Born in Denmark, Sven-Ole Thorsen has a remarkable sporting background as a champion bodybuilder, champion power-lifter, and karate black belt that made him an obvious choice for movies roles as "muscle for hire". The hulking 6' 5" actor first came to attention as one of Thulsa Doom's bodyguards... The hammer wielding "Thorgrim", in the highly popular, Conan the Barbarian. He came to Hollywood in 1985, appearing in nearly every Arnold Schwarzenegger film, including Predator, Twins, Red Heat and End of Days. His other on screen appearances include Lethal Weapon, The Quick and the Dead, The Hunt for Red October, On Deadly Ground and Gladiator. Thorsen's extensive stunt work includes Dracula, Bulletproof, Eraser, Batman & Robin, Soldier and Collateral. On television he has been seen in Baywatch Hawaii and The A-Team.


He is the actor who has appeared in most Arnold Schwarzenegger movies, with a total of 15 and counting (March 2005). Pursued his award-winning role as Tigris in Gladiator (2000) for over a year, and beat Lou Ferrigno for the part. Has been in virtually every Arnold Schwarzenegger movie to date, after arriving in the US in the early 1980s. He has acted in many of the films (including an uncredited performance in Predator (1987) as the Russian General), and has also done many of the stunts and provided training for the actors in most of Schwarzenegger's films. Is in two films based on Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan novels - The Hunt for Red October (1990) and The Sum of All Fears (2002). Is the founder of various federations, including The Danish Bodybuilding Federation. He also started and co-founded the monthly "Cigar Night at Schatzi on Main" with Arnold Schwarzenegger. Speaks four languages: Danish, English, German and Swedish. Won the "Strongest Man in the World"-contest, by power-lifting a massive 544 lbs (247 kilo - 1981). Ranked #56 in the "Top 100 Stars at the Box Office of the 1990s" list. Gave the 40-pound hammer he wielded in Conan the Barbarian (1982) to the film's director John Milius. Has made four movies together with Jesse Ventura (The Running Man (1987), Predator (1987), Abraxas, Guardian of the Universe (1990), and Batman & Robin (1997)). Has two children: Michael and Martin, who both have children of their own. Held the world record in power-lifting (1985 - 242.5 kilo). Served in the Danish army, where he was sergeant and a weapon's mechanic. Black belt in Karate.