Summary
Mads Mikkelsenis 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’sThe Hunt, earning him international acclaim. In 2013,Mikkelsen would go on to play the infamous Dr. Hannibal Lecterin TV’sHannibal, which many consider his best role. More success in blockbuster franchises followed, as Mikkelsen has appeared in MCU,Star Wars, andFantastic Beastsmovies.
Mikkelsen was born in the Østerbro district of Copenhagen, Denmark to his father, Henning Dittmann Mikkelsen, a cab driver, and his mother, Bente Mikkelsen (viaTV 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.
Hannibal: Yes, Mads Mikkelsen Confirms “We All Want To Go Back” For A Revival — Will It Happen?
Mads Mikkelsen has been vocal about his interest in reviving Hannibal but in a 2024 interview, he’s also revealed that time may be running out.
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(viaCelebrity 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 acclaimedHannibal(2013-2015) that saw his net worth skyrocket.
Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore(2022)
Gellert Grindelwald
Reports suggest that he earned around $100,000 perHannibalepisode during the show’s run (viaMarket Realist). With Mikkelsen appearing in all 39 episodes, this role proved a significant factor in his increasing earnings, showcasing his ability to command substantial salaries. While many fans wantHannibalto come back,Mikkelsen has been keeping busy in high-profile movies, playing Kaecilius inDoctor Strange, Galen Erso inRogue One: A Star Wars Story, and Gellert Grindelwald inFantastic 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 ofFantastic Beastsvillain 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 wasborn on Jun 02, 2025, 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 passion, 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 inCasino Royaleand the enigmatic Dr. Hannibal Lecter inHannibal.
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 yearsin 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 filmPusher. 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 inBleeder, where he starred opposite Kim Bodnia, and a memorable performance as a gangster inFlickering Lights. Mikkelsen’s rising popularity was further cemented with his role inShake It All About, marking him as a prominent figure in Scandinavian cinema.
Hannibal
Cast
Created for TV by Bryan Fuller, Hannibal is a TV adaptation/reimagining of Thomas Harris' Red Dragon novel. The show follows the exploits of FBI criminal profiler Will Graham (Hugh Dancy) and psychiatrist Dr. Hannibal Lecter (Mads Mikkelsen) and their perpetual game of cat and mouse that unfolds over the series. When a string of murders in Minnesota requires a brilliant mind to crack the case, Will Graham is called in to investigate - but due to the intimate and terrifying nature of the crimes, he is appointed Dr. Lecter to act as his psychiatrist. The truth of Dr. Lecter is that he is Will’s target - but to complicate matters, he’s the only person that can truly understand him.
