Debut Movie

Joel Kinnaman began his acting career as a child in the Swedish soap opera Storstad (1990). After a hiatus, he returned to acting, and his breakthrough role came with the Swedish film Easy Money (2010), where he portrayed Johan “JW” Westlund, a young man entangled in the world of organized crime.

Personal Life

Joel Kinnaman was married to Swedish tattoo artist Cleo Wattenström from 2015 until their separation in 2018. In early 2019, he began a relationship with Swedish-Australian model Kelly Gale, and the couple announced their engagement in January 2021. Kinnaman holds dual citizenship in Sweden and the United States, and he has been a lifelong supporter of his hometown football club, Hammarby IF.

Trivia

Joel Kinnaman underwent surgery to correct pectus excavatum, a condition characterized by a sunken chest, prior to filming Altered Carbon. Due to his international upbringing and career, his accent is a unique blend, which he identifies as American but acknowledges has a distinct melody.

Awards

Throughout his career, Kinnaman has received several accolades, including a Guldbagge Award for Best Actor for his role in Easy Money. He has also been nominated for awards such as the Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actor on Television for The Killing and For All Mankind.

Upcoming Projects

As of 2025, Kinnaman continues to take on diverse roles in both film and television. He is set to star in the upcoming sci-fi thriller Silent Night, directed by John Woo, where he plays a father seeking vengeance for his son’s death.