Hans “Dolph” Lundgren, born on November 3, 1957, in Spånga, Sweden, is an actor, filmmaker, and martial artist. A 4th dan black belt in Kyokushin karate and European champion in 1980 and 1981, he moved to New York in 1982 with singer Grace Jones.
His breakthrough came in 1985 as Ivan Drago in Rocky IV. Lundgren starred in over 80 action films, including Masters of the Universe and The Expendables series. He also directed films like The Defender and Missionary Man. Notable recent roles include Creed II, Arrow, and Aquaman.
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Table of Contents
Dolph Lundgren Net Worth
With a career spanning several decades in the entertainment industry, Dolph Lundgren has amassed a net worth estimated at $18 million. His diverse roles, directorial ventures, and longstanding presence in action films have contributed significantly to his financial success.
Early life
Hans Lundgren, born on November 3, 1957, in Spånga, Sweden, to Sigrid Birgitta and Karl Hugo Johan Lundgren, moved to Nyland at 13. He faced an abusive father, fueling his interest in heavy contact sports like karate. Lundgren excelled academically, studying chemical engineering at Washington State University, Clemson University, and the Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm.
A Kyokushin karate black belt and European champion in 1980 and 1981, he later earned a master’s degree from the University of Sydney. A Fulbright Scholar to MIT, he transitioned to acting, influenced by his work with Grace Jones and experiences in New York.
Career
Dolph Lundgren made his film debut in the 1985 James Bond movie A View to a Kill as Venz, a minor role. His former lover Grace Jones, who played the villain May Day, recommended him for the part. Roger Moore, the actor portraying James Bond, remarked that Lundgren was “larger than Denmark.”
Lundgren’s breakthrough came when he was cast as Soviet boxer Ivan Drago in Rocky IV (1985) after sending pictures and videos to Sylvester Stallone. Although initially turned down for being too tall, Lundgren eventually secured the role, beating out 5,000 other hopefuls. To prepare for the role, he underwent intensive bodybuilding and boxing training. During filming, Lundgren hit Stallone so hard that Stallone ended up in the hospital for nine days.
Lundgren’s performance as Drago became iconic, with lines like “If he dies, he dies” and “I must break you” becoming widely recognized. The premiere of Rocky IV in Los Angeles marked a turning point in his career, transforming him from a student-athlete to a movie star.
In 1987, Lundgren starred in Masters of the Universe as He-Man, which was a critical failure but showcased his leading man potential. His subsequent film, Red Scorpion (1988), also received poor reviews. In 1989, Lundgren played Marvel’s The Punisher, a role that received mixed reactions and was initially released direct-to-video in the US.
Lundgren continued to star in various action films throughout the late 80s and early 90s, including I Come in Peace (1990) and Showdown in Little Tokyo (1991), the latter receiving mixed reviews for its violence. His role in Universal Soldier (1992) alongside Jean-Claude Van Damme was a box office hit but garnered mixed critical reviews.
Throughout the 90s and early 2000s, Lundgren starred in numerous direct-to-video films and a few theatrical releases, often receiving criticism for the films’ low budgets and lackluster scripts. Despite this, Lundgren made his directorial debut with The Defender in 2004 and continued to direct and star in films such as The Mechanik (2005) and Missionary Man (2007).
Personal life
Dolph Lundgren splits his time between Stockholm and Los Angeles. He speaks Swedish and English fluently, and small amounts of French, German, Italian, Japanese, and Spanish. Lundgren, a football fan, supported Everton in Europe and later developed an interest in international football.
He was in relationships with Grace Jones and Paula Barbieri in the 1980s. In 1994, he married Anette Qviberg, with whom he had two daughters, Ida and Greta. They divorced in 2011 after a home burglary incident. He married Emma Krokdal in 2023 and revealed a battle with kidney cancer in 2023. They became US citizens in February 2024.
Are Sylvester Stallone and Dolph Lundgren friends?
Sylvester Stallone and Dolph Lundgren have maintained a close friendship since their Rocky IV days, even after a grueling production schedule that nearly killed Stallone.
Conclusion
Dolph Lundgren is not just an action star but a multi-faceted individual with achievements in academia, martial arts, and film direction. His journey from Sweden to Hollywood, combined with his dedication to his craft, has not only won him fans worldwide but also substantial financial success, truly showcasing the financial muscle of this action star.
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FAQs about Dolph Lundgren Net Worth
- Who is Dolph Lundgren?
A Swedish actor, filmmaker, and martial artist known for his roles in action films. - What is Dolph Lundgren’s net worth?
Estimated to be around $18 million as of September 2023. - Which movie made Dolph Lundgren famous?
“Rocky IV” in which he played Soviet boxer Ivan Drago. - Does Dolph Lundgren have a PhD?
No, but he holds a master’s degree in chemical engineering. - Are Dolph Lundgren and Sylvester Stallone friends?
Yes, they have a close bond and have worked on multiple projects together.
