Magnus Samuelsson
Biography
Magnus Samuelsson, born 21 December 1969 in Linköping, Sweden, is a Swedish actor and former professional strongman. He won the 1998 World’s Strongest Man competition in Morocco and, over a thirteen‑year span from 1995 to 2007, reached the World’s Strongest Man finals ten times, achieving a podium finish on five occasions. The son of a former Swedish arm‑wrestling champion, Samuelsson was himself a European arm‑wrestling champion and has been ranked among the world’s best in that sport. He declined an offered role in the film Gladiator. As an actor he has accumulated thirty‑one credited performances, including appearances in Arne Dahl: Europa Blues, Zaklínač and Arne Dahl: De största vattnen.
Career overview
Magnus Samuelsson, born on 21 December 1969 in Linköping, Sweden, is listed in the Motion Picture Database as a male actor with thirty‑one credited appearances. After a distinguished career in strength athletics—including winning the 1998 World’s Strongest Man contest in Morocco, reaching the competition’s final ten times between 1995 and 2007, and achieving five podium finishes—Samuelsson moved into screen work. The database notes that he was offered a role in the film Gladiator but declined, citing personal reasons for the decision.
Within his acting portfolio Samuelsson is associated with several productions that appear in Czech‑language film registries. His filmography includes the crime‑drama Arne Dahl: Europa Blues, the fantasy series Zaklínač, and the follow‑up installment Arne Dahl: De största vatten. These titles illustrate his involvement in both television and feature projects, complementing his extensive background in competitive strongman events and arm‑wrestling, where he held a European championship and was ranked among the world’s best. Samuelsson’s transition from sport to screen reflects a diversification of his public career while maintaining a presence in the entertainment industry through a range of credited roles.
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Frequent co-stars
Career timeline
Full Filmography
34 titles- Mirror (2026) as Gunnar
- Mirror (2026) Executive Producer
- Mirror (2026) Writer
- El-Turk (2025) as Gunther
- Blind Tracks (2025) as Björne
- The Time Thief (2025) as Esbjörn Holmgång
- The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die (2023) as Clapa
- Black Lotus (2023) as Ber
- We Hunt Giants (2023) as Village chief
- Medieval (2022) as Lars
- The Witcher (2019) as King Henselt of Kaedwen
- Hälsningar Från (2018) as Self
- What a Circus! (2017) as Göran
- The Last Kingdom (2015) as Clapa
- Arne Dahl: Dödsmässa (2015) as Gunnar Nyberg
- Arne Dahl 09 - Afterquake (2015) as Gunnar
- Arne Dahl: Mörkertal (2015) as Gunnar
- Arne Dahl - A Midsummer Night's Dream (2015) as Gunnar Nyberg
- Arne Dahl: Himmelsöga (2015) as Gunnar Nyberg
- Tina på besök (2013) as Self
- Arne Dahl: The Europe Blues (2012) as Gunnar Nyberg
- Arne Dahl: Many Waters (2012) as Gunnar Nyberg
- Arne Dahl: Bad Blood (2012) as Gunnar Nyberg
- Arne Dahl: To the Top of the Mountain (2012) as Gunnar Nyberg
- Arne Dahl: The Blinded Man (2011) as Gunnar Nyberg
- Who Pulled the Plug? 3 (2009) as Arnold
- Who Pulled the Plug? 3 (2009)
- Thirty Years of Pain: History of the World's Strongest Man (2008)
- The Making of World's Strongest Man (2008)
- Hem till Midgård (2003) as Igor
- Fångarna på fortet (1990) as Self
- Dark Skulls as Ivar
- Sword of Odin
- We Hunt Giants as Village chief
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is Magnus Samuelsson best known for?
Magnus Samuelsson is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including El-Turk (2025), The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die (2023), Black Lotus (2023), Medieval (2022).
When and where was Magnus Samuelsson born?
Magnus Samuelsson was born on December 21, 1969 in Linköping; Sweden.
How many credits does Magnus Samuelsson have?
Magnus Samuelsson has accumulated over 34 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1990 to 2026.
What is Magnus Samuelsson's background in cinema and television?
Magnus Samuelsson, born 21 December 1969 in Linköping, Sweden, is a Swedish actor and former professional strongman. He won the 1998 World’s Strongest Man competition in Morocco and, over a thirteen‑year span from 1995 to 2007, reached the World’s Strongest Man finals ten times, achieving a podium finish on five occasi...