MARGARETHA KROOK, SWEDISH ACTRESS

 


Statue of Margaretha Krook, a renowned Swedish actress at the Royal Dramatic Theatre, in central Stockholm, Sweden

Margaretha Knutsdotter Krook (1925–2001) was a renowned Swedish actress, celebrated for her versatility in dramatic and comedic roles across stage, film, and television. Born in Stockholm and raised in Norrtälje, she developed a passion for performing, inspired by witnessing a film shoot as a child. She trained at the Royal Dramatic Theatre (Dramaten) acting school, debuting in 1948 as Betsey in David Copperfield. Her career spanned over fifty years. Krook excelled in powerful portrayals of dramatic characters, such as Mother Courage and Gertrude Stein, and comedic roles like Flora in Release the Prisoners to Spring, for which she won a Guldbagge Award for Best Actress. She also appeared in films like Persona, The Adventures of Picasso, and Gossip. Her television and radio work included popular programs like Estrad and På minuten, where her skills shone. She received numerous accolades, including the Eugene O’Neill Award, the Gösta Ekman stipend, the Litteris et Artibus medal, the Illis quorum, and the Teaterförbundet gold medal. She recited Tennyson’s New Year’s Eve poem at Skansen, broadcast live on Swedish television, becoming the first woman to do so. Krook passed away from lung cancer in 2001. Her bronze statue, maintained at 37°C, stands outside Dramaten at the spot where she took cigarette breaks, honoring her wish to avoid a “cold” monument.

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