STOCKHOLM, Sweden (CelebrityAccess) — Michael Nyqvist, a Swedish actor who had roles in films such as "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" and "John Wick," has died after a battle with lung cancer. He was 56.
Alissa Feldman, a representative for Nyqvist's family, told CNN that the actor had "passed away quietly surrounded by family."
"Michael's joy and passion were infectious to those who knew and loved him," she said. "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 was best known to American audiences for his portrayal of investigative journalist Mikael Blomkvist in "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo," "The Girl Who Played with Fire" and "The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest," but had an extensive history in both Swedish and American cinema.
Nyqvist's first breakthrough role came in 2000 with the film Together, a comedy about life in a suburban commune in Stockholm, directed by Lukas Moodysson. The film earned Nyqvist his first Guldbagge Best Actor nomination for his role as a misguided husband with anger issues.
In 2004, he played the lead role in "As It Is in Heaven" a Swedish box office hit about international conductor Daniel Daréus. The film would earn Nyqvist a nomination for Best Foreign Language Film at the 77th Academy Awards and nearly dominated the Swedish Guldbagge Awards, with the dubious distinction of earning nominations in virtually every category, but not actually winning any awards.
Nyqvist is survived by his wife Catharina, and their children, Ellen and Arthur.
