Words by Maila Reeves.

Photographed by Erica Bergsmeds

Linus Wahlgren, one of Sweden’s finest film actors talks to Blowout about his many “bad boy” roles, Hollywood plans and his love for motorcycles and tennis.

He arrives at the cool art deco bar of hotel Anglaise in Stockholm, wearing a casual suit, with his movie star looks and in Sweden a very recognisable face - he possesses the kind of aura that makes the whole room turn when he enters.

Having just finished his photo shoot in the hotel room with photographer, Erica Bergsmeds, we notice he has a bit of “bed hair” going on so we ask him about it and he laughs. It’s clear to see they are very comfortable with each other. In fact we soon find out that their friendship dates all the way back to their teenage years. He goes on to explain that he also acted in Erica’s directorial debut film “Fallen Dream” last year.

She has really captured him well. The images are fun, “in the moment” and relaxed. It’s safe to say that we are big fans of Linus but sadly we were not invited to the room so the bar will have to do…

Linus has been in the business since a young age, working both on stage and in front of the camera. He grew up in a showbiz family where both parents are actors as well as his siblings. He is currently working on a show for Discovery Plus where he plays on of the lead characters.

Hollywood look out, theres a new hunky Scandinavian actor on the scene!

You recently played the lead in a horror film, is it scary filming horror movies, what was it like?

In fact, Dilan Gwyn is playing the lead and I’m co-staring. No, it’s not scary at all! I had coffee with the monster between the takes

Which is your favourite role you have played and why?

Elder Price in Book of Mormon. I love musicals and that was a dream come true for me.

What is the absolute dream role?

I am writing my dream role right now. My friend and I are working on a script for a feature film. We just got the green light from a Swedish production company and if everything goes our way, we will start with pre-production later on this year. That is a dream come true!

It’s been a tough year for many, How have Covid restrictions been for you?

Well, if you take away the fact that face masks and keeping a two meter distance are now the new normal, my life has not changed so much. From a professional point of view it was a very good year with some very exiting film productions. Of course a lot of COVID restrictions on set but at least we didn’t have to shut down. And most importantly, my family are all in good health.

You had your first English speaking role last year in The film Fallen Dream, directed by Blowouts very own Erica Bergsmeds, what was that like? Is it Hollywood next?

It was great! Erica is an old friend and it was an honor to be in her first film. I really enjoyed hanging out with the rest of the cast as well.
Ha ha, yep. LA, here I come! To be honest I was cast as a regular in a American show last year with a very well known star. Then Covid came and they went with an all American cast.

What’s the weirdest thing that’s ever happened to you while working on a film or theatre production?

I caught fire on stage while playing the scarecrow in Wizard of Oz

Really? please tell us more!

It’s a scene in the musical when the wicked witch sets the scarecrow on fire. We had a special effect that was built in to my costume so when she did her magic It would start to smoke all around me. But something went wrong with the tech and it caught fire. The costume was mad of 90% straw. Straw and fire is a bad combo. Luckily the stage crew were quick to put me out before I got injured. And just after the actress who played Dorothy screamed in panic, -Fuck, he’s on fire. For real! Do something!! The audience were like, wtf?

You play a lot of bad boy villain type characters on film. Tell us about the challenges of these roles and why you are cast in the them?

It started a couple of years ago when I played a pedophile in “30 degrees in February”. I wanted to portray him as an everyday human being . Not just as a monster. It’s the same with every character I play, good or bad. I want to bring bad and good in to the role. That’s what makes it interesting.

OK, lets Quick fire some question at you. Ready?

What would you like remembered about you?

He was a good sport

Who is your inspiration?

My dad

What’s your most annoying habit?

I have a habit to walk a couple of meters ahead when I’m out strolling with someone. It’s like I want to speed up the tempo.

What is it about the way you do what you do, that you feel might separate you from others?

Oh, that’s a hard one. I let other people answer that.

Tell us something about you that will surprise us.

I compete in tennis. On a pretty high level.

What do you like doing in your spare time?

I have two motorcycles so...

What is your contribution in helping the environment, how “green”are you?

I guess I could do more but I sort waste at source. I try to eat less meat and I drive an electric car!

For all our female readers urgently wondering right now,: Are you single?

Yes, that I can confirm.

Where are you in 10 years?

Pretty much were I am today. My kids are grown up then so hopefully I get to travel a little bit more in my job.

What advise would you give to your 15 year old self right now?

Don’t try to fit in. Believe in yourself and don’t listen to people with negative energy.

What would your 80 year old self say to you now?

Listen to me, I know what I’m talking about.

What is the ultimate dream?

To be Ironman

What is next for you, this year?

I’m shooting this show for Discovery till April. Then if nothing happens with Covid and all that, I will do season 2 of Partisan which won Best Series at Cannes Series last year.