Swedish Cosmo Interview February 2002

Q:Tell us about your tattoos.
I've got a sun on my stomach, right below the belly-button. My second tattoo is the elvish symbol for nine. The illustrator who worked on LOTR designed it. Sean Bean, Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen and some of the other actors also has the same tattoo.

Q: Had you read the books when you got the part in the movie?
I read the books when I was 14 but only got half-way through. I got distracted since I was more interested in sports. But now I've read all three of them. They became like a bible during the shooting. By the way, I was in Sweden a couple of months ago. My best friend is half Swedish and lives there. We were in Vastervik and it looks just like the world of Tolkien. Tolkein must have been in the surroundings and gotten inspired. I love Sweden, I ought to move there. Swedish girls are so gorgeous.

Q:Sure, but are you a good boyfriend?
I'm probably a good boyfriend, but I'm pretty intense. When you are with me it's exciting, fun and very intense. At the same time I'm easy going. But all that depends on what girl I'm with.

Q:What type of girls do you fall for?
Blondes. I like nice, sweet girls.

Q:So you don't like tougher girls?
No. Not exactly. I can't say that I myself fall for strong women, even though I've got a lot of respect for them.

Q:You yourself seem to be a tough guy-you snowboard, skydive, surf, ride a bike.
I'm game for everything that's a bit dangerous and like to do outdoor activities. I'm a real technophobe, can't stand computers, and don't even have an e-mail address.

Q:Haven't you ever gotten hurt when you've engaged in those dangerous sports?
I've broken my back, both my legs, one arm and an ankle, broken my nose and cracked my skull. When I broke my back I was very worried that I wouldn't be able to walk again, so now I've calmed down a bit.

Q:Isn't there anything you're afraid of?
No, not particularly. Well, yes, sharks, actually. Me and Billy Boyd, who plays Pippin in the movie, were out surfing late one night during the NZ shootings. Billy saw a fin and started paddling towards me in panic. It turned out to be a seal, but we were all jittery and got out of the water right away.

Q:I've read that you like shopping too?
Shopping is like therapy. I like buying old antiques, weird little things that you can find at the flea-market. Clothes are also fun. My sister used to dress me when I was little; it was she who got me interested in clothes.

Q:Then it must be fun to dress up and get paid for it.
Yes! really. I love my job. By playing different roles you learn more about yourself as a person.

Q:What have you learned during your time with LOTR?
That I'm not as focused as an elf. They are immortal and perfect and have superhuman powers and I realized my limitations.

Q:Describe yourself
I like having fun and am probably a little crazy, but nice.

Q:Have you got any bad habits?
I bite my nails, hehe. Seriously, I've quit smoking, so it feels pretty good right now. On the other hand I have a tendency to drift off, disappear into my own little world. Some people might take that as if I'm being rude.

Q:Do you like to dance?
Yes, to drum'n'bass and happy house.

Q:Do you have any idols/rolemodels?
I'm definitely a fan of Paul Newman, and then I admire actors like Daniel Day-Lewis, Johnny Depp and Edward Norton. Actors that play parts I would like to.