Alexander Skarsgård, the Emmy-winning star of Big Little Lies and Succession, recently discussed how his early acting career was shaped by his father, veteran actor Stellan Skarsgård. In a candid interview, he revealed that nepotism played a role in his first acting gig at just seven years old.
The Swedish actor, now 48, admitted that his debut in the 1984 film Åke and His World happened because of his father’s connections.
“It was a classic case of nepotism. A friend of my dad’s, the late actor-director Allan Edwall, gave me the role when I was seven.”
Despite his early start, Alexander initially quit acting at 13 after feeling overwhelmed by fame from his breakout role in The Dog That Smiled (1989).
“It was rough. I didn’t like being recognized. My confidence was down the drain. I was like, ‘This is terrible. I don’t want to keep doing this.’ I retired, threw in the towel at 13.”
After serving in the Swedish Navy and studying theater in New York, he returned to acting, eventually landing major roles in True Blood, The Legend of Tarzan, and HBO’s Succession.
Stellan Skarsgård: A Legendary Actor and Supportive Father
Stellan Skarsgård, 74, is one of Sweden’s most respected actors, with a career spanning over five decades. Known for films like Good Will Hunting, Mamma Mia!, and Dune, he has also worked extensively with director Lars von Trier (Breaking the Waves, Melancholia).
Despite his success, Stellan has always encouraged his children to pursue their own paths.
“I have never had ambitions for them, other than that they should be decent people. I have tried to show them that having a full life is not a selfish pursuit, but one that makes you of more value to your friends and family.”
Stellan has eight children—six from his first marriage to doctor My Skarsgård (Alexander, Gustaf, Sam, Bill, Eija, and Valter) and two with his second wife, writer Megan Everett (Ossian and Kolbjörn).
The Skarsgård Acting Dynasty
Four of Stellan’s sons—Alexander, Gustaf, Bill, and Valter—have followed in his footsteps as actors, making the Skarsgårds one of Hollywood’s most prominent acting families.
- Alexander Skarsgård – Best known for True Blood, Big Little Lies, and Succession.
- Gustaf Skarsgård – Played Floki in Vikings and starred in Westworld.
- Bill Skarsgård – Famous for playing Pennywise in It and roles in John Wick: Chapter 4 and The Crow (2025).
- Valter Skarsgård – Starred in Katla and the hockey biopic Börje.
Alexander has been open about his struggles with feeling like a “nepo baby,” despite his own success.
“I struggle daily with insecurities and desperately trying to find a reason why I don’t deserve a job. And then the go-to is because my dad’s an actor. It’s very convenient. After 20 years in the industry, I still thank my dad for every single job I get.”
The Skarsgård Family’s Unique Dynamic
Despite their fame, the Skarsgårds maintain a close-knit and down-to-earth family dynamic. Stellan has joked about the unusual nature of having so many actors in the family.
“I think they think everybody’s in a major blockbuster. All their siblings are in major blockbusters. I mean, that’s a way of life for them. It is weird.”
Bill Skarsgård has also spoken about the lessons he learned from his father.
“He did teach his kids to be good people and be nice. We should treat everyone, no matter who they are, the same.”
Alexander’s Journey Back to Acting
After quitting acting as a teen, Alexander took an unconventional path before returning to Hollywood. He served in the Swedish Navy, studied in England, and worked odd jobs before rediscovering his passion for acting.
His big break in the U.S. came with Generation Kill (2008), followed by True Blood. Since then, he has earned critical acclaim for Big Little Lies and Succession.
Despite his early doubts, Alexander now embraces his career—and acknowledges the role his father played in shaping it.
“I was adamant about not becoming an actor since my adolescence and wanted to be all on my own. However, I no longer recommend it and am glad to have pursued acting in the long run.”
The Future of the Skarsgård Legacy
With multiple projects in the works, the Skarsgård family shows no signs of slowing down.
- Alexander is set to star in the sci-fi comedy Murderbot.
- Bill will appear in The Crow (2025) and Boy Kills World.
- Stellan continues his role in Dune: Part Two and other major films.
While nepotism may have given Alexander his start, his talent and hard work have solidified his place in Hollywood—proving that the Skarsgård legacy is built on more than just family connections.
