Swedish actor Gustaf Skarsgård stepped into the world of cinema in the late 1980s. Since then, he has appeared in several films and television shows, becoming one of the familiar faces of the entertainment industry.

The actor's last big release was Netflix’s fantasy period drama series Cursed in 2020, where he played the role of infamous sorcerer Merlin.

Gustaf Started His Acting Career Early

The Westworld star started his acting career at the early age of 9 when he appeared in the 1989’s Swedish thriller film Codename Coq Rouge.

In the '90s, he continued working as a child actor but maintained gaps between the projects. His acting credits during that time include Prima Ballerina, My Friend Percy’s Magic Sneakers, Summer, House of Shadows, and Euroboy.

The actor steadily pursued his career in acting from the early 2000s. During that phase, he starred in The Invisible, Cleo, Evil, Swedenhielms, Kidz in da Hood and Arn: The Knight Templar.

In 2007, Gustaf received the Best Actor award at Guldbagge Award for his portrayal of Johan in 2006’s family-drama movie Kidz in da Hood.

Despite working as an actor since the late 1980s, his breakthrough role came only in the year 2012 when he was cast in the History Channel’s Vikings to portray the role of eccentric shipbuilder Floki Vilgeroarson.

In the series, Gustaf's Floki helped his warrior friend Ragnar by designing and building the new generation of Viking ships.

The show followed the story of legendary Viking hero Ragnar Lothbrok’s dream of becoming a fearless warrior and commander of the Viking tribes to support his equally ferocious family.

The actor has also portrayed the roles of Karl Strand in the mystery sci-fi series Westworld, Martin Schibbye in the thriller drama film 438 Days, Göran Skoogh in the comedy-drama film Patrik, Age 1.5, and Merlin in Netflix's series Cursed.

He Attended Acting Schools

Gustaf studied at Sodra Latin school (originally: Södra Latins gymnasium), which is situated in Sodermalm, Stockholm.

After completing his high school, the actor enrolled at Teaterhogskolan, an acting and mime school in Sweden. There, he learned acting from 1999 to 2003. Later, he also attended the Royal Dramatic Theater and the Stockholm City Theatre.

His Father and Siblings Are Also Actors

Gustaf is the second child of the popular Swedish actor Stellan Skarsgård and his physician wife, My Skarsgård.

The Vikings star’s father, Stellan, is renowned for his appearance in films such as The Avengers, Thor, and Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest.

Gustaf has five siblings: Alexander Skarsgård, Sam Skarsgård, Bill Skarsgård, Eija Skarsgård, and Valter Skarsgård. He also has two half-brothers, Ossian and Kolbjorn, from Stellan’s second wife, Megan Everett.

Alexander Skarsgård

Born on August 25, 1976, Alexander is Gustaf’s only elder sibling brother. The Stockholm native is also a popular actor like his brother and father. The eldest Skarsgård has featured in True Blood, The Legend of Tarzan, Straw Dogs, and Big Little Lies.

He is also the recipient of several prestigious awards, including Golden Globe, Primetime Emmy, Critics Choice Award, Gold Derby TV Award, Satellite Awards, and Screen Actors Guild Awards.

Sam Skarsgård

The third son of Stellan and his wife My, Sam Skarsgard, is a professional doctor. He was born on June 5, 1982.

Sam has acted in one movie so far — he appeared in the 1987 adventure comedy film, Jim & Piraterna Blom. He has also worked as a body double for his brother, Gustaf, in the 2002 fantasy thriller film The Invisible.

Bill Skarsgård

Bill Skarsgard is the fourth son of Stellan and the younger brother of Alexander, Gustaf, and Sam. And much like his father and two brothers, he has also made a name through acting in Sweden.

The 1990 born actor’s acting credits include projects such as It, It Chapter Two, Deadpool 2, and Allegiant, amongst many.

Eija Skarsgård

The only daughter amongst the Skarsgård siblings is Eija. She was born as the fifth child to her parents on February 27, 1992.

She is a former model and resides in Stockholm, Sweden.

Valter Skarsgård

Valter is the youngest of Skarsgård siblings and the sixth son of Stellan. He is also an actor.

The 1995 born actor has appeared in acting projects such as Arn, Svartsjön, Lords of Chaos, and IRL.

Is Gustaf Married?

The actor was previously in a long-term relationship with Swedish actress Hanna Alstrom from 1999 to 2005.

Alstrom is known for her appearance in the movie Kingsman: The Secret Service and its sequel Kingsman: The Golden Circle as Crown Princess Tilde of Sweden.

But since his separation from her, Gustaf managed to keep his personal life out of the public's eye.

That was until he was spotted with model Caroline Sjöström during the premiere of the horror movie It in California on September 5, 2017. That being said, it is unknown if they continued to see each other. 

How Tall Is the ‘Vikings’ Star Gustaf? What Is His Age?

Gustaf was born on November 12, 1980, as Gustaf Caspar Orm Skarsgård. He stands tall at the height of 6 feet 4 inches (1.93 meters).