Article Category: Viggo Mortensen

This page includes a generous excerpt (08'28) from the December 2002 Charlie Rose show transcript in which Viggo Mortensen, Elijah Wood and Peter Jackson appeared to discuss The Two Towers. Viggo wore a T-shirt emblazoned with "No More Blood On Oil" which provoked a dialogue on current events.

"He paints, writes, and photographs, and on the side he is a Hollywood star (Lord of the Rings). No wonder that Viggo Mortensen looks a little tired sometimes..."

Viggo Mortensen, whose filmography has seen him work in almost every movie genre there is, from Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 to The Portrait of a Lady, is seen as the potential saviour of Middle-earth in The Two Towers. As the action hero of the movie, however, he has a lot more on his plate than […]

Critically acclaimed supporting actor Viggo Mortensen made his feature film debut playing Alexander Godunov’s Amish brother in Witness (1985). The suave, handsome actor has subsequently portrayed a wide variety of characters, often unapologetic bad boys, opposite some of Hollywood’s most popular actors, including Sean Penn, Sylvester Stallone, Demi Moore, and Nicole Kidman. Born in New […]

Surrounded by the orcs, elves and hobbits of Middle-earth, you could be forgiven for thinking that no mere mortal would have a chance of standing out in Peter Jackson’s epic adaptation of The Lord of the Rings. But if one actor soared high above all others in part one, last year’s Fellowship OF The Ring, […]

Though the interviewer talks about Viggo Mortensen's work in The Lord of the Rings and other films, the bulk of this article focuses on Viggo's poetry and artistic pursuits, and on the changes that fame has brought to his life. You'll find several memorable quotes from John Rhys-Davies and other people that Viggo has worked with. Don't miss the photographs by Perou, including the famous cover photo with the blue scarf.

Extensive in-depth article on Viggo's film career, his role as Aragorn, the challenge of dealing with new-found fame, creative pursuits, his relationship with Henry, the filming of Hidalgo, and philosophy of life. Wonderful photos by Terry Richardson. Excerpt: "Throughout an hour of conversation, these themes are woven into the fabric of every thought: an open mind; humility; doing your best; a constant quest to learn and enrich your life. 'There is only one kind of actor, and that's a supporting actor,' he says, meaning that even in a lead role you are always supporting the vision of the director. 'In a movie, you're raw material, just a hue of some colour and the director makes the painting.'"

It was only tabloid gossip, but relatives in Denmark rejoiced when they read that Viggo Mortensen was dating his A Perfect Murder costar Gwyneth Paltrow a few years back. "Maybe she'll make you pay more attention to your own grooming," they told him. Not a chance. The Manhattan-born actor ... prefers painting ... to primping.

A report from the opening reception for Signlanguage at the Track 16 Gallery, 2-Feb-2002. The reporter includes perspectives from Viggo, Dennis Hopper, Elijah Wood, and Dominic Monaghan in addition to her own descriptions of and reactions to the work.

Report of a rumor that Viggo would star in Borgia.

"If one day he should abandon the movie business he wouldn't be too upset. Viggo Mortensen tell Ciak how painting, taking photographs or making music are the most stimulating passions in his life."

Meet Strider, shady man of Middle-Earth, prowling the land, sleeping rough and menacing young Hobbits in Bree-land taverns. Underneath the muddy hood and travel-stained cloak hides the noble Aragorn, son of Arathorn, elf-friend, chieftain of the Dúnedain of Arnor, wielder of the sword that was broken and long-lost heir to the throne of Gondor. Both […]

Argentinean interview focuses on Viggo Mortensen's immersion into the role of Aragorn, and on his view of world politics. He comments on the parallels between Tolkien's tales and the current state of Argentina and the world.

Viggo Mortensen talks about the physical and other challenges of playing Aragorn in The Lord of the Rings.

"Liv, Gwyneth, Demi and Nicole—The Lord of the Rings star Viggo Mortensen says they've all been great to work with."

He wasn’t the first choice to play Aragorn but Viggo Mortensen’s attention to authenticity and devotion to detail means that the role is now his own. Enigmatic, brooding, handsome… This is part of the official casting description for the character of Aragorn in The Lord of the Rings trilogy. These words go a long way […]

A brief interview with Viggo regarding his immersion into the role of Aragorn, sword training and his "war wounds" from the filming.

Viggo talks about preparing for and filming The Lord of the Rings. Excerpt: "I can say it, my conscience is clear," he says without a hint of vanity. "I did my best to study and find as much as I could. I read everything I could that was connected to Strider or Aragorn or his environment, to represent that character. I feel I did the best I could under the circumstances."

Viggo Mortensen arrives on time at the touristy Chart House restaurant off L.A.’s Pacific Coast Highway. His cheeks are pink from sunburn; his hair is slicked-back and wet. He has the relaxed air of someone who has spent the day outdoors being reminded of life’s immensities—the sea, the desert—and is relieved to have been reminded. […]