Pilou Asbæk
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In this deeply personal and reflective episode of Nordic Portraits, Danish actor Pilou Asbæk opens up about his 20-year career, from his raw, chaotic audition for the 2009 prison film R to his breakout role in Borgen and global fame through Game of Thrones and other international projects. He candidly discusses the emotional toll of public life, the sacrifices made as a father and husband, and the internal struggle between artistic ambition and personal well-being. Asbæk reflects on the paradox of fame—how it brings recognition and joy but also erodes privacy and intimacy—while sharing vulnerable moments, including being photographed in public without consent and facing death threats over controversial roles. He also confronts the cultural backlash over his casting in Ghost in the Shell, emphasizing the importance of artistic freedom while acknowledging valid critiques around representation. Ultimately, he reveals a desire to step back, rekindle his love for acting by returning to its roots, and prioritize authenticity over performance, both on and off screen.
Acting is not just about talent—it's about discipline, preparation, and the courage to be vulnerable.
Fame comes with a cost: personal privacy and family time are often sacrificed for professional success.
The most powerful performances come from authenticity, not overcompensation—less is often more.
Artistic freedom must be balanced with cultural sensitivity, especially in diverse casting decisions.
True fulfillment comes from making those closest to you happy, not from pleasing the masses.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
The Birth of a Performer: Auditioning for R
“I just become full metal jacket, if you know what I mean. I just become rogue. And I just start screaming and yelling at his face, go like, I'm going to fucking kill you mother, kill you, kill you, kill you.”
From Prison to Politics: The Power of Contrast
“If I have an inmate in prison, then the next thing I did was Borgen. That's a political spin doctor. He's the exact opposite of this character.”
The Cost of Fame: Losing Privacy and Presence
“You're giving up your personal life. Or the opportunity to hang out with your friends and family in public spaces without being recognized or judged.”
The Ghost in the Shell Controversy and Cultural Responsibility
“I would feel very sad if I'm not allowed to act in projects because someone else feels it's inappropriate. Of course, there's things I don't want to do, but as an artist, I really want to fight for the right.”
Fatherhood, Sacrifice, and the Pandemic Pause
Asbæk shares his deep regret over missing key moments in his daughter’s life, including her first day of school. He credits the pandemic with giving him five months of uninterrupted family time—the best period of his life—where he rediscovered the joy of being present as a father and husband.
“You cannot please everyone. So please the ones where it makes sense... my wife and my daughter, my parents, my brothers, my nephews. Please the ones that is in your little life circle and make them happy.”
“You can hate me all your will. I will accept that. I chose my career. I chose a public persona. My wife and my daughter didn't. So you take those words out of your mouth or else I'm going to make you regret it.”
“I would feel very sad if I'm not allowed to act in projects because someone else feels it's inappropriate. Of course, there's things I don't want to do, but as an artist, I really want to fight for the right.”
Host
Guest
Pilou Asbæk
person
Borgen
other
R
media
Ben Catford
person
Game of Thrones
other
Anna Asbæk
person
Ghost in the Shell
media
Agnes Asbæk
person
Nordic Portraits
media
Tobias Lindholm
person
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