Viggo Mortensen has captivated audiences for decades with his powerful performances, rugged charm, and fearless approach to acting. Yet, there’s more to this Hollywood star than just his roles, a side that has sparked intrigue.
Over the years, Mortensen has been seen passionately kissing a certain man, leading to ongoing speculation and one burning question: Is there more to the story?
Now, the actor is opening up about the subject, and what he reveals might surprise you…
At 66, Viggo Mortensen is no stranger to fame, with three Academy Award nominations and a global fan base from his iconic role as Aragorn in The Lord of the Rings trilogy. But behind the sword fights and Hollywood spotlight lies another side of Mortensen — one that speaks to a deep, decades-long bond with a very special man.
Born in Watertown, New York, to a Danish father and an American mother, Viggo Mortensen’s early life was far from typical. His childhood saw him living in Venezuela, Denmark, and Argentina before settling back in the U.S. at age 11. His journey to stardom wasn’t a straight line — after graduating from St. Lawrence University, he worked a series of odd jobs in Denmark, including driving trucks and selling flowers, with no plans of becoming an actor.
His debut film scenes were cut from the final version.
However, in 1982, at 24, Mortensen moved back to the U.S. to chase his Hollywood dreams. His first film, “The Purple Rose of Cairo” (1985), marked his entry into the industry, but his scenes were cut, leaving his debut largely unseen. But Mortensen didn’t give up — he continued to build his career, gradually gaining recognition in smaller roles.
It wasn’t until 1997 that Mortensen would make a major impact, starring alongside Demi Moore in “G.I. Jane”. Despite the film’s struggles at the box office and Moore’s harsh criticism, Mortensen’s portrayal of Command Master Chief John James ‘Jack’ Urgayle was well-received.
Though the “G.I. Jane” project didn’t catapult Mortensen to superstardom, it paved the way for what would become one of the most iconic roles in cinematic history. Just a few years later, he would bring the legendary Aragorn to life in “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy, cementing his place in film history.
The best swordsman in “Lord of the Rings”
Viggo Mortensen wasn’t just playing a warrior — he embodied one. The film’s sword master even hailed him as “the best swordsman I’ve ever trained.” Mortensen’s dedication to his craft was evident in his willingness to perform most of his own stunts, even when it meant pushing through injuries. Those two broken toes on set? All part of the job.
His love for horses wasn’t confined to the screen either. In *Hidalgo* (2004), Mortensen performed all his own riding stunts, showcasing his deep commitment to authenticity.
Interestingly, Mortensen wasn’t the original choice for the role of Aragorn. He was a last-minute replacement for Stuart Townsend, almost turning down the role until his son — an avid fan of J.R.R. Tolkien — persuaded him to take it on.
He got so immersed in his character that director Peter Jackson once addressed him as “Aragorn” for over half an hour, and Mortensen didn’t even notice. Talk about total dedication to the role!
A love story in Hollywood
While Viggo Mortensen’s on-screen legacy is undeniable, it’s his real-life connection with Canadian director David Cronenberg that has captured the intrigue of fans for years.
Their paths first crossed at the 2001 Cannes Film Festival, where Mortensen was celebrating the success of “The Lord of the Rings”. It was an instant connection, and they vowed to collaborate on a project someday.
That collaboration came with “A History of Violence” (2005). Initially indifferent to the script, Mortensen only agreed to join the film after a meeting with Cronenberg. The result was a critical triumph, with the film earning widespread acclaim as one of the best of the decade. Their professional bond flourished, and Mortensen expressed, “I don’t think I’ve ever felt more like I was on the same wavelength with a director as I am with David.”
Their relationship wasn’t just creative; it was deeply personal. At a 2006 press event, fresh off their cinematic success, the two men shared a lingering, affectionate kiss in front of flashing cameras. A tender moment that spoke volumes about their deep, unspoken connection.
“My kind of actor”
Viggo Mortensen and David Cronenberg’s artistic bond only deepened with each collaboration — “Eastern Promises” (2007), “A Dangerous Method” (2011) — their chemistry undeniable, both on-screen and off.
“Viggo’s my kind of actor,” Cronenberg shared, praising Mortensen’s rare ability to combine the commanding presence of a leading man with the versatility of a character actor.
Their connection reached a new level in 2014 when Mortensen presented Cronenberg with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Canadian Screen Awards. With admiration in his voice, Mortensen called Cronenberg “the finest director and the sanest man I know.” And then, in a gesture of profound respect, Mortensen leaned in and kissed Cronenberg once more in front of an audience of Hollywood elites.
The moment was electric, a testament to the enduring depth of their bond. Mortensen, ever outspoken, used the occasion to call out the film industry for overlooking Cronenberg’s brilliance. Despite his four-decade career, the director had never received an Academy Award nomination.
“Mainstream movie business people, much as they might praise him from time to time, seem very reluctant to reward him officially,” Mortensen said. “I can understand that because David basically is not one of them.”
Is Viggo Mortensen gay?
Given the closeness and open affection in his relationship with David Cronenberg, it’s no surprise that questions about Viggo Mortensen’s sexuality have emerged. In a candid interview, Mortensen addressed the topic with his typical calm and confidence: “People ask if I’m gay or straight. I guess you could say I’m not entirely straight.”
This came up in connection with the film “Falling”, which Mortensen both wrote and starred in. In the movie, he portrays John, a gay man who becomes the caretaker for his racist, homophobic father.
When asked about the appropriateness of a man who appears to be heterosexual playing a gay character, Mortensen responded, “How do you know what my life is? You’re assuming that I’m completely straight. Maybe I am, maybe I’m not. And it’s frankly none of your business.”
Mortensen continued, saying, “I want my movie to work, and I want the character of John to be effective. If I didn’t think it was a good idea, I wouldn’t do it.”
Inside Their Professional Relationship
An interesting aspect of their collaboration is David Cronenberg’s brief role in “Falling”. This time, the roles were reversed, with Mortensen taking on the director’s role.
While filming a scene where Cronenberg played a proctologist, Mortensen noticed that Cronenberg was positioning his gloved hand closer to the camera lens. It created an exaggerated perspective that made the hand appear unnaturally large. When Mortensen pointed this out, Cronenberg replied, “Yes, I’m quite aware of that.”
For Mortensen, love and connection aren’t about labels but rather the bond he shares with Cronenberg — one that combines passion, professionalism, and a unique dynamic.
As Cronenberg puts it, “We are professionals, unbelievable as it seems. That means we can say no to each other. If I offered Viggo a role, and he really feels he’s not right for it or doesn’t connect with it, he has to be able to say no. And I’m not going to be shattered and think he’s not my friend anymore. The reverse is true. If Viggo had a project or a script that he wanted me to direct, I would have to say no if I really didn’t want to do it. So there’s that respect and professionalism despite the tomfoolery we enjoy.”
Viggo Mortensen’s Love Life
Viggo Mortensen’s romantic journey has seen some notable relationships over the years. He first met singer Exene Cervenka in 1986 while working on the comedy “Salvation!” and they married in 1987. Just a year later, they welcomed their son, Henry, who would later go on to play Viggo’s on-screen son in “Crimson Tide” (1995).
In a full-circle moment, Viggo cast Henry in a small role in “Falling”, where Henry impressed everyone with his perfect upstate New York accent during a script read-through. Henry even made the effort to shave his long hair and grow a mustache to look more like a 1977 state trooper.
Despite their strong connection, Viggo and Exene parted ways in 1992, and their official divorce was finalized in 1997. Since 2009, Viggo has been in a relationship with Spanish actress Ariadna Gil, marking a new chapter in his personal life.
Meanwhile, David Cronenberg, now 81, also has his own history of relationships. He first married Margaret Hindson in 1972, but their seven-year marriage ended in 1979 due to personal and professional differences. They have one daughter, Cassandra Cronenberg. His second wife was film editor Carolyn Zeifman, with whom he was married from 1979 until her passing in 2017.
