Mads Mikkelsen, the Danish actor known for his chilling portrayal of Dr. Hannibal Lecter in the TV series ‘Hannibal,’ has captivated audiences with his mysterious on-screen presence. However, Mikkelsen’s life and interests outside of acting are equally fascinating and worth exploring.
In this article, we’ll delve into five lesser-known facts about Mads Mikkelsen, uncovering the layers of his multifaceted personality. From his incredible language skills to his background in dance, Mikkelsen’s talents and experiences extend far beyond the silver screen. So, buckle up and get ready for a wild ride into the life of Mads Mikkelsen as we reveal an entirely new side to this enigmatic actor.
Master Of Languages And Monty Python Fan
Mads Mikkelsen is a true polyglot, speaking fluent Danish, French, Italian, German, and Swedish. Surprisingly, he credits much of his English language skills to the British comedy troupe Monty Python. Mikkelsen grew up listening to Monty Python records and watching American action movies, which greatly helped him hone his English skills.
From Ballet To The Big Screen
Before he became an actor, Mads Mikkelsen was a professional dancer for nearly a decade. He performed in stage productions of ‘La Cage aux Folles,’ ‘Chicago,’ and ‘West Side Story’ in Denmark. Mikkelsen’s background in dance and gymnastics certainly contributed to his agility and physicality in action-packed roles throughout his career.
Comic Book Nerd
Mads Mikkelsen is a self-proclaimed comic book nerd. He started collecting first-edition comics as a child and developed a love for graphic novels as an adult. Mikkelsen has a particular fondness for European comic books, especially ‘Corto Maltese,’ an Italian comic book from the late ’60s. He has expressed his interest in playing the main character, Maltese, in a film adaptation someday.
French Knighthood
In 2016, Mads Mikkelsen was awarded the Chevalier of the Prestigious Order of Arts and Letters, making him a French Knight. The honor recognizes significant contributions to the arts and is represented by a green cross medal. Mikkelsen has always credited the French film industry for propelling his career and enjoys a massive fan base in the country.
A Motorcycle And Beer Enthusiast
Despite his sophisticated on-screen persona, Mikkelsen is a beer and motorcycle kind of guy. He prefers pilsners and enjoys riding his rare 1937 Danish Nimbus motorcycle, which he says makes him feel like Steve McQueen. Riding his motorcycle gives him a sense of freedom and allows him to explore off the beaten path.
Plenty Of Secret Sides
Mads Mikkelsen is undoubtedly a multifaceted individual with talents and interests that go far beyond his iconic portrayal of Dr. Hannibal Lecter. His diverse background in dance, languages, and comic books, as well as his love for motorcycles and beer, showcases a side of Mikkelsen that many fans may not be aware of.
This just goes to show that even the most enigmatic of actors can have a myriad of fascinating interests and achievements. So the next time you find yourself immersed in one of Mikkelsen’s intense performances, remember that there’s more to this captivating actor than meets the eye.
