Nikolaj Coster-Waldau – Biography, Age, Wife, Height and Net Worth
Nikolaj Coster-Waldau is a Danish actor, producer, and screenwriter who became a global household name for his portrayal of Jaime Lannister in HBO’s Game of Thrones. Born on 27 July 1970 in Rudkøbing, Denmark, he trained at the Danish National School of Theatre and Contemporary Dance in Copenhagen before building a career that spans European cinema, Hollywood blockbusters, and television dramas. His work has earned him two Primetime Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series.
Coster-Waldau’s early breakthrough came in his native Denmark with the film Nightwatch (1994), after which he moved into international projects. He made his stage debut as Laertes in Hamlet and gained early U.S. television experience as the lead in New Amsterdam (2008). His filmography includes major titles such as Black Hawk Down (2001), Kingdom of Heaven (2005), Oblivion (2013), and Shot Caller (2017). Beyond acting, he has worked as a producer and screenwriter, most notably on Against the Ice (2022).
Married to Greenlandic actress and singer Filippa Coster-Waldau (formerly Nukâka) since the late 1990s, he is the father of two daughters. While his net worth is frequently estimated in the range of $14–18 million, no officially verified figure exists. Coster-Waldau is also recognized for his advocacy on climate action and equality, maintaining a balance between big-budget productions and personal, documentary-style projects.
Who Is Nikolaj Coster-Waldau?
July 27, 1970 (age 55)
Danish
6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Filippa Coster-Waldau (m. 1998)
Key Insights at a Glance
- Global fame came from playing Jaime Lannister in Game of Thrones (2011–2019).
- Received two Primetime Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actor.
- Early breakthrough in Denmark with Nightwatch (1994).
- Married to Filippa Coster-Waldau since 1998; they have two daughters.
- Served in the Danish Royal Life Guards before pursuing acting.
- Estimated net worth of around $16 million (estimates range from $14 million to $18 million).
Fast Facts About Nikolaj Coster-Waldau
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Nikolaj William Coster-Waldau |
| Date of Birth | 27 July 1970 |
| Place of Birth | Rudkøbing, Denmark |
| Height | 1.83 m (6 ft 0 in) |
| Spouse | Filippa Coster-Waldau (m. 1998) |
| Children | 2 daughters |
| Famous Role | Jaime Lannister (Game of Thrones) |
| Net Worth | Estimated $16 million |
What Is Nikolaj Coster-Waldau Best Known For?
The Role of Jaime Lannister in Game of Thrones
Coster-Waldau portrayed Jaime Lannister from 2011 to 2019, appearing in all eight seasons of the HBO series. Introduced as a member of the powerful Lannister family, the character undergoes a significant arc that made him one of the show’s most complex figures. The role not only brought him international recognition but also two Emmy nominations. Sources consistently describe this performance as the one that defined his career.
Jaime Lannister started as an antagonist – the man who pushed Bran Stark from a tower – but gradually evolved into a conflicted anti-hero. Coster-Waldau’s portrayal captured this transformation with nuance, earning praise from critics and fans alike for making a morally ambiguous character compelling.
His Role in Black Hawk Down
In 2001, Coster-Waldau appeared in Ridley Scott’s war film Black Hawk Down, which depicted the Battle of Mogadishu. Although a supporting role, the film marked his first major Hollywood production and introduced him to a wider international audience. He played Staff Sergeant Gary Gordon, a Delta Force operator; the real-life Gordon was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.
What Movies and TV Shows Has Nikolaj Coster-Waldau Been In?
Complete Nikolaj Coster-Waldau Movie List
His filmography spans Danish productions and Hollywood features. Key films include Nightwatch (1994), Black Hawk Down (2001), Enigma (2001), Kingdom of Heaven (2005), A Thousand Times Good Night (2013), Oblivion (2013), The Other Woman (2014), Gods of Egypt (2016), Shot Caller (2017), Small Crimes (2017), and Against the Ice (2022), which he also co-wrote and produced. He has been described as an actor who moves fluidly between European arthouse and Hollywood action.
Nikolaj Coster-Waldau TV Show Appearances
Before Game of Thrones, Coster-Waldau was the lead in the U.S. television series New Amsterdam (2008), a crime drama set in New York. Some biographies consider this his significant U.S. television breakthrough. He has also made guest appearances in Scandinavian productions and appeared in documentary series focused on climate and travel.
Biographies emphasize that Coster-Waldau’s career demonstrates a deliberate variety – from the fantasy epic of Game of Thrones to the intimate Danish drama A Thousand Times Good Night and the survival thriller Against the Ice. This breadth has allowed him to work with directors such as Ridley Scott, Joseph Kosinski, and Baltasar Kormákur.
Who Is Nikolaj Coster-Waldau Married To?
Nikolaj Coster-Waldau’s Wife: Filippa Coster-Waldau
Coster-Waldau is married to Filippa Coster-Waldau (née Nukâka), a Greenlandic actress, singer, and former Miss Greenland. The couple married in either 1997 or 1998, depending on the source; both agree on the late 1990s timeline. They have two daughters, commonly named Safina and Filippa. The family splits time between Denmark and Los Angeles, maintaining close ties to Danish film productions.
Despite the demands of an international career, Coster-Waldau has kept his family life relatively private. His wife, Nukâka, is also a cultural figure in Greenland, and the couple have supported each other’s professional pursuits. Biographies note that he often returns to Denmark for projects and family commitments.
How Did Nikolaj Coster-Waldau’s Career Progress Over Time?
- 1970 – Born in Rudkøbing, Denmark.
- 1994 – Breakthrough role in the Danish film Nightwatch.
- 1998 – Married to Filippa Coster-Waldau.
- 2001 – Played in Black Hawk Down, his first major Hollywood film.
- 2011 – Cast as Jaime Lannister in HBO’s Game of Thrones.
- 2019 – Game of Thrones concluded after eight seasons.
- 2022 – Starred in and co-wrote Against the Ice.
What Is Known and What Remains Unclear About Nikolaj Coster-Waldau?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Date of birth (27 July 1970) and age | Exact net worth – estimates range from $14 million to $18 million, but no official figure has been confirmed |
| Marriage to Filippa Coster-Waldau | Future project announcements – before official studio release, details are speculative |
| Role of Jaime Lannister in Game of Thrones | – |
| Filmography credits (as listed above) | – |
What Is the Broader Context of Nikolaj Coster-Waldau’s Career?
Coster-Waldau’s career trajectory reflects a successful transition from European arthouse cinema to a global television phenomenon. His work in Game of Thrones remains a cultural touchstone, but he has actively diversified into producing and documentary filmmaking. He splits his time between Denmark and Los Angeles, maintaining strong ties to Danish film productions. Biographical sources also note his advocacy for climate action and equality, positioning him as an actor who uses his platform for broader issues.
What Have Critics and Interviewers Said About Him?
“Jaime Lannister is a character that people love to hate, and then learn to love.”
— Interview with The Guardian (2019)
“I try to alternate between big productions and smaller, more personal projects.”
— Variety (2024)
What Is the Key Takeaway About Nikolaj Coster-Waldau?
Nikolaj Coster-Waldau is a versatile Danish actor who rose to global fame through Game of Thrones but maintains a diverse career across film, television, and documentary production. His ability to move between European and Hollywood projects, along with his work as a producer and climate advocate, makes him a distinctive figure in contemporary entertainment. For a comparison with another internationally successful actor, see Tom Hardy – Biography, Movies, Net Worth and Height 2025 or Jude Law – Biography, Movies, Family, Net Worth and Height.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Nikolaj Coster-Waldau’s height?
He is 6 feet 0 inches (1.83 m) tall.
How many children does Nikolaj Coster-Waldau have?
He has two daughters with his wife Filippa.
Where was Nikolaj Coster-Waldau born?
He was born in Rudkøbing, Denmark.
Is Nikolaj Coster-Waldau active on Instagram?
Yes, his handle is @nikolajwilliamcw.
How many Emmy nominations has he received?
He has received two Primetime Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for Game of Thrones.
Does he have any producing credits?
Yes, he produced and co-wrote Against the Ice (2022) and has been involved in documentary projects.
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