Michael Nyqvist Cause of Death: How Did the Swedish Actor Die?

Michael Nyqvist, the great Swedish actor known for his starring role in The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, has died too young. He was 56.

What was Nyqvist’s cause of death?

According to a statement from Nyqvist’s family, he died of lung cancer. He had been ill for some time, according to reports in Swedish media.

“On behalf of Michael Nyqvist’s representatives and family, it is with deep sadness that I can confirm that our beloved Michael, one of Sweden’s most respected and accomplished actors, has passed away quietly surrounded by family after a year long battle with lung cancer,” a rep said, according to Daily Variety.

Nyqvist died on June 27.

Michael Nyqvist. (Twitter)

The family’s statement continued: “Michael’s joy and passion were infectious to those who knew and loved him. His charm and charisma were undeniable, and his love for the arts was felt by all who had the pleasure of working with him.”

Nyqvist’s most famous role internationally was as the character Mikael Blomkvist in The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo trilogy, a role assumed by Daniel Craig in the American versions of the adaptations of the novels. In America, audiences might remember him from his roles in John Wick alongside Keanu Reeves and in Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol with Tom Cruise. He was often cast in the villain in Hollywood films.

However, he had a long, award-winning career in Swedish theater and film as well. Other notable European roles were the “lead role in the Swedish romantic comedy-drama, The Guy in the Grave Next Door, directed by Kjell Sundval. A year later, Nyqvist starred in the Swedish film As It Is in Heaven, which was nominated for an Academy Award in the best foreign film competition,” reported the Hollywood Reporter.

Nyqvist is survived by his two children: Ellen, who was born in 1991, and Arthur, who was born in 1996. They are his children with his wife, Catharina Ehrnrooth, who also survives him.

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