When you hear Lena Olin's voice, it’s hard to pin down her origins. Born in Stockholm, this incredible actress has taken on roles portraying women from all walks of life, across numerous nationalities, over her illustrious four-decade career. Lena, who earned an Oscar for her unforgettable portrayal of a Holocaust survivor in the 1989 film Enemies, A Love Story, continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
Currently starring in Amazon Prime's Hunters, Lena chats exclusively with Closer about her unique approach to accents. “My English changes with whatever character I’m playing,” she says with a laugh. “In Hunters, I have a British, slightly German accent. It’s like I don’t ever have my own accent in English!” Lena, now 65, resides in New York with her husband and frequent collaborator, director Lasse Hallström. Her next project is the drama The Artist’s Wife, set for release on September 25.
Keep scrolling for Closer's exclusive Q&A interview with Lena Olin.
Read also:Ryan Seacrest Opens Up About His Biggest Fear Relationships
From Sweden to the World: Lena’s Theatrical Roots
It’s hard to imagine Lena Olin as anything other than an actress. Growing up in Sweden, she was surrounded by theater from day one. “My dad was a writer, director, and actor, and my mom was an actress,” Lena recalls with a chuckle. “That’s what I grew up around—actors, directors, writers. I didn’t know any ‘normal’ people.”
Was Acting Always the Plan?
Despite her theatrical upbringing, Lena's parents only had one wish for her: to be happy. “It’s a really tough wish to fulfill!” she admits. As the youngest and the only girl, Lena was diligent in school, even considering a career as a doctor. But deep down, she knew that wasn’t her true calling. Acting offered her a freedom she couldn’t find anywhere else. “I was very shy growing up, but I found a huge sense of liberation on stage. It was through acting that I could truly express myself,” she shares.
Pageant Days: A Miss Scandinavia Crown
In 1974, Lena was crowned Miss Scandinavia—a title that came with an unexpected opportunity. Eileen Ford, a prominent modeling agent in New York, offered to take Lena to the city to launch her modeling career. “It wasn’t fun,” Lena confesses. “I was too filled with anxiety and fear to take her up on it. At that point in my life, modeling just wasn’t my thing.”
Ingmar Bergman’s Influence
At just 21, Lena was handpicked by legendary Swedish director Ingmar Bergman, a moment that shaped her career. “To be chosen by Bergman and receive his blessing was a huge confidence boost,” she explains. “Working with him was such a treat. He taught me that talent is only part of the equation—it’s all about the hard work you put in. You have to learn the craft and apply yourself fully. That lesson has stayed with me throughout my career.”
International Stardom: The Unbearable Lightness of Being
Lena’s breakthrough came in 1988 with The Unbearable Lightness of Being, starring alongside Daniel Day-Lewis. “I actually saw Daniel recently—we’re neighbors in the city,” she says warmly. “We talked about that shoot and how much we leaned on each other during that time. I was going through a breakup, and Daniel had his own challenges. He’s an incredible person and an extraordinary actor. I’ll always cherish those memories.”
Television Fame: Lena’s Role in Alias
Lena’s portrayal of Jennifer Garner’s mysterious mother in the first season of Alias introduced her to a whole new audience. “It’s amazing that people still talk about Alias and love it so much,” she says with a smile. “That was my first TV role. Meeting Jennifer was a highlight—there was something so genuine about our relationship. We had a natural chemistry, like we were really related. And Victor Garber—some acting families are just special, and that was definitely one of them.”
Read also:Donny Osmond Hints At His Retirement Its Inevitable But I Still Have Fuel In The Tank
Amazon Prime’s Hunters: Working with Al Pacino
Lena’s latest TV venture is Amazon Prime’s Hunters, where she shares the screen with the legendary Al Pacino. “Al is such a cool guy,” Lena gushes. “He doesn’t take anything for granted. His approach to acting is incredibly curious—he wants to understand why he’s doing everything he does on-screen. He doesn’t just phone it in because he’s Al Pacino. He jokes about that, but he puts in so much effort. He’s sweet, generous, and a true professional.”
Married to the Job: Collaborating with Lasse Hallström
Lena and director Lasse Hallström have been married since 1994 and have worked on several films together. “Our collaboration is incredibly fun and creative,” Lena says fondly. “On set, we have this unspoken understanding. And when we work in America, he can speak to me in Swedish, and no one else understands what we’re talking about! [Laughs] It’s romantic and inspiring to work with him. He’s such a brilliant director.”
Love and Lessons: Lena’s Perspective
For Lena, love is about authenticity. “In a true love, you dare to be who you truly are, and through love, you discover who you really are,” she reflects. “You need to be honest with yourself and embrace a deeper understanding of who you are. You have to stay true to yourself, no matter what.”
The Artist’s Wife: Lena’s Latest Role
In her latest movie, The Artist’s Wife, Lena plays a woman who puts her artistic ambitions aside for her husband, portrayed by Bruce Dern. “She’s a layered character,” Lena explains. “I don’t see her as a victim. She made choices out of love, and she’s a strong survivor. It’s an interesting concept—what we do for love.”
Relating to Claire: A Personal Connection
Lena finds personal resonance in her character. “I’ve done things out of love for Lasse or for my children without even considering other options,” she says thoughtfully. “And I think that’s the essence of this role. It’s about making choices in the name of love.”
Balancing Career and Motherhood
As a mother of two, Lena admits balancing her acting career with family life wasn’t always easy. “I think I’m a hands-on mom, but it was good for my kids that I worked away from home for periods of time,” she reflects. “They were exposed to different people, which has been a blessing. They’ve grown up to be loving, open-hearted individuals, and I believe that’s because of how they were raised.”
— Reporting by Amanda Champagne-Meadows
