Kirsten Olesen

Acting

Kirsten Olesen

Born May 10, 1949 · Aarhus, Danmark (age 77)

Kirsten Olesen is a Danish actress who since 1979 has been with Copenhagen's Royal Danish Theatre. In Denmark, she is known above all for taking the part of Agnes, a housemaid, in the popular television series Matador. Internationally, she has starred in the title role of Lars von Trier's Medea.

Known For

Spring TideSpring Tide · 1990
Spring Tide
5.01990
MovieDramaComedy
Franco lives in a rough part of Copenhagen. His hooker mother has little time for him. Franco drifts into a life of crime, repeatedly confronting the authorities. To give him a new start, he’s placed in a foster home far away from Copenhagen. His new family greets him with warm hospitality. There’s also the beautiful countryside and, last but not least, the teen-aged daughter
MedeaMedea · 1989
Medea
6.51989
MovieDramaTV Movie
Medea after having helped the man she loves, Jason, and given him to birth two children, is driven into fury and vengeful madness after he decides to abandon her to become successor to the throne by marring Glauce, the daughter of Creon, king of Corinth.
WildwitchWildwitch · 2018
Wildwitch
4.92018
MovieFamilyFantasy
12-year-old Clara is just like any other girl, until one day a mysterious black cat scratches her. Clara soon discovers that she can communicate with the cat and that she belongs to a family of Wild Witches with a strong connection to nature and animals. It turns out that Clara is a very special Wild Witch and that her blood can set free the ancient and evil witch, Bravita Bloodyoung.
In Your HandsIn Your Hands · 2004
In Your Hands
5.82004
MovieDrama
Anna, a young theology graduate, starts work as a prison chaplain. She becomes especially concerned about one inmate, Kate, regarded as difficult and withdrawn, but whom the other inmates credit with mysterious healing powers.
When Heaven FallsWhen Heaven Falls · 2009
When Heaven Falls
5.72009
MovieDrama
Sara was placed in care aged 11. Now 28 she hears her mother has died. She goes to the funeral and realises her brother and father don't recognise her so keeps quiet about her identity. When watching her father's house, she finds out she has two younger sisters, and realises that what's going on connects to her childhood...
Johannes' hemmelighedJohannes' hemmelighed · 1985
Johannes' hemmelighed
8.01985
MovieFamily
Johannes is upset because his parents have divorced and because his father never phones him. Before going to bed he wants his mother to read something from the Bible for him, instead of one of the usual stories from Superman. She reads some lines from the Revelation of St. John. Johannes asks her what "the end is near" means. She explains that it is when Jesus comes back, and sends the good people to Paradise and the evil ones to Hell. In the middle of the night Johannes sees a dazzling light and lots of water pouring out from the toilet. Suddenly an androgynous being is standing in the bathroom. Johannes thinks it's Jesus, and the being doesn't deny it. Johannes asks Jesus if his parents are going to Hell, as he thinks they are evil.
RebounceRebounce · 2011
Rebounce
4.52011
MovieDrama
REBOUNCE is a colorful, tough and powerful film featuring Frederikke Dahl Hansen in the leading role. She plays opposite Anne Sofie Espersen and Dar Salim, and despite being only 16 years old she portrays toughness, charm, and vulnerability admirably. REBOUNCE is an intense drama. Louise's mother is just out of prison and in the eyes of a teenager she's cool, tough and enchanting. To win her love, Louise follows her lead and enters a world of partying, drugs, fast cash and men. Meanwhile, everyone seems to forget that she is just a teenager
The StrangerThe Stranger · 2015
The Stranger
3.82015
Movie
Tommy is not doing much of anything with his life or the money he has inherited except smoking weed. His parents have high hopes for him and he is bound to disappoint them. Then one day a Thai prostitute on the run from criminal forces her way into his apartment and Tommy finds himself at a crossroad.

Movies

Spring TideSpring Tide · 1990
Spring Tide
5.01990
MovieDramaComedy
Franco lives in a rough part of Copenhagen. His hooker mother has little time for him. Franco drifts into a life of crime, repeatedly confronting the authorities. To give him a new start, he’s placed in a foster home far away from Copenhagen. His new family greets him with warm hospitality. There’s also the beautiful countryside and, last but not least, the teen-aged daughter
MedeaMedea · 1989
Medea
6.51989
MovieDramaTV Movie
Medea after having helped the man she loves, Jason, and given him to birth two children, is driven into fury and vengeful madness after he decides to abandon her to become successor to the throne by marring Glauce, the daughter of Creon, king of Corinth.
WildwitchWildwitch · 2018
Wildwitch
4.92018
MovieFamilyFantasy
12-year-old Clara is just like any other girl, until one day a mysterious black cat scratches her. Clara soon discovers that she can communicate with the cat and that she belongs to a family of Wild Witches with a strong connection to nature and animals. It turns out that Clara is a very special Wild Witch and that her blood can set free the ancient and evil witch, Bravita Bloodyoung.
In Your HandsIn Your Hands · 2004
In Your Hands
5.82004
MovieDrama
Anna, a young theology graduate, starts work as a prison chaplain. She becomes especially concerned about one inmate, Kate, regarded as difficult and withdrawn, but whom the other inmates credit with mysterious healing powers.
When Heaven FallsWhen Heaven Falls · 2009
When Heaven Falls
5.72009
MovieDrama
Sara was placed in care aged 11. Now 28 she hears her mother has died. She goes to the funeral and realises her brother and father don't recognise her so keeps quiet about her identity. When watching her father's house, she finds out she has two younger sisters, and realises that what's going on connects to her childhood...
Johannes' hemmelighedJohannes' hemmelighed · 1985
Johannes' hemmelighed
8.01985
MovieFamily
Johannes is upset because his parents have divorced and because his father never phones him. Before going to bed he wants his mother to read something from the Bible for him, instead of one of the usual stories from Superman. She reads some lines from the Revelation of St. John. Johannes asks her what "the end is near" means. She explains that it is when Jesus comes back, and sends the good people to Paradise and the evil ones to Hell. In the middle of the night Johannes sees a dazzling light and lots of water pouring out from the toilet. Suddenly an androgynous being is standing in the bathroom. Johannes thinks it's Jesus, and the being doesn't deny it. Johannes asks Jesus if his parents are going to Hell, as he thinks they are evil.
RebounceRebounce · 2011
Rebounce
4.52011
MovieDrama
REBOUNCE is a colorful, tough and powerful film featuring Frederikke Dahl Hansen in the leading role. She plays opposite Anne Sofie Espersen and Dar Salim, and despite being only 16 years old she portrays toughness, charm, and vulnerability admirably. REBOUNCE is an intense drama. Louise's mother is just out of prison and in the eyes of a teenager she's cool, tough and enchanting. To win her love, Louise follows her lead and enters a world of partying, drugs, fast cash and men. Meanwhile, everyone seems to forget that she is just a teenager
The StrangerThe Stranger · 2015
The Stranger
3.82015
Movie
Tommy is not doing much of anything with his life or the money he has inherited except smoking weed. His parents have high hopes for him and he is bound to disappoint them. Then one day a Thai prostitute on the run from criminal forces her way into his apartment and Tommy finds himself at a crossroad.
Sorg-agreSorg-agre · 1987
Sorg-agre
4.71987
MovieDrama
The story takes place on a manor in the late 18th century, where the widow Ane Marie's son is suspected of burning down a barn. If the lord of the manor hands him over to the authorities, it will mean prison or military service for an indefinite period. Therefore, Ane Marie makes a deal with the lord of the manor: her son will go free if Ane Marie can do the work of three men and mow a field from sunrise to sunset.
EliseElise · 1985
Elise
4.31985
MovieDrama
In a sexual and romantic drama of intrigue, lies, and gossip, a young woman over a long period of time, has children by both men, her husband and lover before her deception begins to fall apart. Elise (Ann-Mari Max Hansen) is an outgoing, happy woman married to Henry (Ole Ernst), the town doctor. Because of a mix-up one day, she finds herself first compromised and then romantically involved with William (Henning Jensen), a captain of the Dragoons. Her story is told from the viewpoint of the town vicar, who may not be such an innocent bystander as he first seems. Eventually, gossip begins to run rampant, and Elise's life heads for a radical change.
Truck-driverTruck-driver · 1981
Truck-driver
6.01981
MovieFamilyComedy
This trucker road movie tells the story of four men driving 30-ton meat-carriers in shuttle service between Denmark and Italy. Against their will, the truckers get involved in criminal activities that flourish as a result of European custom service bureaucracy. Their bonding as friends and their strongly rooted family life help them through.
In My LifeIn My Life · 1978
In My Life
4.41978
MovieComedy
A young man finds love and settles down, but when his young wife spirals into depression they both have decisions to make.
Enlig FarEnlig Far · 1980
Enlig Far
5.51980
MovieDrama
Madklubben: Hjemme IgenMadklubben: Hjemme Igen · 2025
Madklubben: Hjemme Igen
5.72025
MovieDramaComedy
The three friends, Marie, Berling, and Vanja, are back home. They’ve moved in together in a large, beautiful house with high ceilings and a weekly dinner club. Marie is getting used to life as a newly divorced woman, the new grandmother Vanja takes care of both child and grandchild, while Berling has been forced into retirement. But with their usual impressive energy, the three women — led by Berling — decide to create Funen’s biggest local food festival! A decision that doesn’t go unnoticed, either within or around their small household.
That's me tooThat's me too · 1980
That's me too
7.31980
MovieDrama
Stine is eighteen and has finished school. Her parents have are divorced, and the father has a new wife. Stine is not so anxious finding a regular job, She would like to be an actor.
Sigurd FafnersbaneSigurd Fafnersbane · 1981
Sigurd Fafnersbane
1981
MovieAnimationFantasy
An animated retelling of the legendary hero Sigurd of Norse folklore.
Ein Sommer in DänemarkEin Sommer in Dänemark · 2016
Ein Sommer in Dänemark
5.42016
MovieRomance
Translator Lena Feldhusen travels to Copenhagen to supposedly research the Danish writer Karen Blixen. However, there is another reason behind the trip: the search for her father Carl, whom she last saw in her early childhood. During the trip, she meets the charming Mads, who also turns out to be a Blixen expert and runs the museum of the same name. Her trip becomes a confrontation with herself, old family conflicts and the chance of a new love.
Tre SøstreTre Søstre · 1977
Tre Søstre
1977
Movie
Something in the AirSomething in the Air · 2011
Something in the Air
4.72011
MovieComedyRomance
When clairvoyant Pernille meets Journalist Daniel, who is on a mission to write an exposé about Fact & Fiction in the clairvoyant world, Daniel falls in love with her. And funnily enough, she hadn't seen it coming.
The Sun Has DiedThe Sun Has Died · 2015
The Sun Has Died
10.02015
MovieThrillerHorror
A young woman is terrorized while working the night shift, cleaning a remote kindergarten, in this intense first-person horror film.
My Granny's HouseMy Granny's House · 1984
My Granny's House
5.01984
MovieFamilyDrama
Danish author Soya's acidly funny turn-of-the-century memoir novel turned into a robust black comedy. After his mother's death, tiny tot Søren goes to live with his wilful, rich and stingy Granny, who wants to improve his manners. She also wants to make him sole heir to her fortune, which everybody else covets. Mutual respect, even love, develops between the two. And death by poison enlivens things.
StainsStains · 2022
Stains
2022
MovieDrama
An artist finds herself at a residency in the northern part of Jutland. Her need for control in every aspect of her life is challenged… both by herself and by an older artist who is seemingly able to see right through her younger counterpart.
AccusedAccused · 2005
Accused
6.72005
MovieThrillerDrama
On the surface Henrik and Nina Christofferson are an ordinary family living happily. But they have a problem. Their daughter, Stine, a difficult 14 year old, has a habit of telling lies in class. When Stine accuses her father of sexual abuse, and is believed by seemingly eager social workers, their family is thrust into crisis. Could Henrik have done it? And when Stine prepares to return home, the ugly side of family life is exposed.
Daisy DiamondDaisy Diamond · 2007
Daisy Diamond
5.62007
MovieDrama
A tragic story about Anna who dreams of one thing only: making it as an actress. She moves from Sweden to Copenhagen to pursue her dream. But fate has something else in store for her. Though she struggles to give her 4-month-old daughter a good start in life, she ultimately fails to unite her dream of acting with a safe and loving environment for her child, culminating in a desperate act that has fatal consequences for Anna and her daughter.

TV Shows

This Is UsThis Is Us · 2016
This Is Us
8.22016
SeriesDrama
Follows the lives and families of three adults living and growing up in the United States of America in present and past times. As their paths cross and their life stories intertwine in curious ways, we find that several of them share the same birthday - and so much more than anyone would expect.
The BridgeThe Bridge · 2011
The Bridge
8.12011
SeriesCrimeMystery
When a body is found on the bridge between Denmark and Sweden, right on the border, Danish inspector Martin Rohde and Swedish Saga Norén have to share jurisdiction and work together to find the killer.
Spise med PriceSpise med Price · 2008
Spise med Price
8.52008
SeriesDocumentary
The artistically streaked brothers James and Adam Price learned early on to LOVE food and both are right at home in the kitchen. In this series they alternate between working together and competing against each other as they take on each episode's theme of food. Some dishes are done the old fashioned way, some get a twist but all is done in a humorous atmosphere of good-natured bantering, teasing and story telling.
The LegacyThe Legacy · 2014
The Legacy
7.52014
SeriesDrama
The death of a matriarch brings forgotten secrets out into the open and causes a prolonged battle for the family inheritance.
SommerSommer · 2008
Sommer
7.62008
SeriesDrama
Sommer is a Danish TV-drama aired on DR1 in 2008. The series was created by Jesper W. Nielsen and Karina Dam
MatadorMatador · 1978
Matador
9.11978
SeriesDrama
Matador is a Danish TV series produced and shown between 1978 and 1982. It is set in the fictional Danish town of Korsbæk between 1929 and 1947. It follows the lives of a range of characters from across the social spectrum, focusing specifically on the rivalry between the families of two businessmen: The banker Hans Christian Varnæs, an established local worthy, and social climber Mads Skjern, who arrives in town as the series opens. The name Matador was taken from the localised edition of the boardgame Monopoly, also the series' tentative English title. In addition, in contemporary Danish a "matador" is often used to describe a business tycoon, in the series referring to the character of Mads Skjern and his craftiness as a self-made entrepreneur. Directed by famed Danish film maker Erik Balling, Matador was the idea of author Lise Nørgaard who wrote the bulk of the episodes alongside Karen Smith, Jens Louis Petersen and Paul Hammerich. The series is one of the most well-known and popular examples of Danish television and represents the peak of longtime development of Danish TV drama by the public service channel Danmarks Radio. The series has become part of the modern self-understanding of Danes, partly because of its successful mix of melodrama and a distinct warm Danish humour in the depiction of characters, which were portrayed by a wide range of the most popular Danish actors at the time; but also not least because of its accurate portrayal of a turbulent Denmark from around the start of the Great Depression and through Nazi Germany's occupation of Denmark in World War II.
Vores årVores år · 1980
Vores år
1980
SeriesDrama
BryggerenBryggeren · 1996
Bryggeren
4.21996
SeriesDrama
A story about Carlsberg founder JC Jacobsen, his son Carl, and their struggle to create a brewing company, and simultaneously a look at fifty years of Danish history.
Tre ludere og en lommetyvTre ludere og en lommetyv · 1993
Tre ludere og en lommetyv
10.01993
Series
HotelletHotellet · 2000
Hotellet
8.02000
SeriesDrama
Lysets nøgleLysets nøgle · 2007
Lysets nøgle
7.02007
SeriesDrama
Finding HomeFinding Home · 2018
Finding Home
2018
SeriesDrama
The year is 1899. The young girl Marie Jensen lives at an orphanage with her two younger siblings Karl and Sofie. Their father is a sailor and has not been home for years. He was last seen in Norway but everybody is convinced he was lost at sea – except Marie. One morning the beautiful freighter ‘Hope’ comes to town with Skipper Andersen and his wife Mrs. Agnete on board. To Marie’s distress, they adopt Karl and Sofie, and Marie now faces being left alone. But quickly she comes up with a plan. At night, she cuts her long hair and disguises herself as a boy, adopts the name of Martin and signs on as a deck boy on ‘’Hope’. The ship takes Marie and her siblings on an eventful journey from the coast of Denmark to Norway and Iceland. A journey full of secrets, friendship, love and adventure – all in the hope of finding her father and reuniting her family. 'Finding Home' is a story about a young girl’s fight to break free of the path that society has destined for her and instead becoming a strong and independent woman.