Biography
Who is Pernilla August?
Early life and background
Pernilla August was born as Mia Pernilla Hertzman-Ericson on February 13, 1958. Her birthplace is the Katarina church parish in Sweden. She began her acting path as a child, performing in school productions and local theater venues before pursuing professional training.
From 1979 until 1982, she attended the Swedish National Academy of Mime and Acting in Stockholm. This education provided the foundation for her later work with prominent Scandinavian directors.
Acting career and major roles
Her professional career began in 1975 with a minor role in the film Giliap. Shortly after, she caught the attention of director Ingmar Bergman, who cast her in the 1982 film Fanny and Alexander. This role initiated a two-decade creative partnership that included well-known works such as The Best Intentions, Private Confessions, and In the Presence of a Clown.
Internationally, she is widely recognized for portraying Shmi Skywalker, the mother of Anakin Skywalker, in George Lucas's Star Wars: Episode I, The Phantom Menace and Star Wars: Episode II, Attack of the Clones. She also voiced Madame Suliman in the Swedish dub of the animated film Howl's Moving Castle in 2004.
Directing work
Pernilla August expanded her career into directing and screenwriting. Her directorial debut occurred with the short film Time Bomb, released in 2005. She later moved into feature films, directing and writing the 2010 drama Beyond, which starred Noomi Rapace and Ola Rapace.
Beyond earned significant recognition, including a nomination as the Swedish entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 84th Academy Awards. The film also received multiple Guldbagge Awards, specifically for Best Director and Best Script.
Awards and personal life
Throughout her career, she has received numerous accolades for her performances and directorial work. These include the Cannes Film Festival Award for Best Actress for her role in The Best Intentions and the Guldbagge Award for Best Director. She has also been honored with the Litteris et Artibus medal, the Eugene O'Neill Award, and the Swedish Academy's Theatre Award.
Pernilla August has been married twice. Her first marriage was to Klas Östergren in 1982, with whom she had one daughter. The marriage ended in 1989. In 1991, she married director Bille August, and the couple had two daughters, Alba and Asta Kamma August. This marriage concluded in divorce in 1997.
Birthday and age
Pernilla August was born on February 13, 1958, which makes Pernilla 68 years old today. That birthday falls under the Aquarius sign. Pernilla shares the date with 23 other famous people.
Explore more
