Nikolaj Coster-Waldau Biography: Movies, TV Shows, Age, Wife, Net Worth, Height, Siblings, Children, Instagram, Awards

Nikolaj Coster-Waldau is a Danish actor and producer best known for his portrayal of Jaime Lannister in the HBO series Game of Thrones.

His nuanced performance as the complex character garnered him international acclaim and two Primetime Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series.

Before his rise to global prominence, Coster-Waldau had established a solid career in Danish cinema, with his breakthrough role in the 1994 film Nightwatch.

Profile

• Full name: Nikolaj William Coster-Waldau
• Date of birth: July 27, 1970
• Age: 55 years old
• Gender: Male
• Place of birth: Rudkøbing, Denmark
• Nationality: Danish
• Profession: Actor, Producer, Screenwriter
• Height: 6 feet 2 inches (1.88 meters)
• Parents: N/A
• Siblings: Two older sisters
• Spouse: Nukâka Coster-Waldau
• Children: Filippa Coster-Waldau and Safina Coster-Waldau
• Relationship status: Married
• Religion: N/A
• Ethnicity: Danish
• Net worth: $16 million

Early Life and Education

Nikolaj William Coster-Waldau was born on July 27, 1970, in Rudkøbing, Denmark. He was raised primarily by his mother alongside his two older sisters after his parents divorced. Details about his father remain undisclosed.

He spent his childhood in Tybjerg, a small village in southern Zealand. He later attended the Danish National School of Theatre and Contemporary Dance in Copenhagen, graduating in 1993. His exposure to the arts during this period laid a strong foundation for his acting career.

Personal Life

Coster-Waldau has been married to Greenlandic actress and singer Nukâka Coster-Waldau since 1998. The couple met in the mid-1990s and have two daughters, Filippa (born 2000) and Safina (born 2003). Filippa has followed in her father’s footsteps, appearing in Danish films. The family lives in Denmark and maintains a relatively private lifestyle.

Career

Nikolaj Coster-Waldau began his professional acting journey in Denmark, gaining recognition with his role in the thriller Nightwatch (1994). His compelling performance opened doors to more roles in Danish cinema and television.

In 2001, he made his Hollywood debut in Black Hawk Down, directed by Ridley Scott, portraying Gary Gordon, a Medal of Honor recipient. This role brought him into the international spotlight and led to appearances in Kingdom of Heaven (2005) and Firewall (2006).

His global breakthrough came in 2011 when he was cast as Jaime Lannister in HBO’s Game of Thrones. Across eight seasons, he portrayed Jaime’s journey from a smug and ruthless knight to a more introspective and conflicted man. His performance earned him two Emmy nominations and made him a household name.

Beyond Game of Thrones, he has appeared in:

• Oblivion (2013) with Tom Cruise
• The Other Woman (2014) alongside Cameron Diaz
• Shot Caller (2017), where he portrayed a businessman turned hardened convict

In 2022, he starred in and co-produced the Netflix historical survival drama Against the Ice, highlighting his growing involvement in filmmaking.

Awards

• Primetime Emmy Award nominee – Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series (2x)
• Empire Hero Award – 2015
• Ove Sprogøe Award – 2017

Net Worth

Nikolaj Coster-Waldau has an estimated net worth of $16 million. His wealth is primarily attributed to his role in Game of Thrones, film appearances, and production work.

Social Media

• Instagram: @nikolajwilliamcw
• X (Twitter): @nikolajcw

Filmography (Selected)

• Nightwatch (1994)
• Bent (1997)
• Black Hawk Down (2001)
• Enigma (2001)
• Stealing Rembrandt (2003)
• Kingdom of Heaven (2005)
• Firewall (2006)
• The Baker (2007)
• Headhunters (2011)
• Mama (2013)
• Oblivion (2013)
• The Other Woman (2014)
• Gods of Egypt (2016)
• Shot Caller (2017)
• Domino (2019)
• Against the Ice (2022)