Early Life and Education of Viggo Mortensen: A Complete Timeline
Discover the defining moments in the early life of Viggo Mortensen. From birth to education, explore key events.
Viggo Mortensen is an accomplished American actor and filmmaker recognized for his contributions to the film industry. He has garnered critical acclaim throughout his career, evidenced by nominations for prestigious awards including three Academy Awards, three BAFTA Awards, and four Golden Globe Awards. His versatile talent and dedication to his craft have solidified his position as a respected figure in entertainment.
8 hours ago : Aragorn Recast Confirmed for 'Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum'
Andy Serkis confirmed Aragorn is being recast for 'Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum'. Elijah Wood seemingly acknowledged the recasting rumors, noting filling Aragorn's shoes will be difficult.
October 20, 1958: Viggo Mortensen Born
On October 20, 1958, Viggo Peter Mortensen Jr. was born. He is an American actor and filmmaker, and has been nominated for multiple Academy Awards, BAFTA Awards, and Golden Globe Awards.
1961: Family moved to Venezuela
In 1961, Viggo Mortensen's family moved to Venezuela, then Denmark, and eventually settled in Argentina.
1962: Historical context of Green Book
The film Green Book, released in 2018, depicts a tour through the Jim Crow South from 1962 to 1963.
1963: Historical context of Green Book
The film Green Book, released in 2018, depicts a tour through the Jim Crow South from 1962 to 1963.
1969: Returned to the United States
In 1969, Viggo Mortensen, along with his mother and brothers, returned to the United States.
1976: Graduated from Watertown High School
In 1976, Viggo Mortensen graduated from Watertown High School.
1980: Earned Bachelor's Degree
In 1980, Viggo Mortensen earned a bachelor's degree in Spanish studies and government from St. Lawrence University in Canton, New York.
1986: Meeting Exene Cervenka
In 1986, Viggo Mortensen met singer Exene Cervenka on the set of the comedy Salvation!.
July 8, 1987: Marriage to Exene Cervenka
On July 8, 1987, Viggo Mortensen married singer Exene Cervenka.
January 28, 1988: Birth of Son, Henry
On January 28, 1988, Exene Cervenka gave birth to Viggo Mortensen's son, Henry.
1988: Volunteering for Jesse Jackson's Presidential Campaign
In 1988, Viggo Mortensen volunteered for Jesse Jackson's presidential campaign.
1992: Separation from Exene Cervenka
Viggo Mortensen and Exene Cervenka separated in 1992.
1997: Divorce from Exene Cervenka
Viggo Mortensen and Exene Cervenka divorced in 1997.
October 13, 2006: Gold Medal of León, Spain
On October 13, 2006, Viggo Mortensen was awarded the Gold Medal of the Province and the City of León, Spain.
2006: Honorary Doctorate from St. Lawrence University
In 2006, following his appearance in The Lord of the Rings, Viggo Mortensen was granted an honorary doctorate by his alma mater, St. Lawrence University.
2009: Protesting Toronto Film Festival's 'Spotlight on Tel Aviv'
In 2009, Viggo Mortensen signed a protest stating that the Toronto International Film Festival's "Spotlight on Tel Aviv" program implicitly condoned the Israeli occupation and marginalization of Palestinians.
2009: Relationship with Ariadna Gil
Since 2009, Viggo Mortensen has been in a relationship with Spanish actress Ariadna Gil.
2009: Wearing Collingwood Magpies Apparel
While promoting his 2009 film, The Road, Viggo Mortensen was seen wearing apparel indicating his support for the Australian Football League's Collingwood Magpies.
April 16, 2010: Knight's Cross of the Order of the Dannebrog
On April 16, 2010, Viggo Mortensen was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Order of the Dannebrog.
2010: Son's Graduation from Columbia University
In 2010, Viggo Mortensen's son, Henry, graduated from Columbia University with a B.A. in archaeology and began working at Perceval Press.
2011: Death of Georg Guðni Hauksson
In 2011, Viggo Mortensen's close friend, Icelandic painter Georg Guðni Hauksson, passed away. The two had previously collaborated on published books.
2015: Donation to Sinn Féin
In 2015, Viggo Mortensen donated $1,000 to Irish political party Sinn Féin.
2016: Endorsing Bernie Sanders and Jill Stein
In 2016, Viggo Mortensen endorsed Senator Bernie Sanders for U.S. president during the primaries. After Sanders' loss, Mortensen endorsed Green Party candidate Jill Stein and criticized Hillary Clinton's policies, further narrating a documentary about the election and its aftermath, The Revolution Televised.
2016: Caring for His Father
In 2016, Viggo Mortensen traveled to New York to take care of his father, who was battling dementia, and who died a year later.
2018: Membership in Òmnium Cultural
Since 2018, Viggo Mortensen has been a member of the Catalan NGO Òmnium Cultural, which promotes Catalan culture and language.
2019: Criticism of Vox Party Depiction
In 2019, Viggo Mortensen criticized Vox, a far-right Spanish party, for depicting him as Aragorn fighting social movements, stating it was absurd and misused the character's values.
May 2020: Reunited Apart
During the COVID-19 pandemic in May 2020, Viggo Mortensen joined the Lord of the Rings cast in Josh Gad's YouTube series Reunited Apart.
May 2020: Signing Open Letter on Gaza Blockade
In May 2020, Viggo Mortensen signed an open letter urging Israel to end its blockade of the Gaza Strip.
2022: Condemning Russian Invasion of Ukraine
In 2022, Viggo Mortensen condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine, affirming the nation's independence.
October 2023: Signing Artists4Ceasefire Letter
In October 2023, Viggo Mortensen signed the Artists4Ceasefire open letter to President Joe Biden, calling for a ceasefire in the Gaza war.
May 2024: Criticism of Javier Milei's Government
In May 2024, Viggo Mortensen criticized Javier Milei's Argentine government, labeling him a "clown" and "a puppet of the political right".
2024: Support for Ukraine
In 2024, Viggo Mortensen signed a petition urging Congress to continue sending aid to Ukraine. He also showed 'The Dead Don't Hurt' at the Mykolaichuk Open and gave his opening speech in Ukrainian.
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