Helena Bergström

Biography

Helena Bergström, born on February 5, 1964, in Kortedala, Gothenburg, is a celebrated Swedish actress with deep roots in the performing arts. She hails from a notable theatrical lineage, being the granddaughter of renowned actor Olof Widgren and the daughter of director Hans Bergström and actress Kerstin Widgren. Helena is married to filmmaker Colin Nutley, frequently collaborating with him as the leading lady in his films.

Recognized as one of Sweden's premier stage actresses, she has taken on significant roles in classic plays such as "Miss Julie," "Twelfth Night," "Pygmalion," "Piaf," "A Doll's House," and even portraying Hamlet in "Hamlet." In the fall of 2008, she was set to star as Sally Bowles in the Stockholm City Theatre's production of "Cabaret."

Interestingly, despite her theatrical background, Helena initially dreamed of a life with animals. At 15, she spent a transformative year as an exchange student in Mississippi, where her passion for theatre ignited. After returning to Sweden, she secured a role in a television series but faced challenges in gaining admission to drama school, ultimately succeeding on her third attempt in 1985 with guidance from Margreth Weivers.

Helena graduated from the Swedish National Academy of Mime and Acting in 1988 and began her professional journey at both the Dramaten Theatre and Stockholm City Theatre. Her breakout role came in the 1989 film "1939," leading to further recognition in Nutley’s productions, including "Blackjack" (1990) and the acclaimed "Änglagård" (1992). Her remarkable performance in Nutley’s "The Last Dance" earned her multiple awards, including Best Actress at various film festivals.

In 2007, she ventured into directing with her debut film "Mind the Gap." Helena is a devoted mother to a son and daughter with Nutley, balancing her artistic career with family life