Noomi Rapace (born Noomi Norén on 28 December 1979) is a Swedish actress renowned for her versatile performances in both Scandinavian and international films. She gained global recognition for her portrayal of Lisbeth Salander in the Swedish film adaptations of Stieg Larsson's Millennium trilogy.

Early Life and Education

Born in Hudiksvall, Sweden, Rapace is the daughter of Swedish actress Nina Norén and Spanish flamenco singer Rogelio de Badajoz. Her parents separated when she was young, and she spent part of her childhood in Iceland with her mother and stepfather. At the age of 15, Rapace moved to Stockholm to pursue a career in acting, studying at the Skara Skolscen and later at the Södra Latin school.

Career

Breakthrough Role: Millennium Trilogy

Rapace's international breakthrough came with her role as Lisbeth Salander in the Swedish film adaptations of Stieg Larsson's Millennium series:

• The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2009)
• The Girl Who Played with Fire (2009)
• The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets' Nest (2009)

Her compelling performance earned her numerous accolades, including a Guldbagge Award and nominations for a BAFTA Award and an International Emmy Award.

International Film Roles

Following her success in the Millennium trilogy, Rapace expanded her career with notable roles in various international films:

• Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows (2011) – Portrayed Madame Simza Heron.
• Prometheus (2012) – Played Dr. Elizabeth Shaw in Ridley Scott's science fiction film.
• Dead Man Down (2013) – Starred alongside Colin Farrell in this crime thriller.
• The Secrets We Keep (2020) – Featured in a post-World War II thriller.
• Black Crab (2022) – Played Caroline Edh in this Swedish action thriller.

Television

In addition to her film career, Rapace has appeared in television series:

• Constellation (2024) – Played Jo Ericsson, an astronaut dealing with the aftermath of a space disaster.

Personal Life

Rapace was previously married to Swedish actor Ola Norell in 2001, with whom she has a son named Lev, born in 2003. The couple divorced in 2010. As of 2023, Rapace is not married and has maintained a relatively private personal life.

References

1. Noomi Rapace - Wikipedia
2. Noomi Rapace - IMDb
3. Noomi Rapace | Biography, Movies, & Facts | Britannica
4. Noomi Rapace - The Movie Database (TMDB)
5. Noomi Rapace List of Movies and TV Shows - TV Guide