Fridtjov Såheim

Fridtjov Såheim, born 2 July 1968, is a versatile Norwegian performer renowned for his work both on stage and screen. Raised in Norway, he embarked on his professional journey in 2003 and quickly became a fixture at the country’s most prestigious theatres, including Den Nationale Scene, Rogaland Teater, and Nationaltheatret. At Rogaland Teater he not only acted—taking on the tormented title role in Woyzeck and the conflicted Raskolnikov in Crime and Punishment—but also proved his directorial skill by staging adaptations of Anton Chekhov’s Uncle Vanya and Jon Fosse’s Dei døde hundane. His theatrical repertoire earned him critical acclaim and solidified his reputation as a leading figure in Norway’s cultural scene. In parallel with his stage achievements, Såheim has built a substantive film and television career. He garnered national attention with a principal role in the 2006 dark comedy The Art of Negative Thinking and portrayed the legendary playwright Henrik Ibsen in the documentary Løven – Henrik Ibsen. His performance in the 2013 film Victoria earned him the Amanda Award for Best Supporting Actor, underscoring his cinematic impact. Television audiences came to recognize his talent through memorable characters such as Jan Johanson in the internationally‑watched series Lilyhammer, the no‑nonsense slave Odd in the comedic Viking satire Norsemen, and Sindre in Netflix’s myth‑based drama Ragnarok. More recent work includes a cameo as himself on Trailer Park Boys: Out Of The Park: Europe, the role of Minister of Defence Frederick Markussen in the monster film Troll (2022), and the portrayal of Lieutenant August Bonsak in the 2025 war drama The Battle of Oslo. Throughout his career, Såheim has consistently demonstrated a rare blend of dramatic intensity, comedic timing, and directorial insight, making him one of Norway’s most respected and dynamic artists.