Baard Owe

Baard Arne Owe (3 July 1936 – 11 November 2017) was a Norwegian‑born Danish actor whose career spanned more than five decades across film, television and stage. Born in the small town of Mosjøen in Norway, Owe grew up surrounded by the stark natural landscapes that later informed his brooding screen presence. He pursued formal training at the National School of Theater in Oslo, where he refined his craft before moving to Denmark to apprentice at the Aalborg Theatre, completing his apprenticeship in 1958. His early exposure to both Norwegian and Danish theatrical traditions gave him a unique bilingual fluency that made him a natural fit for cross‑Scandinavian productions. In 1962 Owe appeared as a performer in the Eurovision Song Contest, a high‑profile event that boosted his public profile and opened doors to television work. Over the following years he built a reputation as a versatile character actor, appearing in a variety of roles ranging from stern authority figures to tender, introspective protagonists. He is perhaps best remembered for his memorable turn in Lars von Trier’s television series The Kingdom, where his nuanced performance contributed to the show’s cult status, and for his starring role in the Danish drama Hotellet, which cemented his status as a household name in Denmark. Owe also delivered acclaimed performances in the films Gertrud, O’ Horten, and the English‑language thriller Good Favour, demonstrating his ability to transition seamlessly between national cinemas. His later work included a supporting role in the Danish crime film C4, released shortly before his death. Off‑screen, Owe married fellow actress Marie‑Louise Coninck, and together they raised four children, balancing family life with a demanding schedule. He succumbed to lung cancer at his Copenhagen home on 11 November 2017, leaving behind a legacy of artistic dedication that continues to inspire actors throughout Scandinavia.