When did you first realize you wanted to become an actor?
I always loved acting, and grew up singing. But I was very intimidated by it at first, until the time I was participating in an experimental production at college. I was so nervous, but extremely happy afterwards. So when I graduated college, I gave myself an acting class as a gift. I also got a job in finance and started to make money, money I used on more acting classes. I took more and more classes and studied with some of New York’s finest teachers. Eventually, I decided to quit my job.

How tough is it to be an actor in New York?
Of course, it’s a very tough business. When you are an actor or a producer you are really also an entrepreneur. New York is a vibrant community; people are willing to do anything for their acting dream and are pushing bounds all the time. It’s amazing to be an actor, but has its flaws. It’s a challenge and a struggle, which in some ways can push you to become better. But you also have to do certain things just because it’s good for your career or to be able to support yourself, and feel no passion about it.

You’re both an actress and a producer, which do you prefer?
Acting, no doubt! But producing is still very rewarding. I do enjoy having some control, and as a producer you are the one who brings people together and it’s you who pick those you want to work with. You meet so many inspiring screenwriters as well.

Who would you most like to work with?
Janet McTeer is my role model, she is a very tall actress, with lots of presence, and to work with someone like her would be amazing. When you are producing with someone who is really creative and more experienced than yourself, it's inspiring. I watch and learn from them.

The best advise anyone gave you?
Trust your instinct to be true in your own work. I’m working with my own material, and I have this fear that it will become just about you, and I'd hate that. When you are really truthful to your work, it becomes bigger than you are. You are always good on stage when you don’t care, instead just enjoy what you are doing.

What’s your proudest moments?
Quitting my job in Finance to do this. You have to have the guts to do it. Another thing that I am very proud of is my Miss Julie performance, because that was the most challenging and intimidating role I’ve done. I had a teacher who told me. "you do realize that this is one of the most difficult roles ever written for a woman?" I was so frustrated, but I rather felt, as a Scandinavian, I could relate more to Miss Julie than a character in an American play. It went very well, and my joy after the performance was incredible.

In Short:
Born in Gothenburg / Arrived 12 years ago / Lives in Park Slope with husband Paul / Degree in Pre-med and Art History at Columbia University

Favorite place in New York: The Cloisters museum and garden and Williamsburg with its mixture of roughness and diversity.

For more information, see Lisa Pettersson or Scandinavian American Theater Company

Text: Hanna Aqvilin