Summary

• Mads Mikkelsen earned his $14 million net worth from diverse roles, notably as Le Chiffre and Dr. Hannibal Lecter.
• Mikkelsen's successful acting career includes roles in the MCU, Star Wars, and Fantastic Beasts franchises.
• Mikkelsen's background in dance and gymnastics shaped his successful acting career.

Mads Mikkelsen is a renowned Danish actor celebrated for his captivating performances in both European and Hollywood cinema, and his career has led to a high net worth. Acting for over two decades, Hollywood really took notice of Mikkelsen for his work in the 2006 James Bond film, Casino Royale, and in 2012's The Hunt, earning him international acclaim. In 2013, Hannibal, which many consider his best role. More success in blockbuster franchises followed, as Mikkelsen has appeared in MCU, Star Wars, and Fantastic Beasts movies.

Mikkelsen was born in the Østerbro district of Copenhagen, Denmark to his father, Henning Dittmann Mikkelsen, a cab driver, and his mother, Bente Mikkelsen (via TV Guide). He is the youngest of two siblings, with his older brother, Lars Mikkelsen, also an actor. Mikkelsen has been happily married to Hanne Jacobsen since 2000, and the couple shares two children. At the 2023 Bambi Awards in Munich, where he received an award for "Actor International", Mikkelsen revealed he also has a granddaughter named Maria, whom he dedicated the award to.

Mads Mikkelsen's Net Worth

Mikkelsen Is Worth $14 Million

As of 2024, Mads Mikkelsen's net worth is estimated to be approximately $14 million (via Celebrity Net Worth). His wealth stems from a diverse career in film, television, and theater. Mikkelsen’s financial success began to take shape with his portrayal of the villain Le Chiffre in the 007 vehicle, Casino Royale, which significantly raised his profile and earning potential. But it would be Mikkelsen's role as Dr. Hannibal Lecter in the critically acclaimed Hannibal (2013-2015) that saw his net worth skyrocket.

Reports suggest that he earned around $100,000 per Hannibal episode during the show's run (via Mikkelsen has been keeping busy in high-profile movies, playing Kaecilius in Doctor Strange, Galen Erso in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, and Gellert Grindelwald in Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald. These high-profile projects undoubtedly significantly contributed to his overall net worth, given the lucrative deals associated with major franchises.

Mikkelsen took over the role of Fantastic Beasts villain Gellert Grindelwald from Johnny Depp, who was asked to step down amidst legal controversies.

Mads Mikkelsen's Age & Height

Mikkelsen Is A Sagittarius

Mads Mikkelsen was born on November 22, 1965, meaning he will turn 59 in 2024. Those born in late November fall under the Sagittarius sign in the zodiac, a fire sign represented by the archer. As a Sagittarius, Mikkelsen embodies the sign's adventurous spirit and ion, traits that have driven him to explore diverse and challenging roles, ultimately cementing his status as a standout figure in the entertainment industry.

His ability to balance a high-profile career with a fulfilling personal life is a testament to the Sagittarius traits of optimism and resilience. Mikkelsen’s dedication to both his craft and his family illustrates the balance he maintains between his professional successes and his personal happiness, further enriching his story beyond his impressive filmography.

Mikkelsen stands approximately 6 feet tall. This tall stature complements his commanding presence on screen, enhancing his ability to portray a wide range of characters, lending him an imposing and charismatic presence that has been particularly effective in roles requiring a strong, authoritative figure, such as the menacing Le Chiffre in Casino Royale and the enigmatic Dr. Hannibal Lecter in Hannibal.

Mads Mikkelsen Is A Former Dancer and Gymnast

He Studied Ballet Before Pivoting To Acting

Before making his mark in acting, Mads Mikkelsen had a diverse background in movement and the performing arts, studying gymnastics and dance. He studied ballet at an academy in Gothenburg and went on to dance professionally for 10 years in Sweden. This early focus on dance laid a strong foundation for his later performances. Mikkelsen's focus shifted, and he decided to pursue acting, graduating from the Arhus Theatre School.

Mikkelsen's feature film debut was as Tonny in Nicolas Winding Refn's internationally acclaimed 1996 film Pusher. The film spawned two sequels and marked Mikkelsen's entry into the spotlight, establishing him as a notable actor in Europe. He continued to build his career with a leading role in Bleeder, where he starred opposite Kim Bodnia, and a memorable performance as a gangster in Flickering Lights. Mikkelsen’s rising popularity was further cemented with his role in Shake It All About, marking him as a prominent figure in Scandinavian cinema.