Jon Øigarden

Jon Øigarden is a Norwegian actor born on 31 May 1971 in Oslo, whose career has spanned theatre, television and film with a reputation for intense, versatile performances. He graduated from the Norwegian National Academy of Theatre, where he honed a classical foundation that later allowed him to move fluidly between stage productions and screen roles. Between 1997 and 1999 he was a company member at Oslo Nye Teater, appearing in productions such as Carlo Goldoni’s Mirandolina and an adaptation of Graham Greene’s Travels with My Aunt, showcasing his early talent for both comedy and drama. Øigarden’s film debut came at the turn of the millennium with Detektor (2000) and the comedy Get Ready to Be Boyzvoiced (2000), establishing him as a rising presence in Norwegian cinema. His breakthrough on television arrived with the acclaimed series Mammon, where he portrayed journalist Peter Verås, a role that highlighted his capacity for nuanced, investigative characters. He later cemented his international profile with the role of Jarl Varg in the Netflix series Norsemen (2016‑2020), a performance praised for blending brutal Viking archetypes with sharp satire. From 2019 to 2023 Øigarden starred as Jeppe Schøitt in the critically lauded drama Exit, a three‑season saga that became the most‑streamed series in the history of Norwegian national television, further confirming his status as a leading actor of his generation. In addition to screen work, he co‑ran Torshovteateret alongside Mads Ousdal and Trond Espen Seim, demonstrating his commitment to theatrical innovation. Beyond his professional achievements, Øigarden is married to journalist Caroline Giertsen since 2001, and the couple have three children. His upcoming projects include the 2025 film The Battle of Oslo, which promises to add another compelling chapter to a career marked by relentless artistic evolution and a deep connection to Norway’s cultural narrative.