Nikolaj Coster-Waldau
Biography
Nikolaj William Coster-Waldau is a Danish actor born on July 27, 1970, in Rudkobing, Denmark. He graduated from the Danish National School of Performing Arts in Copenhagen in 1993 and quickly established himself in Danish cinema and television.
Coster-Waldau achieved worldwide recognition as Jaime Lannister, the complex "Kingslayer," in HBO's Game of Thrones (2011-2019). His layered portrayal of the morally ambiguous knight whose journey from apparent villain to sympathetic antihero became one of the show's most compelling character arcs.
Beyond Game of Thrones, Coster-Waldau has appeared in films including Black Hawk Down (2001), Oblivion (2013), Gods of Egypt (2016), and Shot Caller (2017). He has been a UNDP Goodwill Ambassador since 2018, advocating for climate action and sustainable development.
Known For
Other Notable Roles
- Gary Gordon in Black Hawk Down (2001)
- Jacob Harlon in Shot Caller (2017)
- Horus in Gods of Egypt (2016)
Awards & Recognition
- 🏆 Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Ensemble in a Drama Series (Game of Thrones)
- 🏆 Primetime Emmy Nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series (Game of Thrones)
Frequently Asked Questions
He is best known for playing Jaime Lannister in Game of Thrones (2011-2019).
He was born in Rudkobing, Denmark, on July 27, 1970.
Yes, he has been a UNDP Goodwill Ambassador since 2018, focusing on climate action and sustainable development.