Viggo Mortensen’s powerful performances, commanding presence, and fearless acting style have won over audiences for years. But there’s another side to the Hollywood star that has sparked significant attention beyond his on-screen roles.
Over the years, Mortensen has been photographed sharing passionate kisses with a certain person, sparking rumors and speculation about the true nature of their relationship. Now, the actor is finally speaking up on the topic, and you might be surprised by what he says.
At 66, Mortensen is known worldwide for his iconic role as Aragorn in The Lord of the Rings and has earned three Academy Award nominations. However, there’s more to him than just his career in Hollywood. He has had a deep, long-lasting connection with someone very important in his life for decades.
Born to an American mother and Danish father, Mortensen’s early life was far from conventional. He lived in Venezuela, Denmark, and Argentina before moving back to the U.S. at 11. After graduating from St. Lawrence University, he had various jobs in Denmark before entering the world of acting.
Though his film debut in The Purple Rose of Cairo (1985) saw his scenes cut, Mortensen persisted and began carving out his career. By 1997, his role in G.I. Jane brought him recognition, though the film itself didn’t perform well. But it was his portrayal of Aragorn that would cement his place in cinematic history.
As the Lord of the Rings trilogy’s greatest swordsman, Mortensen’s dedication to the role was evident. He performed most of his own stunts and was even praised by the movie’s sword master. His commitment to his craft continued in films like Hidalgo (2004), where he did his own riding stunts.
His professional journey has also been intertwined with Canadian filmmaker David Cronenberg. The two first met at the 2001 Cannes Film Festival, and their immediate chemistry led to a fruitful collaboration. Mortensen starred in A History of Violence (2005), which marked the beginning of a strong partnership. Their bond was not only professional but deeply personal, as seen in their affectionate public displays of affection, including a passionate kiss at a press event in 2006.
Their connection has continued through films like Eastern Promises (2007) and A Dangerous Method (2011), and in 2014, Mortensen presented Cronenberg with a Lifetime Achievement Award. He publicly praised Cronenberg, who had never been nominated for an Academy Award, and kissed him again in front of Hollywood’s elite.
Given the deep bond between Mortensen and Cronenberg, rumors about Mortensen’s sexual orientation naturally followed. In an open interview, Mortensen casually addressed these speculations, saying, “You could say that I’m not totally straight.” He emphasized that it was no one’s business and that love transcends labels.
Mortensen’s relationships, both personal and professional, reflect a deep connection built on respect and shared values. His journey in Hollywood and his personal experiences with figures like Cronenberg have shaped him into the multi-dimensional artist he is today.
As for his romantic life, Mortensen was married to singer Exene Cervenka in 1987, and they had a son, Henry. The couple divorced in 1997, and since 2009, Mortensen has been in a relationship with Spanish actress Ariadna Gil.