Famous Danish People

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 1 
Lars Ulrich
(Drummer and Co-founder of American Heavy Metal Band ‘Metallica’)
Lars Ulrich
55
Listed In: Musicians
Birthdate: December 26, 1963
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Gentofte

Musician, songwriter, and record producer, Lars Ulrich, is best known as the drummer and co-founder of American heavy metal band Metallica. Born into a family of tennis players, he was initially expected to play the sport as well. However, he was more interested in music and proceeded to pursue a successful career in the field. 

 2 
Hans Christian Andersen
(Danish Author Best Remembered for His Literary Fairy Tales)
Hans Christian Andersen
25
Listed In: Writers
Birthdate: April 2, 1805
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Odense
Died: August 4, 1875
Legendary Danish children’s author Hans Christian Andersen is remembered for his fairy tales, such as The Little Mermaid, The Little Match Girl, The Emperor's New Clothes, and Thumbelina, which have been appreciated by the young the old alike. Many of his tales have been adapted into films, ballets, and plays. 
 3 
Soren Kierkegaard
(Religious Author Who is Considered to be the First 'Existentialist' Philosopher)
Soren Kierkegaard
32
Birthdate: May 5, 1813
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Copenhagen
Died: November 11, 1855

Soren Kierkegaard was a Danish philosopher, theologian, social critic, poet, and religious author. Widely regarded as the first existentialist philosopher, Soren Kierkegaard is sometimes referred to as the Father of Existentialism. He is also credited with influencing many theologians, philosophers, and writers like Paul Feyerabend, Ludwig Wittgenstein, and Jorge Luis Borges.

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 4 
Peter Schmeichel
(Danish Former Professional Footballer Who Played as a Goalkeeper)
Peter Schmeichel
58
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: November 18, 1963
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Gladsaxe Municipality
Height: 6'3" (190 cm)
 5 
Niels Bohr
(Danish Physicist Who Made Foundational Contributions to Understanding Atomic Structure and Quantum Theory)
Niels Bohr
28
Listed In: Scientists
Birthdate: October 7, 1885
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Copenhagen
Died: November 18, 1962
Nobel Prize-winning Danish physicist Niels Bohr is remembered for his work on the atomic structure and quantum theory. He laid down the Bohr model of the atom and established the Niels Bohr Institute. The element Bohrium has been named after him. He was also part of the British nuclear project.
 6 
Tycho Brahe
(16th Century Danish Astronomer Who is Known for His Accurate and Comprehensive Astronomical Observations)
Tycho Brahe
20
Listed In: Scientists
Birthdate: December 14, 1546
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Knutstorp Manor
Died: October 24, 1601
Danish astronomer and writer Tycho Brahe, an heir to a noble family, was one of the last greatest naked-eye astronomers. According to the Tychonic system of astronomy, the Sun orbited the Earth. His assistant Johannes Kepler used Tycho's astronomical data to form his laws of planetary motion.
 7 
Mads Mikkelsen
(Danish Actor Known for His Role in Films: 'Pusher', 'Casino Royale' and the Series 'Hannibal')
Mads Mikkelsen
33
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: November 22, 1965
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Østerbro

Mads Mikkelsen is a Danish actor best known for his portrayal of Le Chiffre in the 2006 spy film Casino Royale, which earned him international recognition. One of the most celebrated and decorated Danish actors of his generation, Mads Mikkelsen has received several prestigious awards such as the Bodil Award, European Film Academy Achievement award, and Cannes Film Festival Award.

 8 
Giancarlo Esposito
(Actor and Director Best Known for His TV Series: ‘Breaking Bad’ and ‘Better Call Saul’)
Giancarlo Esposito
31
Birthdate: April 26, 1958
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Copenhagen

The winner of Critics' Choice Television Award, Giancarlo Esposito is known for playing a variety of roles in films and TV series. From portraying drug dealers to policemen, Esposito has proved his versatility in the American film industry. He has also been featured in popular video games, such as Payday 2 and Far Cry 6.

 9 
Ivar the Boneless
(Viking Warrior)
Ivar the Boneless
27
Birthdate: 0800 AD
Birthplace: Denmark
Died: 0873 AD
Viking leader Ivar the Boneless is known for his invasion of Anglo-Saxon England. Icelandic legends state that he was born with weak bones, as his father had broken a vow. He is also identified as Ímar, who founded the Uí Ímair Dynasty and ruled Northumbria and the Kingdom of Dublin.
 10 
Nikolaj Coster-Waldau
(Actor & Producer Known for His Role as ‘Jaime Lannister’ in the HBO Drama Series ‘Game of Thrones’)
Nikolaj Coster-Waldau
27
Birthdate: July 27, 1970
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Rudkøbing
After starring in films such as Black Hawk Down and Kingdom of Heaven, Danish actor Nikolaj Coster-Waldau amazed audiences with his iconic two-time Emmy-nominated role of Jaime Lannister in the series Game of Thrones. He first gained fame with the Danish film Nightwatch. He is also a UNDP Goodwill Ambassador.
 11 
Christian Eriksen
(Danish Professional Footballer Who Plays as a Midfielder)
Christian Eriksen
54
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: February 14, 1992
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Middelfart
Five-time Danish Football Player of the Year Christian Eriksen has gained fame as a Tottenham Hotspur midfielder, and now plays for Inter Milan. He has been Hotspur’s Player of the Year twice and became the only player apart from Beckham to score 10+ assists in four successive Premier League seasons.
 12 
Connie Nielsen
(Danish Actress)
Connie Nielsen
25
Birthdate: July 3, 1965
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Frederikshavn
Danish actor Connie Nielsen is best known for her award-winning role of Lucilla in Gladiator. She also appeared in the film One Hour Photo and in the series Boss and The Following. She played Hippolyta in DC films such as Wonder Woman. Nielsen is a polyglot who speaks eight languages.
 13 
Kevin Magnussen
(Racing driver)
Kevin Magnussen
10
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: October 5, 1992
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Roskilde
 14 
Kasper Schmeichel
(Danish Professional Footballer Who Plays as a Goalkeeper)
Kasper Schmeichel
21
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: November 5, 1986
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Copenhagen
Height: 6'2" (188 cm)
 15 
Margrethe II of Denmark
(Queen of Denmark)
Margrethe II of Denmark
12
Birthdate: April 16, 1940
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Copenhagen
Margrethe II, the reigning queen of Denmark, ascended to the throne after the death of her father, King Frederick IX, becoming the first female monarch of her country since Margrethe I. At 13, she was named her father’s heir through a constitutional amendment allowing daughters to inherit the Danish throne.
 16 
Alexandra of Denmark
(Former Queen Consort of the United Kingdom and British Dominions (1901 - 1910))
Alexandra of Denmark
16
Birthdate: December 1, 1844
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Copenhagen
Died: November 20, 1925
Alexandra of Denmark was the queen of the U.K. and the empress of India from 1901 to 1910, as the wife of King Edward VII. Her style of dressing inspired English fashion back then. She supported her son George V’s campaign against Germany, with the Allies, during World War I.
 17 
Michael Laudrup
(One of the Greatest Football Players of All Time.)
Michael Laudrup
9
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: June 15, 1964
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Frederiksberg
Height: 6'0" (183 cm)
 18 
Sandi Toksvig
(Danish-British Author Best Known for Hosting 'The News Quiz' on 'BBC Radio 4')
Sandi Toksvig
21
Listed In: Writers
Birthdate: May 3, 1958
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Copenhagen
Sandi Toksvig is best known as the host of shows such as News Quiz, QI, and The Great British Bake Off. The Women's Equality Party co-founder is also a lesbian icon and has written several children’s and adult books and plays. She hosted a motivational podcast during the COVID-19 lockdown. 
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 19 
Sigurd Snake-in-the-Eye
(Viking Warrior)
Sigurd Snake-in-the-Eye
3
Died: 0891 AD
Sigurd Snake-in-the-eye was a legendary Danish king and Viking warrior who lived in the 9th century. Scandinavian records state he was the son of Viking Ragnar Lodbrok and Áslaug. Some histories also identify him with King Sigfred. He was played by David Lindström in the History Channel series Vikings.
 20 
Lars von Trier
(Director and Screenwriter Known for His Films: ‘Dancer in the Dark’, ‘Breaking the Waves’ and ‘Europa’)
Lars von Trier
7
Birthdate: April 30, 1956
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Lyngby

Danish film director and screenwriter Lars von Trier has been active in the entertainment industry for almost four decades. He is known for exploring topics like existential issues, politics, mental health, etc. He is the recipient of numerous awards, including the Palme d'Or, the Grand Prix, and the Prix du Jury. He has seven Academy Award nominations as well.

 21 
George I of Greece
(Former King of Greece (1863 - 1916))
George I of Greece
6
Birthdate: December 24, 1845
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Copenhagen
Died: March 18, 1913

George I of Greece reigned as the king of Greece from 1863 until his murder in 1913. During his reign of nearly 50 years, which is the longest in the history of modern Greece, George helped expand Greece's territory significantly. During his reign, Greece also became increasingly prosperous and attained a popular place on the European stage.

 22 
Camille Pissarro
(Danish-French Impressionist and Neo-Impressionist Painter)
Camille Pissarro
2
Birthdate: July 10, 1830
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Charlotte Amalie
Died: November 13, 1903

Camille Pissarro was a Danish-French painter best remembered for his contributions to Impressionism, Neo-Impressionism, and Post-Impressionism. He is credited with establishing a group of 15 aspiring artists, for which he served as a pivotal figure. He was regarded as a father figure to several important painters, including Vincent Willem van Gogh.

 23 
Mary, Crown Princess of Denmark
(Wife of Frederik, Crown Prince of Denmark)
Mary, Crown Princess of Denmark
13
Birthdate: February 5, 1972
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Hobart

Mary Elizabeth Donaldson is the Crown Princess of Denmark and the Countess of Monpezat, as the wife of Frederik, Crown Prince of Denmark. She previously worked as a consultant for Microsoft and had met Prince Frederik at a Sydney pub when he in Australia for the 2000 Summer Olympics.

 24 
Cnut the Great
(King of Denmark)
Cnut the Great
5
Birthdate: 0990 AD
Birthplace: Denmark
Died: November 12, 1035
 25 
Frederik, Crown Prince of Denmark
(Prince of Denmark and Heir Apparent to the Danish Throne)
Frederik, Crown Prince of Denmark
13
Birthdate: May 26, 1968
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Rigshospitalet

Frederik, Crown Prince of Denmark is the first in order of succession to the Danish throne. Frederik has various interests that range from climate change to sports. He often encourages the people of Denmark to stay active and healthy. He has also established the Crown Prince Frederik's Foundation, which aims to provide financial support to students and encourage scientific expeditions.

 26 
Brian Laudrup
(Danish Former Professional Footballer Who Played as a Winger / Midfielder)
Brian Laudrup
13
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: February 22, 1969
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Vienna
Height: 6'1" (185 cm)
 27 
Gerda Wegener
(Danish Illustrator, Painter and Partner of Transgender Woman Lili Elbe)
Gerda Wegener
4
Birthdate: March 15, 1886
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Hammelev
Died: July 28, 1940

Gerda Wegener was a Danish painter and illustrator. She began painting as a young girl and received her training at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts. As a painter, she often depicted confident and elegant women performing a variety of activities in her works. She also painted fashion illustrations and what was labeled “lesbian erotica.” 

 28 
Nina Agdal
(Danish Model)
Nina Agdal
6
Listed In: Fashion
Birthdate: March 26, 1992
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Hillerød

Nina Agdal is a Danish model best known for appearing alongside Lily Aldridge and Chrissy Teigen on the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue's 50th-anniversary cover in 2014. Although Agdal had no modeling experience, she was signed by Elite Models Copenhagen, which kickstarted her career. She then went on to model for brands like Victoria's Secret, Billabong, and Adore Me.

 29 
Sweyn Forkbeard
(King of Denmark)
Sweyn Forkbeard
2
Birthdate: April 17, 0963
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Denmark
Died: February 10, 1014
 30 
Harald Bluetooth
(King)
Harald Bluetooth
7
Birthdate: 0910 AD
Birthplace: Jelling
Died: 0986 AD
 31 
Christian X
(Former King of Denmark (1912 - 1947))
Christian X
7
Birthdate: September 26, 1870
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Charlottenlund
Died: April 20, 1947
Christian X was the first Danish royal to complete high school, although he took up military education after this, following the royal tradition. He showed his resistance to Germans when he went on horse rides regularly during the German occupation. He later became an invalid after falling from his horse.
 32 
King Diamond
(Lead Vocalist and Lyricist for Both 'Mercyful Fate' and 'King Diamond')
King Diamond
9
Listed In: Musicians
Birthdate: June 14, 1956
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Hvidovre
Kim Petersen AKA King Diamond is as popular for his creepy Gothic face-painted look as he is for his heavy metal tracks. The Danish singer, who performs as part of the bands Mercyful Fate and King Diamond, claims he has had paranormal experiences and also follows Satanism and the occult.
 33 
Viktor Axelsen
(Danish Professional Badminton Player)
Viktor Axelsen
7
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: January 4, 1994
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Odense
Height: 6'4" (193 cm)
 34 
Karen Blixen
(Danish Writer Best Known for Her Works: 'Out of Africa' and 'Seven Gothic Tales')
Karen Blixen
3
Listed In: Writers
Birthdate: April 17, 1885
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Rungsted
Died: September 7, 1962

Danish author Karen Blixen is best known for her memoir Out of Africa, in which she shared her experiences of living in Kenya for a few years. She was popular across Europe and wrote under several pen names. She was awarded the Danish Holberg Medal in 1949. She was shortlisted several times for the Nobel Prize in Literature. 

 35 
Pierre-Emile Højbjerg
(Danish Professional Footballer Who Plays as a Central Midfielder)
Pierre-Emile Højbjerg
3
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: August 5, 1995
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Copenhagen
Height: 6'1" (185 cm)
 36 
Nicolas Winding Refn
(Director Best Known for His Films: 'Pusher' Trilogy, 'Bronson' and 'Valhalla Rising')
Nicolas Winding Refn
3
Birthdate: September 29, 1970
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Copenhagen

Nicolas Winding Refn is a Danish film director and producer. The son of a prominent film director, he made his directorial debut with the Danish crime film Pusher. He made his Hollywood debut with the English-language thriller film, Fear X. He is the co-founder of the Copenhagen-based production company Space Rocket Nation. He is married to actress Liv Corfixen. 

 37 
Andreas Christensen
(Danish Professional Footballer Who Plays as a Centre-Back)
Andreas Christensen
9
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: April 10, 1996
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Lillerød
Height: 6'2" (188 cm)
 38 
Simon Kjær
(Danish Professional Footballer Who Plays as a Centre-Back)
Simon Kjær
11
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: March 26, 1989
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Horsens
Height: 6'3" (190 cm)
 39 
Alex Hogh Andersen
(Actor)
Alex Hogh Andersen
15
Birthdate: May 20, 1994
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Slagelse

Alex Høgh Andersen is a Danish actor, photographer, and model. He is best known for his portrayal of Ivar the Boneless in the popular television series Vikings. A multi-talented personality, Alex Høgh Andersen spends his time dancing, singing, fencing, and learning stunts when he is not acting.

 40 
Birgitte Hjort Sørensen
(Danish Actress Known for Playing 'Katrine Fønsmark' in the Television Series 'Borgen')
Birgitte Hjort Sørensen
3
Birthdate: January 16, 1982
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Hillerød

Birgitte Hjort Sørensen is a Danish actress best known for her role as painter Marie Krøyer in the biographical film The Passion of Marie. She received a Robert Award for Best Actress nomination for this portrayal. She is also active on TV and has appeared in Martin Scorsese's HBO television series Vinyl. She made her Broadway debut in 2016. 

 41 
Prince Christian of Denmark
(Eldest child of Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary)
Prince Christian of Denmark
28
Listed In: Miscellaneous
Birthdate: October 15, 2005
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Copenhagen
 42 
Victor Borge
(Pianist and Comedian Known for His Popular Radio and TV Performances in Europe and the US)
Victor Borge
9
Birthdate: January 3, 1909
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Copenhagen
Died: December 23, 2000

Victor Borge was a Danish-American pianist, conductor, and comedian. He is best remembered for blending comedy and music for which he achieved popularity across Europe and the United States. Recipient of several prestigious awards, Borge received badges of chivalric orders from countries like Finland, Iceland, Denmark, Sweden, and Norway. In 1999, he received the Kennedy Center Honors.

 43 
Hans Christian Ørsted
7
Listed In: Scientists
Birthdate: August 14, 1777
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Rudkøbing
Died: March 9, 1851

Hans Christian Ørsted was a Danish chemist and physicist. He was the first person to discover that electric currents can be used to create magnetic fields. His discovery was the first relationship found between magnetism and electricity. Oersted, the unit of the auxiliary magnetic field H, is named in his honor.

 44 
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
 45 
Yussuf Poulsen
(Danish Professional Footballer Who Plays as a Striker)
Yussuf Poulsen
15
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: June 15, 1994
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Copenhagen
Height: 6'4" (193 cm)
 46 
Thomas Delaney
(Danish Professional Footballer Who Plays as a Defensive Midfielder)
Thomas Delaney
2
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: September 3, 1991
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Frederiksberg
Height: 6'0" (183 cm)
 47 
Frederick IX of Denmark
(King of Denmark (1947 - 1972))
Frederick IX of Denmark
4
Birthdate: March 11, 1899
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Sorgenfri Palace
Died: January 14, 1972

Frederick IX of Denmark reigned as the king of Denmark from 1947 until his death in 1972. Under his reign, the Danish society experienced a rapid change; the economy received a massive boost in the 1960s which allowed women to enter the labor market. In 1982, Frederick's statue was unveiled in Copenhagen, ten years after his death.

 48 
Lars Mikkelsen
(Danish Actor Known for His Role in the TV Series 'The Killing')
Lars Mikkelsen
8
Birthdate: May 6, 1964
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Copenhagen

Lars Mikkelsen is a Danish actor best known for playing the Russian president Viktor Petrov in the American series House of Cards on Netflix. As a young man, he began to study biology at the University of Copenhagen but quit midway to pursue a career in entertainment. He is the recipient of many awards, including an International Emmy Award. 

 49 
Nicklas Bendtner
(Danish Former Professional Football Player Who Played as a Forward)
Nicklas Bendtner
16
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: January 16, 1988
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Copenhagen

Nicklas Bendtner is a Danish football player. A tall and physically strong player, Nicklas Bendtner possesses a powerful header, which he often uses to good effect. Throughout the course of his career, he has played for popular teams like Arsenal Football Club and Juventus Football Club. He also represented his national team at the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

 50 
Anna Karina
(Danish-French Actress Best Known for Her Work With 'French New-Wave' Filmmaker Jean-Luc Godard)
Anna Karina
6
Birthdate: September 22, 1940
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Solbjerg
Died: December 14, 2019

Anna Karina was a Danish-French film actress, singer, and director. She often collaborated with French New Wave director Jean-Luc Godard and appeared in many of his films, including My Life to Live and Bande à part. She set up her own production company in 1972 and made her directorial debut with Vivre ensemble. She was also a published author.