Peter Mortensen Jr., is a testament to his Danish-American heritage, as Viggo is a Danish name and Peter is a common name in the United States.

Also → Viggo Mortensen's tooth accident led to an Academy Award nomination

2. Viggo Mortensen, Poet, Actor

Before becoming a renowned actor, Viggo Mortensen had already made a name for himself in the literary world. In 1986, he published a book of poetry titled "Ten Last Night", which was met with critical acclaim. The book was praised for its unique style and its ability to capture the essence of the human experience. Mortensen's work has since been featured in numerous anthologies and has been translated into several languages. His success as a poet has only added to his already impressive career as an actor.

Also → Russell Crowe Passes on Aragorn Role in LOTR

3. Viggo Mortensen, Multilingual Actor, Can Dub His Own Voice

Viggo Mortensen is a multilingual actor, speaking English, Spanish, Danish, French, Swedish, and Norwegian fluently or pretty well. His linguistic abilities have enabled him to take on a variety of roles in films from different countries, including Spanish-language films such as Alatriste and Spanish-language television series such as Los Simuladores. His fluency in multiple languages has also allowed him to dub his own voice in films such as The Lord of the Rings trilogy, where he dubbed his own voice in the Danish, Spanish, and French versions.

Also → Liv Tyler: From "Elf Maiden" to Iconic Lord of the Rings Character

4. Viggo Mortensen's Amazing Murals

Viggo Mortensen is an incredibly talented actor, and his skills extend beyond the screen. In the 1998 film “A Perfect Murder”, Mortensen took on the challenge of painting each of the murals that appear in the artist’s studio in which his character appears. His dedication to the craft is evident in the stunningly detailed and realistic murals, which were all painted by Mortensen himself.

Also → Elijah Wood: From Back to the Future Part II to The Lord of the Rings

5. Viggo Mortensen's tooth mishap leads to an epic comeback

Viggo Mortensen is best known for his role as Aragorn in the Academy Award-winning epic trilogy, "Lord of the Rings". During the filming of the second installment, "The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers", Mortensen suffered an unfortunate accident while shooting a fight sequence - he broke his tooth! Despite the setback, he was determined to finish the scene and had the tooth glued back in so he could continue shooting.

Also → Orlando Bloom's Casting as Legolas Was a Stroke of Genius

6. One of the Most Beautiful People in the World

In 2002, People Magazine declared Viggo Mortensen to be one of the most beautiful people in the world, a title that has been bestowed upon him for his timeless good looks and charm. His ruggedly handsome features, piercing blue eyes, and strong jawline have made him a favorite among fans of all ages. His success in the film industry has only added to his appeal, with roles in films such as The Lord of the Rings trilogy, A History of Violence, and Eastern Promises. Viggo Mortensen is truly a timeless beauty.

Also → Ian McKellen: Oscar Nominee

7. Actor with a Unique Opportunity

Viggo Mortensen has had the unique opportunity to appear in two remakes of Alfred Hitchcock films - "A Perfect Murder" and "Psycho". "A Perfect Murder" is a modernized version of Hitchcock's classic "Dial M for Murder", while "Psycho" is a faithful remake of the 1960 original. Mortensen's roles in both films demonstrate his versatility as an actor, as he was able to bring a fresh perspective to these classic stories.

Also → Daniel Day-Lewis declines "The Lord of the Rings" role

8. Lover of Horses

Viggo Mortensen is an avid horseback rider, so much so that he purchased both horses he rode in the Lord of the Rings and Hidalgo films. His love of horses is evident in his commitment to the animals, as he wanted to ensure they were well taken care of after the films were completed. He has since kept the horses and continues to ride them regularly.

Also → Sean Bean: A Force in LOTR, GoT, & Sharpe

9. Actor & Olympic Translator

Viggo Mortensen, the acclaimed actor known for his roles in films such as Lord of the Rings and Eastern Promises, had an interesting job before he became a Hollywood star. During the 1980 Olympics, he worked as a translator for the Swedish hockey team, providing a vital link between the players and coaches and the international audience. His knowledge of multiple languages, including Swedish, Spanish, and Danish, no doubt helped him in this role.

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10. Stuntman extraordinaire

In the 2004 film "Hidalgo", Viggo Mortensen performed all of his own stunts, showcasing his impressive physicality and dedication to his craft. He was praised for his commitment to the role, as he was willing to put himself in dangerous situations in order to make the action sequences as realistic as possible. His performance in the film was highly acclaimed, and it was a testament to his skill as an actor and his willingness to go the extra mile.