RIP Sverre Anker Ousdal

 

Sverre Anker Ousdal has died 

Actor Sverre Anker Ousdal has died. He was 81 years old.

VG Live

January 4, 2026

 

The acclaimed theater man was one of the country's most recognized actors. From his debut at the age of 21 at Den Nationale Scene in Bergen in 1965 until today, the stage artist was still in full force.

– Dad meant everything to us and to many. An anchor is gone. We are grateful for all the thoughtfulness, says his son Mads Ousdal on behalf of the family.

This spring, Sverre Anker Ousdal planned a comeback at the National Theatre, where he became a permanent employee 55 years ago.

He was to play an aging father in Arne Lygre's newly written play "Gi meg hånden".

The role was specially written for Ousdal in the play, which deals with fragile family relationships.

- Perhaps Norway's greatest actor of all time has now passed away, says the director of the National Theatre, Kristian Seltun, to VG.

– He was an enormously great actor in everything he did – perfect. He was modern for his time, but at the same time stood in a long tradition. He was someone who had always been there, for many generations. Sverre Anker Ousdal was a “circus horse”, and someone who always had humor in the back room, Seltun recalls.

The two worked together in the production “Jordbærstedet” a couple of years ago.

Flekkefjæringen retired from the theater in 2014. But not completely.

– Norway has lost a giant

He played in several major productions in recent years, despite the fact that he became severely visually impaired after a liver transplant in connection with cancer in 2008. He woke up in pitch darkness, but never felt bitterness for the loss of sensation.

Afterwards, some vision returned, but he only saw lights and shadows and said that what he missed most was seeing his grandchildren.

– Norway has lost a giant, says Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

– It made a deep impression to see him in demanding roles even when he was affected by illness, says Støre.

His thoughts now go to Sverre Anker Ousdal's loved ones.

Countless strong role interpretations

In recent years, Ousdal has received many awards for his extensive acting work.

OUSDAL, Sverre Anker

Born: 7/18/1944, Flekkefjord, Norway

Died: 1/3/2026, Oslo, Norway

 

Sverre Anker Ousdal’s western – actor:

North Star – 1996 (Lindberg)