Famous Norwegian People

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 1 
Magnus Carlsen
(One of the Best Chess Players of All Time)
Magnus Carlsen
101
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: November 30, 1990
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Tønsberg Municipality

At 13, chess prodigy Magnus Carlsen became the youngest grandmaster. His rating of 2,872 was the highest ever in history. He also recorded the longest unbeaten run in chess. Named one of Cosmopolitan’s “sexiest men of 2013,”he  has also modeled for G-Star Raw, owns a chess-app company, and loves football.

 2 
Edvard Munch
(Norwegian Painter Best Known for His Works: ‘The Scream’, ‘Madonna’ and ‘The Sick Child’)
Edvard Munch
37
Birthdate: December 12, 1863
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Ådalsbruk
Died: 1944 AD

Norwegian painter Edvard Munch is remembered for his iconic works The Scream and The Frieze of Life - A Poem about Life, Love, and Death. His paintings exhibited themes that reflected his own psychological states. He was a significant member of the Symbolism movement but was banned by the Nazi.

 3 
Roald Amundsen
(Norwegian Explorer Who was the First to Reach the South Pole)
Roald Amundsen
45
Listed In: Miscellaneous
Birthdate: July 16, 1872
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Borge
Died: June 18, 1928

Roald Amundsen was a Norwegian explorer. Specialized in exploring the polar regions, Amundsen was an important figure of the Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration, an era in the exploration of Antarctica. He disappeared in 1928 when he was involved in a rescue mission in the Arctic. Owing to his significant achievements in polar exploration, several places are named after him.

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 4 
Henrik Ibsen
(Norwegian-Danish Playwright and Theatre Director)
Henrik Ibsen
33
Listed In: Writers
Birthdate: March 20, 1828
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Skien
Died: May 23, 1906

Henrik Ibsen was a Norwegian theatre director and playwright. One of the most influential and popular playwrights of his generation, Ibsen is credited with co-founding modernism in theatre, for which he is often called the father of realism. After William Shakespeare, Henrik Ibsen is the world's most often performed dramatist. His works have influenced other playwrights like George Bernard Shaw.

 5 
Alan Walker
(Music Producer and DJ Best Known for His 2015 Single ‘Faded’)
Alan Walker
99
Listed In: Musicians
Birthdate: August 24, 1997
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Northampton
English-Norwegian music producer and DJ Alan Walker, also popular as “DJ Walkzz,” shot to fame with tracks such as The Spectre and Faded. His TikTok account has earned him a huge fan base. He is also known for his trademark hoodie and mask, which he wears while performing.
 6 
Ole Gunnar Solskjær
(Norwegian Professional Football Manager and Former Player Who Played as a Forward)
Ole Gunnar Solskjær
90
Listed In: Miscellaneous
Birthdate: February 26, 1973
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Kristiansund

Former Norwegian football player, Ole Gunnar Solskjær was one of the most successful players of Manchester United and scored 126 goals for it. He famously scored the winning goal against Bayern Munich in the 1999 Champions League final to secure a treble for the Manchester United. Post retirement, he began his coaching career and is currently the manager of Manchester United.

 7 
Edvard Grieg
(One of the Main Composers of the Romantic Era)
Edvard Grieg
22
Listed In: Musicians
Birthdate: June 15, 1843
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Bergen
Died: September 4, 1907
Regarded as Norway’s Shakespeare, musical legend Edvard Grieg learned the piano from his mother. The Scottish claim he was their own, as Grieg’s Scottish grandfather had migrated to Norway. Grieg was known for his compositions such as the Piano Concerto and for infusing Norwegian folk elements into his music.
 8 
Kygo
(DJ Best Known for His December 2013 Remix of 'I See Fire' & 2014 Remix of 'Firestone')
Kygo
35
Listed In: Musicians
Birthdate: September 11, 1991
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Singapore
Norwegian DJ and record producer Kygo gained worldwide acclaim for his remix of the Ed Sheeran track I See Fire. At the 2016 Rio Olympics, he became the first house music producer who performed at an Olympics closing ceremony. He is also the fastest to gain a billion Spotify streams.
 9 
Aurora
(Singer-songwriter)
Aurora
41
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: June 15, 1996
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Stavanger

Aurora is a Norwegian singer, songwriter, and dancer. Gifted from a young age, she began writing songs at the age of six! She began her career self-releasing her works. She received a favorable response from the audience and was soon able to establish herself as a popular singer. Her music encompasses electro-pop, folk, and art-pop elements. 

 10 
Anni-Frid Lyngstad
(One of the Founding Members and Lead Singers of the Swedish Pop Band ABBA)
Anni-Frid Lyngstad
45
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: November 15, 1945
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Bjørkåsen

Anni-Frid Lyngstad is a Norwegian-Swedish environmentalist, singer, and songwriter. She is credited with co-founding the popular Swedish pop band ABBA and popularizing the band by serving as its lead singer. In 2010, Anni-Frid Lyngstad was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In 2014, she received the Eskilstuna Music Prize for her contribution as an "icon."

 11 
Sigrid Raabe
(Singer, Songwriter, Dancer)
Sigrid Raabe
37
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: September 5, 1996
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Ålesund

Sigrid Raabe is a Norwegian singer-songwriter who won the BBC Music Sound of 2018. Sigrid's debut studio album Sucker Punch, which released in 2019, debuted at number four on the UK Albums Chart. Over the years, Sigrid has won several prestigious awards, such as the MTV Europe Music Award.

 12 
Rollo
(King)
Rollo
14
Birthdate: 0846 AD
Birthplace: Scandinavia
Died: 0930 AD

Rollo of Normandy, also known as Rolf, is part of Scandinavian lore. A Viking, he was known for his exploits as a pirate on the seas of France, England, and other lands. When he attacked France with his Danish army, he was given Neustria, or Normandy, as part of a truce.

 13 
Kristofer Hivju
(Actor)
Kristofer Hivju
19
Birthdate: December 7, 1978
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Oslo
Height: 6'0" (183 cm)
 14 
Harald V of Norway
(King of Norway)
Harald V of Norway
23
Birthdate: February 21, 1937
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Skaugum

Harald V of Norway ascended the throne after the demise of his father, King Olav V. A sports enthusiast, he represented Norway in sailing at three Olympic Games. He also became a patron of World Sailing. The King is an admiral, the Supreme Commander of the Norwegian Armed Forces and a four-star general.

 15 
Harald Hardrada
(King of Norway (1046 to 1066))
Harald Hardrada
13
Birthdate: 1015 AD
Birthplace: Ringerike
Died: September 25, 1066

Harald Sigurdsson, or Harald, was the king of Norway from 1046 to 1066. He also made an aim for the Danish throne and the English throne. He was a mercenary and a military leader before taking over as the king. His death marked the end of the Viking Age.

 16 
Euronymous
(Guitarist)
Euronymous
46
Listed In: Musicians
Birthdate: March 22, 1968
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Egersund
Died: August 10, 1993
Øystein Aarseth, better known as Euronymous, was a pioneer in the Norwegian black-metal circuit. He co-founded the band Mayhem and was its guitarist. He also launched the metal record label Deathlike Silence Productions and the black-metal record shop Helvete. A self-proclaimed Satanist, he was murdered by his bandmate Varg Vikernes.
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 17 
Erik the Red
(Norwegian Explorer and Founder of the First Settlement in Greenland)
Erik the Red
19
Listed In: Miscellaneous
Birthdate: 0950 AD
Birthplace: Norway
Died: 1003 AD
Tenth-century Norse explorer Erik Thorvaldsson, also known as Erik the Red for his red beard and hair, is a prominent figure in Icelandic legends. He was the founder of the first settlement in Greenland. Icelandic explorer Leif Erikson, the first Viking to explore Vinland, was one of Erik's sons.
 18 
Girl in Red
(Singer)
Girl in Red
37
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: February 16, 1999
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Horten

Girl in Red is an indie-pop music project by Norwegian singer-songwriter Marie Ulven Ringheim. She became interested in music and songwriting as a teenager. With her family’s encouragement, she began releasing Norwegian music and soon earned a decent following. She has also appeared in a TV program. She is openly queer and is considered a queer icon. 

 19 
Olav V of Norway
(Former King of Norway (1957 - 1991))
Olav V of Norway
7
Birthdate: July 2, 1903
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Sandringham
Died: January 17, 1991

Olav V of Norway served as the king of Norway from 1957 to 1991. Olav became heir apparent to the throne in 1905 when his father was crowned king of Norway. His leadership skills during World War II earned him the position of Norwegian Chief of Defence in 1944. Nicknamed The People's King, Olav was popular for his down-to-earth style.

 20 
Harald I of Norway
(King of Norway)
Harald I of Norway
4
Birthdate: 0850 AD
Birthplace: Norway
Died: 0932 AD
 21 
Morten Harket
(Best Known as the Lead Singer of the Synthpop/Rock Band 'A-ha')
Morten Harket
8
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: September 14, 1959
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Kongsberg

Morten Harket is a Norwegian vocalist and musician. He is most popular as the lead singer of the synthpop/rock band A-ha. The band has released ten studio albums to date. Before joining the band, he used to sing for the blues outfit Souldier Blue. He has often been praised for his incredibly strong falsetto.  

 22 
Jens Stoltenberg
(34th Prime Minister of Norway)
Jens Stoltenberg
3
Listed In: Leaders
Birthdate: March 16, 1959
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Oslo

Jens Stoltenberg is a Norwegian politician who served as the Prime Minister of Norway between 2000 and 2013 in two separate terms. An influential politician, Stoltenberg also served as the Minister of Industry and Energy from 1993 to 1996 and Minister of Finance from 1996 to 1997. Jens Stoltenberg is the current Secretary General of NATO.

 23 
Fridtjof Nansen
(Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and the First High Commissioner for Refugees Appointed by the League of Nations)
Fridtjof Nansen
8
Listed In: Miscellaneous
Birthdate: October 10, 1861
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Oslo
Died: May 13, 1930

Fridtjof Nansen was a Norwegian polymath who won the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize in 1922 for his post-war efforts after the First World War. A well-known explorer, humanitarian, and diplomat, Nansen achieved international fame for his attempt to reach the geographical North Pole during his Fram expedition. His techniques and innovations influenced a generation of succeeding Antarctic and Arctic expeditions.

 24 
Kristine Froseth
(Actress and Model Known for Her Role as ‘Kelly Aldrich’ in the TV Series ‘The Society’)
Kristine Froseth
19
Birthdate: September 21, 1996
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: New Jersey

Kristine Froseth is a Norwegian and American model and actress. She is known for playing important roles in popular TV series, such as The Society and Looking for Alaska. Froseth was discovered at Ski Storsenter where she was taking part in a catwalk audition. She then went on to model for brands like Armani before establishing herself as an actress.

 25 
Viktor Hovland
(Golfer)
Viktor Hovland
4
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: September 18, 1997
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Oslo

Born to a golf enthusiast father, Norwegian golfer Viktor Hovland was trained in the sport since age 11. He later scripted history by becoming the first from his country to win the U.S. Amateur, to compete in the Masters, and to win on the PGA European Tour.

 26 
Liv Ullmann
(One of the Greatest European Actresses of All Time)
Liv Ullmann
10
Birthdate: December 16, 1938
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Tokyo

Norwegian actress-film director Liv Ullmann is counted among the greatest European actresses. She is best-known for her roles in films like The Emigrants and Face to Face, both of which earned her Oscar nomination, and the former won her a Golden Globe She received an Honorary Academy Award. Her second directorial feature-film Faithless was nominated for Palme d'Or in 2000.

 27 
Casper Ruud
(Tennis player)
Casper Ruud
7
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: December 22, 1998
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Oslo

Apart from being the first Norwegian tennis player to score an ATP title win, Casper Ruud also became the highest ranked player from his country ever. The son of legendary Norwegian tennis player Christian Ruud, Casper has begun his training in the game at age 4.

 28 
Haakon, Crown Prince of Norway
(Heir apparent)
Haakon, Crown Prince of Norway
7
Listed In: Miscellaneous
Birthdate: July 20, 1973
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Oslo
 29 
Ingrid Bolsø Berdal
(Norwegian Actress Best Known for Her Role as 'Armistice' in the Series 'Westworld')
Ingrid Bolsø Berdal
17
Birthdate: March 2, 1980
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Nord-Trondelag

Norwegian actress Ingrid Bolsø Berdal is best known for her role in the  Norwegian slasher film Cold Prey, for which she won the Amanda Award (the Norwegian Film Award) for Best Actress. She is a versatile actress and has appeared in horror, thriller, drama, and romantic comedy genres. Besides films and TV shows, she also often acts in theater productions.

 30 
Sonja Henie
(Norwegian Figure Skater, Actress and Three-Time Olympic Gold Medallist)
Sonja Henie
10
Birthdate: April 8, 1912
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Oslo
Died: October 12, 1969
Sonja Henie wasn’t just a 3-time Olympic champion in figure skating but also proved to be a Hollywood superstar, with hits such as Thin Ice and My Lucky Star. She debuted at the Olympics at age 11 and also won 10 World Championships consecutively. She was also proficient in tennis, swimming, and skiing.
 31 
Martinus Gunnarsen
23
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: February 21, 2002
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: lverum

Martinus Gunnarsen is a Norwegian singer and one-half of the famous pop duo, Marcus & Martinus. Along with his twin brother Marcus, Martinus has released three successful studio albums to date. All their albums peaked at number one on VG-lista, a Norwegian record chart. In 2018, the brothers won the MAD Video Music Award under the Best International Act category.

 32 
Thor Heyerdahl
(Norwegian Adventurer and Ethnographer Known for His ‘Kon-Tiki’ and ‘Ra’ Transoceanic Scientific Expeditions)
Thor Heyerdahl
7
Birthdate: October 6, 1914
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Larvik
Died: April 18, 2002
Norwegian explorer Thor Heyerdahl’s early interest in nature was inspired by his museum worker mother’s keen interest in Darwin’s theory of evolution. He often went on treks accompanied by his dog and later lived on Fatu Hiva with his wife. His later expeditions included his Kon-Tiki and Easter Island trips.
 33 
Jo Nesbø
(Norwegian Writer and Musician)
Jo Nesbø
5
Listed In: Writers
Birthdate: March 29, 1960
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Oslo

Jo Nesbø is a Norwegian writer, economist, musician, and former reporter and footballer. By 2021, Nesbø was declared the most successful Norwegian author ever when his translated works sold over 50 million copies; Nesbø's work has been translated into more than 50 languages. He is also associated with the band Di Derre where he is the main vocalist and songwriter.

 34 
Lene Nystrøm
(Singer-songwriter and Female Lead Vocalist of the Danish-Norwegian Eurodance Group 'Aqua')
Lene Nystrøm
8
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: October 2, 1973
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Tønsberg Municipality

The 1990s’ superhit dance track Barbie Girl made both the Danish-Norwegian band Aqua and its lead singer, Lene Nystrøm, international sensations. While Lene dated fellow band member René, she later married another band member, Søren. She later appeared in the Varg Veum film franchise and also reunited with her band.

 35 
Cnut
(King of all England and Denmark and the Norwegians and Some of the Swedes)
Cnut
1
Birthdate: 0990 AD
Birthplace: Denmark
Died: November 12, 1035
 36 
Angelina Jordan
(Singer best known as the winner of Norway's Got Talent in 2014, at the age of nine)
Angelina Jordan
42
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: January 10, 2006
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Oslo
Height: 5'4" (163 cm)
 37 
Marcus Gunnarsen
(Norwegian Pop Singer Known for His Albums: ‘Hei’, ‘Together’ and ‘Moments’)
Marcus Gunnarsen
26
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: February 21, 2002
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Trofors

Marcus Gunnarsen is one half of the Norwegian pop-duo M&M, the other half being his twin brother, Martinus. They participated in and won the eleventh season of Melodi Grand Prix Junior in 2012. Their debut studio album Hei peaked at number 1 on the Norwegian Albums Chart. The twins have also appeared in a few TV shows and films. 

 38 
Queen Sonja of Norway
(wife of King Harald V)
Queen Sonja of Norway
11
Listed In: Miscellaneous
Birthdate: July 4, 1937
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Oslo
 39 
Alexander Rybak
(Singer, Violinist, Pianist and Actor)
Alexander Rybak
10
Listed In: Musicians
Birthdate: May 13, 1986
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Minsk

Alexander Rybak is a Belarusian-Norwegian singer-composer, violinist, and pianist. The son of two talented musicians, he began to play musical instruments when he was just five. He studied at the Barratt Due Institute of Music before beginning his career. Besides being a musician, he is also an actor and has appeared in many TV shows and films. 

 40 
Tobias Santelmann
(Norwegian Actor Best Known for His Films: ‘Kon-Tiki’ and ‘Jeg er din’)
Tobias Santelmann
2
Birthdate: August 8, 1980
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Freiburg

Tobias Santelmann is a German-born Norwegian actor best known for starring in the historical drama film Kon-Tiki. Interested in acting from a young age, he graduated from the Oslo National Academy of the Arts. Since then, he has been employed at The Norwegian Theatre in Oslo. He is also active in the TV and film industries.

 41 
Olaf II of Norway
(King of Norway)
Olaf II of Norway
2
Birthdate: 0995 AD
Birthplace: Ringerike
Died: July 29, 1030
 42 
Maud of Wales
( Queen of Norway as the Wife of King Haakon VII)
Maud of Wales
7
Birthdate: November 26, 1869
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: London
Died: November 20, 1938

Daughter of King Edward VII of Norway, Maud of Wales, was known for being a tomboy and had even been nicknamed Harry, after a valiant admiral. She married Prince Carl of Denmark. After Carl took over as King Haakon VII of Norway, Maud became the queen of Norway, too.

 43 
Erna Solberg
(Norway's 35th Prime Minister)
Erna Solberg
7
Listed In: Leaders
Birthdate: February 24, 1961
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Bergen

The 35th prime minister of Norway and the 2nd female Norwegian politician to hold the position, Erna Solberg now leads the Conservative Party and thus serves as the Leader of the Opposition. She previously earned the nickname Iron Erna for her stern decisions as Norway’s Minister of Local Government and Regional Development.

 44 
Karl Ove Knausgard
(Norwegian Writer Known for His Six Autobiographical Novels Titled 'My Struggle')
Karl Ove Knausgard
2
Listed In: Writers
Birthdate: December 6, 1968
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Oslo

Karl Ove Knausgard is a Norwegian author who achieved international prominence for writing six autobiographical novels named My Struggle. A critically acclaimed writer, Knausgård has won several prestigious awards such as the Norwegian Critics Prize for Literature, Brage Prize, Jerusalem Prize, and Swedish Academy Nordic Prize.

 45 
Veronica Ngo
(Actress and singer who won the award for Best Actress at the 2007 Vietnam Film Festival for her appearance in the film Haunted Manor.)
Veronica Ngo
10
Birthdate: February 26, 1979
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Cầu Kè District
Height: 5'7" (170 cm)
 46 
Astrid S
(Norwegian Singer-Songwriter Known for Her Singles 'Shattered' and '2AM')
Astrid S
8
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: October 29, 1996
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Berkåk
Astrid S came into the limelight with the show Pop Idol at 16. The Norwegian singer, known for songs such as Hurts So Good and 2AM, ditched a promising soccer career for music. Her track Relevant was entirely made out of lyrics contributed by her fans through social media.
 47 
Thea Sofie Loch Naess
(Actress)
Thea Sofie Loch Naess
2
Birthdate: November 26, 1996
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Kristiansand
Height: 5'7" (170 cm)
 48 
Ari Behn
(Author)
Ari Behn
5
Listed In: Writers
Birthdate: September 30, 1972
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Aarhus
Died: December 25, 2019

Ari Behn was a Norwegian author, visual artist, and playwright. He achieved international recognition in 2017 when his artwork was widely exhibited all over the world. Although he was married to Princess Märtha Louise, he remained a private citizen and held no title or special status. Behn committed suicide at the age of 47 after struggling with mental health problems.

 49 
Eric Bloodaxe
(King of Norway from 931 to 933)
Eric Bloodaxe
7
Birthplace: Svanoya
Died: 0954 AD

While some believe Eric Bloodaxe was the son of Norwegian king Harald Fairhair, others believe Danish king Harald Bluetooth was his father. True to his nickname, he was a barbarian Viking tyrant who slaughtered his four brothers for the Norwegian throne. Icelandic sagas mention he married a witch named Gunnhild. 

 50 
Christopher Heyerdahl
(Actor)
Christopher Heyerdahl
5
Birthdate: September 18, 1963
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: British Columbia
Height: 6'4" (193 cm)