Claes Bang

Claes Kasper Bang, born on 28th April 1967, is a highly renowned Danish actor and musician. He rose to fame for his lead role as Christian in Ruben Östlund's 2017 film The Square, which brought the Cannes Film Festival Palme d'Or to his credit. He was praised for his portrayal of Fjölnir in Robert Eggers's 2022 film, The Northman. Year 2019 saw Bang as Sasha Mann for the final instalment of The Affair. Bang achieved international recognition with his revered role as Count Dracula in the BBC/Netflix series Dracula (2020). He became the first Dane to bag the European Film Award for Best Actor for The Square. Alongside his impressive acting portfolio, Bang has also pursued a distinguished music career under the pseudonym This Is Not America.

In his early life, Bang was majorly raised by his father post his parents' divorce, and consequently, in multiple homes. This resulted in him attending several different schools throughout his growing years. His acting interest was kindled during his high school years when he participated in the musical Hair, and furthered his passion in amateur theatre post school. At 23, he applied for the Danish National School of Theatre. After an initial unsuccessful attempt, he made into the school the next year, just before turning 25. He graduated in 1996. Since his graduation, Bang worked mainly on stage and television in Denmark. Bang's first breakthrough role came in the Danish 1997 television show Taxa. His ambitious career and global popularity encompass years from 1996 to present.