Lena Olin: A Journey Through Her Remarkable Life And Career

When you hear Lena Olin's voice, it's almost impossible to guess her origins. Born in Stockholm, this talented actress won an Oscar for her portrayal of a Holocaust survivor in the 1989 film Enemies, A Love Story. Over her illustrious four-decade career, Lena has convincingly played women from all walks of life and nationalities. She's a chameleon on screen, and her adaptability is one of the reasons she's so celebrated.

"I morph my English depending on the character I’m playing," Lena reveals in an exclusive interview with Closer. Currently starring in Amazon Prime's Hunters, she adopts a British, slightly German accent for her role. "It’s like I never really have my own accent in English!" she jokes. At 65, Lena continues to captivate audiences. Fans can look forward to her next project, the drama The Artist’s Wife, set for release on September 25.

Scroll on for Closer’s exclusive Q&A interview with Lena Olin.

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From Sweden to the Stage: Lena's Theatrical Roots

Growing up in Sweden, Lena was immersed in a world of theater. Her father was a writer, director, and actor, while her mother was an actress. Surrounded by the creative energy of actors, directors, and writers, Lena had little exposure to "normal" life. "My parents only wanted one thing for me—to be happy," she reflects. "That’s a tough wish to fulfill!" Lena admits. As the youngest child and the only girl, she was diligent in her studies, considering a career in medicine. However, she found her true calling in acting, where she discovered a sense of freedom and self-expression.

Pageantry and Early Career Challenges

Miss Scandinavia: A Title That Didn’t Stick

In 1974, Lena was crowned Miss Scandinavia, but the pageant world wasn’t her scene. "It wasn’t fun," she recalls. Eileen Ford, a prominent modeling agent from New York, offered to bring Lena to the U.S. to kickstart her modeling career. Eileen advised her to build her beauty credentials in Sweden first. Despite Eileen's confidence in her potential, Lena was too filled with anxiety and fear to take the leap. Modeling simply wasn’t her passion at that time.

A Breakthrough with Ingmar Bergman

At the age of 21, Lena was handpicked by the legendary Swedish director Ingmar Bergman for a role in one of his films. "Being chosen by Bergman gave me immense confidence," Lena says. "Working with him was an incredible experience. He taught me that talent alone isn’t enough; you have to work hard, learn the craft, and apply yourself fully." This early mentorship had a profound impact on Lena's career and outlook.

International Stardom and Personal Growth

Breaking Through with The Unbearable Lightness of Being

Lena's breakthrough came in 1988 with The Unbearable Lightness of Being, starring alongside Daniel Day-Lewis. Even today, the two remain close friends and neighbors in New York. "We recently caught up, and we reminisced about how much we supported each other during that shoot," Lena shares. Both were going through personal challenges at the time, and their collaboration provided comfort and strength. "Daniel is an extraordinary person and an incredible actor," she adds with admiration.

Television Success and New Audiences

Introducing Lena to TV Fans with Alias

Lena's role as Jennifer Garner's enigmatic mother on the first season of Alias introduced her to a broader audience. "It’s amazing that people still talk about Alias and loved it so much," Lena remarks. Her chemistry with Jennifer Garner was natural, almost familial. "We seemed related, and that connection was genuine," she says. The cast, including Victor Garber, became a cherished acting family for Lena.

Working with Al Pacino on Hunters

Lena's latest TV project, Amazon Prime's Hunters, has been a delightful experience. Working alongside Al Pacino has been particularly rewarding. "Al is such a cool guy," Lena says. "He doesn’t take anything for granted and is deeply curious about his craft. He wants to understand every action he takes on screen." Despite his iconic status, Pacino approaches his roles with humility and dedication. "He’s a sweet and generous person," Lena adds.

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Marriage and Collaboration with Lasse Hallström

A Creative Partnership That Works

Lena has been married to director Lasse Hallström since 1994, and their professional collaborations have been nothing short of magical. "We have an incredible shorthand on set," Lena explains. "And when we work in America, we can speak Swedish to each other, which adds a layer of mystery for everyone else!" Lena finds shooting with Lasse both romantic and inspiring. "He’s an extraordinary director, and working together is a joy," she gushes.

Lessons in Love and Authenticity

Lena believes that true love allows you to be your authentic self. "Through love, you discover who you really are," she reflects. "Honesty is key, and you must embrace a deeper understanding of yourself. Be true to who you are." This philosophy has guided Lena throughout her life and career.

The Artist’s Wife: Exploring Love and Sacrifice

In her latest film, The Artist’s Wife, Lena plays a woman who sets aside her own artistic dreams to support her husband, portrayed by Bruce Dern. "She’s not a victim," Lena emphasizes. "She made choices out of love." Lena sees her character as a strong survivor, not someone who sacrificed herself. "It’s fascinating to explore what we do for love," she muses. Lena relates to her character on a personal level, having made similar choices for her family and husband.

Family and Career Balance

Balancing her acting career with motherhood has been a rewarding journey for Lena. "I’m a hands-on mom, but it’s been beneficial for my children that I’ve been away working at times," she explains. "They’ve been exposed to different people and experiences, which has enriched their lives." Lena believes this upbringing has helped her children develop strong, loving relationships with others.

— Reporting by Amanda Champagne-Meadows