Olaf Johannessen (actor)

Olaf Heine Johannessen (born 1961), is a highly acclaimed Faroese actor known for his versatile acting skills and remarkable performances. Born on 8 July 1961 in Tórshavn, Faroe Islands, Olaf grew up in a family of actors with both his father, Eyðun Johannessen, and mother, Tove Johannessen born Jacobsen, being prominent figures in the Faroese theater scene. He studied at the Danish National School of Theatre in Odense and began his acting career in Aarhus Theatre. He later became a member of the ensemble at the Royal Danish Theatre. He has played a variety of roles, including the lead roles in "Hamlet", "Faust" , “Mephisto” and “Puntila” among others.

He is considered to be one of the most prominent actors in the Nordic countries, and has received critical acclaim for his performances on stage and on screen, including the Reumert Prize, Denmark's most prestigious award for theater, for his leading roles in "Puntilla," "Mephisto," and "Det store stilhæfte." He also won the Robert Prize for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Kristian Kamper in the “Killing" and was nominated for “Der Faust”, the prestigious  German theater award, for his performance as Peer Gynt in Peer Gynt at Düsseldorfer Schauspielhaus in Düsseldorf.Johannessen has worked with numerous theater companies on the Faroe Islands in Denmark and in Europe.

Johannessen is also known for his work as a voice actor, having lent his voice to numerous productions.

In addition to his acting work, he is a co-founder of the theater group Leikhús Skift, which he founded and runs with his wife, Marita Dalsgaard.

Johannessen continues to be an active participant in the Faroese cultural scene, and he remains committed to promoting Faroese theater both at home and abroad. His talent, dedication, and passion have made him one of the most respected and beloved figures in Faroese culture, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations of artists for years to come.

He was awarded the prestigious cultural prize of the Faroe Islands in 2021 for his outstanding contribution to the arts.

And was appointed the Knight’s Cross 1.degree of the Order of Dannebrog in 2020.

Awards and recognition

 * 2004: Olaf Poulsens Mindelegat
 * 2009: Poul Reumerts Mindelegat
 * 2010: Lauritzen Award
 * 2013: Robert Award for best male supporting role in TV-series
 * 2013: Der Faust (category actor in play) - nominated as the best actor
 * 2013: Nominated to the Teaterpokalen
 * 3 December 2013: Knight of the Order of the Dannebrog
 * 2014: Received the Ole Haslunds kunstnerlegat
 * 2014: Received the Teaterpokalen
 * 2014: Elected as Årets skuespiller (Best Danish male actor of the year) by Berlingske.
 * 2015: Received the Reumert prize for best leading role (male) in Samtale før døden and Mefisto, Betty Nansen Teatret, and Heksejagt, Det Kongelige Teater
 * 2016: Received the Reumert prize for best leading role (male) in Puntila, Det Kongelige Teater.