Conducted by Halina Rosa
Halina Rosa: Hi Kristoffer, thank you for taking the time for this interview. It’s clear, you have an impressive career, from your early days in Linköping to having participated in over 80 productions across film, TV, and stage. Let’s start from the beginning – what sparked your interest in acting?
Kristoffer Stålbrand: Hi Halina, thank you! My interest in acting really began during my time at Anders Ljungstedt’s high school in Linköping. I studied theatre there from 1997 to 2000, and that’s when I truly discovered my passion. Exploring different roles and stories was something that fascinated me. It felt like a way to understand both myself and other people. During that time, I also got the chance to perform in several amateur productions, which helped build my foundation as an actor.
Halina Rosa: Your career seems to have taken off early. You mentioned some of your first major productions, like „Pelle Svanslös” and „Evita”, than later Hundraåringen som klev ut genom fönstret och försvann”, „Maria Wern”, „Bonusfamiljen”, „Finaste familjen”, „Jana märkta för livet”, „Arne Dahl-serien”, „Äkta människor”, „Inga Lindström” fars, revy, reklamfilmer, och flertalet TV- How did it feel to be part of such productions at such a young age?
Kristoffer Stålbrand: It was a huge deal for me! Pelle Svanslös was my first paid production, and being in Evita, which was also the Nordic premiere, felt almost unreal. I was just 19 years old, and being part of such a big musical at the Arbis Theatre in Norrköping was an amazing opportunity. It was also an important time for me to understand how the industry works, and how much hard work and discipline it takes to make a production successful.
Halina Rosa: After these early successes, you worked at a local TV station in Linköping for a while. How did that experience shape your acting career?
Kristoffer Stålbrand: Working at local TV gave me valuable experience, though in a different way from acting. I got to try both in front of and behind the camera, which helped me understand the production side of things. I worked as a reporter, covering sports, culture, and entertainment in Östergötland. I also created and produced comedy shows, which was a lot of fun and allowed me to experiment with humor and creativity. But after a while, I realized that acting was what I really wanted to pursue.
Halina Rosa: That’s when you applied to Calle Flygare Theatre School, which seems to have been a turning point in your career?
Kristoffer Stålbrand: Absolutely. That’s where I really shaped myself as an actor and began to take things seriously. The school was intense, and combining studies with part-time jobs in the evenings was tough, but it also gave me the discipline I needed. I learned how to handle pressure while enjoying the process of creating characters. During that time, I also got my first experiences working professionally in both film and theatre.
Halina Rosa: You have an impressive range in your roles – from revues and farces to TV series and films. Which genres do you feel most at home in?
Kristoffer Stålbrand: I’ve been lucky to work in a variety of genres, which I really enjoy. Farce and revue are close to my heart because I’ve always loved comedy. But acting in TV series and films has its own charm. Being able to take on more dramatic roles and dive deeper into characters is a different kind of satisfaction. I really like the variety. It’s like I get to live multiple lives through my roles.
Halina Rosa: You’ve also worked with some of Sweden’s most well-known actors, like Peter Haber, Michael Nyqvist, and Alexandra Rapaport. How has that influenced you as an actor?
Kristoffer Stålbrand: Working with such established actors is an incredible experience. There’s always something new to learn from them. I remember, for example, when I had a small role in *Paragraf9* with Peter Haber. It was a short scene, but his presence and professionalism made a huge impression on me. The same goes for Michael Nyqvist when I worked on The Millennium Trilogy. They’ve all given me valuable insights into how to create believable characters and deliver authentic performances.
Halina Rosa: You’ve also worked internationally, mentioning productions in Germany and the Netherlands. How did these experiences differ from working in Sweden?
Kristoffer Stålbrand: Working internationally was really exciting, mostly because of the different working cultures. In Germany and the Netherlands, the way productions were handled was different, but it reminded me of how universal acting is. The language and culture may vary, but the core – telling a story through characters – stays the same. It was a fantastic opportunity to broaden my horizons and challenge myself in new environments.
Halina Rosa: How would you describe your character as an actor? What makes you unique?
Kristoffer Stålbrand: I think my strength lies in my ability to adapt to different roles and genres. I’ve always been passionate about growing and exploring new sides of myself through the characters I play. My background in both comedy and drama gives me a certain flexibility, and I enjoy finding the humanity in each character I portray, whether it’s in a comedy or a drama. I’m also very persistent – I never give up, no matter how challenging a role may be.
Halina Rosa: That’s an impressive mindset. You also mentioned that you’re currently working on some new projects, including a series of sketches for social media. Can you tell us more about what we can expect next?
Kristoffer Stålbrand: Yes, recently I’ve been filming a lot of sketches focusing on humor and satire, mainly for social media. It’s a way for me to reach a wider audience and experiment with new formats. I’m also working on a film project that I can’t reveal too much about just yet, but if all goes well, it’s going to be something really exciting. So stay tuned!
Halina Rosa: That sounds fantastic! Finally, what advice would you give to young aspiring actors who dream of having a career like yours?
Kristoffer Stålbrand: My advice would be to never give up. The acting world can be tough and filled with setbacks, but if you truly love it and are willing to work hard, you can achieve your goals. Be open to learning from others and don’t be afraid to take risks – that’s how you grow as an actor. And above all, enjoy the process, because it’s the journey that makes it all worthwhile.
Photos: Marina Marison och Lars Grönberg
Halina Rosa: Thank you so much, Kristoffer. It’s been a great pleasure talking with you and hearing about your amazing career. Best of luck with your upcoming projects!
Kristoffer Stålbrand: Thank you, Halina! It was a pleasure speaking with you.
12.10.2024 Stockholm
Halina Rosa
Editor in Chief
https://halinarosadesing.wordpress.com/category/designer-film/page/2
