Dragon Tattoo Star Michael Nyqvist Has Died Aged 56

Michael Nyqvist, star of The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, died on Tuesday after a long illness at the age of 56.

A representative released a statement which read: “It is with deep sadness that I can confirm that our beloved Michael, one of Sweden’s most respected and accomplished actors, has passed away quietly surrounded by family after a year long battle with lung cancer.”

“Michael’s joy and passion were infectious to those who knew and loved him. His charm and charisma were undeniable, and his love for the arts was felt by all who had the pleasure of working with him.”

Michael Nyqvist was born in Stockholm in 1960, and studied drama at the Malmö Theatre Academy. His first major screen appearance came in 1997 when he played John Banck in the first series of Beck, but his breakout hit came as farmer Benny in The Guy In The Grave Next Door (Grabben i graven bredvid) for which he won Best Actor at the 2002 Guldbagge Awards. He also won a Guldbagge for Best Supporting Actor in January this year with The Serious Game.

However, it was his role as Mikael Blomkvist in the film adaptation of Stieg Larsson’s Millenium trilogy, beginning with The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, that brought him international recognition and with it an invitation to Hollywood, leading to films such as Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol and John Wick.

Michael Nyqvist leaves behind his wife Cathatrina Ehrnrooth, and their adult children Ellen and Arthur.