Article Category: Articles from 2002

That would be actor Viggo Mortensen, the hunksome hero-warrior Aragorn in “The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers,” whose humility earned him the rhyming moniker from the crew during the 15-month-long filming of Peter Jackson’s trio of epics. He pooh-poohs popular accolades, such as People magazine’s anointing him one of the 50 most beautiful […]

This page includes a generous excerpt (08'28) from the December 2002 Charlie Rose show transcript in which Viggo Mortensen, Elijah Wood and Peter Jackson appeared to discuss The Two Towers. Viggo wore a T-shirt emblazoned with "No More Blood On Oil" which provoked a dialogue on current events.

"He paints, writes, and photographs, and on the side he is a Hollywood star (Lord of the Rings). No wonder that Viggo Mortensen looks a little tired sometimes..."

Viggo Mortensen, whose filmography has seen him work in almost every movie genre there is, from Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 to The Portrait of a Lady, is seen as the potential saviour of Middle-earth in The Two Towers. As the action hero of the movie, however, he has a lot more on his plate than […]

Critically acclaimed supporting actor Viggo Mortensen made his feature film debut playing Alexander Godunov’s Amish brother in Witness (1985). The suave, handsome actor has subsequently portrayed a wide variety of characters, often unapologetic bad boys, opposite some of Hollywood’s most popular actors, including Sean Penn, Sylvester Stallone, Demi Moore, and Nicole Kidman. Born in New […]

Surrounded by the orcs, elves and hobbits of Middle-earth, you could be forgiven for thinking that no mere mortal would have a chance of standing out in Peter Jackson’s epic adaptation of The Lord of the Rings. But if one actor soared high above all others in part one, last year’s Fellowship OF The Ring, […]

Though the interviewer talks about Viggo Mortensen's work in The Lord of the Rings and other films, the bulk of this article focuses on Viggo's poetry and artistic pursuits, and on the changes that fame has brought to his life. You'll find several memorable quotes from John Rhys-Davies and other people that Viggo has worked with. Don't miss the photographs by Perou, including the famous cover photo with the blue scarf.

A report from the opening reception for Signlanguage at the Track 16 Gallery, 2-Feb-2002. The reporter includes perspectives from Viggo, Dennis Hopper, Elijah Wood, and Dominic Monaghan in addition to her own descriptions of and reactions to the work.

Meet Strider, shady man of Middle-Earth, prowling the land, sleeping rough and menacing young Hobbits in Bree-land taverns. Underneath the muddy hood and travel-stained cloak hides the noble Aragorn, son of Arathorn, elf-friend, chieftain of the Dúnedain of Arnor, wielder of the sword that was broken and long-lost heir to the throne of Gondor. Both […]

"If one day he should abandon the movie business he wouldn't be too upset. Viggo Mortensen tell Ciak how painting, taking photographs or making music are the most stimulating passions in his life."

Argentinean interview focuses on Viggo Mortensen's immersion into the role of Aragorn, and on his view of world politics. He comments on the parallels between Tolkien's tales and the current state of Argentina and the world.

Viggo Mortensen talks about the physical and other challenges of playing Aragorn in The Lord of the Rings.

"Liv, Gwyneth, Demi and Nicole—The Lord of the Rings star Viggo Mortensen says they've all been great to work with."

Viggo talks about preparing for and filming The Lord of the Rings. Excerpt: "I can say it, my conscience is clear," he says without a hint of vanity. "I did my best to study and find as much as I could. I read everything I could that was connected to Strider or Aragorn or his environment, to represent that character. I feel I did the best I could under the circumstances."

He wasn’t the first choice to play Aragorn but Viggo Mortensen’s attention to authenticity and devotion to detail means that the role is now his own. Enigmatic, brooding, handsome… This is part of the official casting description for the character of Aragorn in The Lord of the Rings trilogy. These words go a long way […]

A brief interview with Viggo regarding his immersion into the role of Aragorn, sword training and his "war wounds" from the filming.