Noomi Rapace (born Noomi Norén on December 28, 1979) is a Swedish actress. She was born in Huskvarna, Sweden, to Swedish actress Nina Norén and Spanish flamenco singer Rogelio Durán. She spent part of her childhood in Järna, Södertälje, and then moved to Iceland with her mother and stepfather at the age of five.
Rapace’s acting career began at the age of seven when she appeared in a minor role in the Swedish film Glenn Killing – Mannen från Mallorca. She studied at the Skara Skolscen and attended acting school in Stockholm. Her professional television debut was in the series Tre kronor (1996-1997). Throughout the early 2000s, she appeared in various Swedish films and television productions.
Her breakthrough role came in 2009 with her portrayal of Lisbeth Salander in the Swedish film adaptation of Stieg Larsson’s Millennium series: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, The Girl Who Played with Fire, and The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets’ Nest. This role garnered her international recognition and critical acclaim.
Following the success of the Millennium trilogy, Rapace transitioned to English-language films. She made her English-language debut in Guy Ritchie’s Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows (2011). She has since worked steadily in both European and Hollywood productions, showcasing her range and versatility as an actress.
Rapace’s filmography includes a diverse range of genres and roles. Some of her most notable works include: