Actor. Educated at the Royal Dramatic Theatre in Stockholm. His first theatre employment was at Svenska Teatern (The Swedish Theatre) in Vasa, Finland. Returning to Sweden his career went idle, and for a period he had great problems with earning his living. He managed to get along with minor roles, and then a number of light comedy films. The turning came in 1943 with the film “Natt i hamn”, which became his breakthrough. His career was very much connected to director, Ingmar Bergman, with whom he also became a close friend. As one of “Bergman’s actors” he acted in films like “Gycklarnas afton” (Sawdust and Tinsel, 1953) – which made his name internationally – “Sommarnattens leende” (Smiles of the Summer night, 1955), “Det sjunde inseglet” (The Seventh Seal, 1957) and “Smultronstället” (Wild Strawberries, 1957) among others. His last film with Bergman was Oscar-winning “Fanny och Alexander” (Fanny and Alexander, 1982/83). He also was a noted stage actor and acted in many plays for the Swedish television.      (bio by: Peter Robsahm)