Veteran Swedish actor Stellan Skarsgård, 74, has provided a rare update on his health three years after suffering a stroke. Speaking at the Los Angeles premiere of Sentimental Value on November 5, the Dune and Andor star revealed how the incident has changed his approach to acting. Despite the challenges, Skarsgård says he continues to work actively in film and television, adapting to his new limitations with resilience.
At the Neon premiere of Sentimental Value held in West Hollywood on November 5, Skarsgård told PEOPLE that he is doing well but has had to adjust his methods on set since his stroke three years ago. The actor — known for roles in Mamma Mia!, Chernobyl, and Good Will Hunting — was in the midst of shooting Denis Villeneuve’s Dune films and preparing for the second season of Star Wars: Andor when the medical episode occurred.
He now relies on an earpiece to assist with dialogue delivery, as he can no longer memorize lines in the same way.
Main Details
Skarsgård described the adaptation process as “a little special work, but it works.” The actor noted that using an earpiece requires precise coordination to maintain the natural rhythm of scenes. “It sounds like, ‘Oh, yeah. He just listens to his dialogue,’” Skarsgård said. “But it’s because the rhythm of the scene has to be as if the voice wasn’t there.”
He explained that his scene partners must deliver their lines in a specific rhythm so the timing flows naturally on screen. “I had one Dune left and one Andor left when I got the stroke, so I had to learn fast,” he recalled.
Quotes and Reactions
Previously speaking to Vulture, Skarsgård called the adjustment “extremely frustrating,” saying, “Suddenly, I can’t come up with names or follow a thought that spans several sentences.” Still, the veteran performer emphasized gratitude: “I’m alive. I can work.”
Fans and colleagues have praised his determination to continue performing at the highest level despite medical challenges, with the Dune production team reportedly adapting shooting conditions to accommodate him.
Impact and Industry Response
Skarsgård’s perseverance has been widely viewed as an inspiration within the film industry, highlighting the adaptability of senior actors facing health challenges. His recent work in Sentimental Value — where he also serves as executive producer — demonstrates that he remains a creative force. The film, which opened in theaters on November 7, stars Skarsgård as a director reconnecting with his estranged daughters, played by Renate Reinsve and Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, alongside Elle Fanning.
What’s Next
Stellan Skarsgård continues to balance acting and production work, with upcoming appearances expected in future international projects. While acknowledging that memorization remains a challenge, he confirmed he has no plans to retire. As he told PEOPLE, “I’m good.”
Sources
PEOPLE (Exclusive Interview)
Vulture (Previous interview quotes)
Neon Films (Sentimental Value release info)
