Alexander Skarsgård, known for his role in “Infinity pool,” made an appearance on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” to address the mispronunciation of his last name. The 48-year-old actor clarified that his surname is actually pronounced as “Skarsgourd,” with the little umlaut indicating an ‘oua’ sound rather than an ‘a.’ This revelation came after his father, Stellan Skarsgård, shared the correct pronunciation during his own interview on the show.
The Skarsgård family has a history of name changes dating back to the mid-20th century when the Swedish government encouraged individuals to adopt unique last names to avoid confusion with common names like Nilsson and Johansson. Alexander, along with his brothers Gustaf, Sam, Bill, Valter, Ossian, and Kolbjörn, and sister Eija, adopted the name Skarsgård as a result of this initiative. Bill Skarsgård explained the family’s decision in a YouTube video, shedding light on the government’s role in promoting distinctive surnames.
During his appearance on the show, Alexander also shared a humorous anecdote about his father’s penchant for walking around the house naked during his teenage years. The “Murderbot” star revealed that his dad was not a fan of clothes at home, although he made an exception for his television appearance. This glimpse into the Skarsgård family dynamics added a touch of lightheartedness to the interview, showcasing the actor’s candid and down-to-earth demeanor.
As Alexander reflected on his early days in Hollywood, he recounted his unexpected debut in the US entertainment industry with a role in the 2001 comedy “Zoolander.” The actor, who was just 25 at the time, shared his disbelief at landing his first audition and finding himself on set with Ben Stiller in New York City. The experience of filming the iconic gasoline fight scene left a lasting impression on Alexander, marking the beginning of his successful career in the film industry.
Not really sure why this matters, but Alexander Skarsgård’s clarification of his last name pronunciation has sparked a wave of interest among fans and viewers. Maybe it’s just me, but I feel like these behind-the-scenes tidbits about celebrities add a personal touch to their public image. The Skarsgård family’s history of name changes sheds light on the cultural context in which these decisions were made, highlighting the impact of government policies on individual identities. Overall, Alexander’s interview on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” offered a glimpse into his family’s heritage and his journey in the entertainment industry, captivating audiences with his charm and wit.
