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Alice Krige

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Alice Krige
Krige in October 2006
Born
Alice Maud Krige

(1954-06-28) 28 June 1954 (age 70)
Upington, Cape Province, South Africa
EducationRhodes University
Central School of Speech and Drama
Occupation(s)Actress, producer
Years active1976–present
Spouse
Paul Schoolman
​
(m. 1988)​

Alice Maud Krige (Afrikaans: [ˈkriːχə]) (born June 28, 1954) is a South African actress and producer. Her big break came in 1981, when she starred as the Gilbert and Sullivan singer Sybil Gordon in the British historical film Chariots of Fire, and as Eva Galli / Alma Mobley in the American supernatural horror film Ghost Story. She received a Laurence Olivier Award for her performance in the West End theatre production of Arms and the Man (1981) and later joined the Royal Shakespeare Company.

Krige starred in various British, South African, European, and American films throughout her career. She starred in King David (1985), Barfly (1987), Haunted Summer (1988), See You in the Morning (1989), Sleepwalkers (1992), and Institute Benjamenta (1995). She played the role of the Borg Queen in the science fiction film Star Trek: First Contact (1996), for which she received a Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actress, and reprised the role in Star Trek: Voyager (2001), Star Trek: Lower Decks (2021), and Star Trek: Picard (2023). Subsequent notable film appearances include The Little Vampire (2000), Silent Hill (2006), Skin (2008), Solomon Kane (2009), The Sorcerer's Apprentice (2010), Thor: The Dark World (2013), A Christmas Prince (2017) and its two sequels, and Gretel & Hansel (2020). She played the leading role in the 2021 psychological horror drama film, She Will.[1]

On television, Krige played Lucie Manette in the 1980 historical drama film A Tale of Two Cities, appeared in miniseries Ellis Island (1984) and Dream West (1986), the Holocaust drama Wallenberg: A Hero's Story (1985), and as Patsy Cline in the comedy-drama Baja Oklahoma (1988). In later years, Krige played Lady Jessica in Frank Herbert's Children of Dune (2003), Natalie Wood's mother in The Mystery of Natalie Wood (2004), Joan Collins in Dynasty: The Making of a Guilty Pleasure (2005), and Lady Russell in Persuasion (2007). Her regular roles include Tyrant (2014–15), The Syndicate (2015), and The OA (2016–19).

Early life and education

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Krige was born in Upington, Cape Province (now Northern Cape), South Africa on 28 June 1954, the daughter of Patricia, a professor of psychology, and Louis Krige, a physician. She is of Afrikaaner and German descent. The Kriges later moved to Port Elizabeth, where Alice grew up in what she has described as a "very happy family", with two brothers, one of whom became a physician and the other a Professor of Surgery.[2][3]

Krige attended Rhodes University in Grahamstown, South Africa with plans to become a clinical psychologist. She turned to acting after taking an acting class at Rhodes, then completed a Bachelor of Arts degree and a BA Hons degree in drama, with distinction. She went on to London to attend the Central School of Speech and Drama.[4]

Career

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Krige made her professional debut playing the female lead in the 1976 South African romantic drama film Vergeet My Nie directed by Elmo De Witt.[5]

She moved to England in 1979, when she made her debut on British television appearing in an episode of BBC2 Playhouse. The following year, Krige starred as Lucie Manette in the American historical television film A Tale of Two Cities opposite Chris Sarandon.[6] She went on to play Sybil Gordon in the British historical film Chariots of Fire and Eva Galli/Alma Mobley in Ghost Story, both released in 1981.[3][4]

She then joined the Royal Shakespeare Company, playing Cordelia in King Lear and in Edward Bond's Lear, Miranda in The Tempest, Bianca in The Taming of the Shrew, and Roxanne in Cyrano de Bergerac. She also appeared in plays such as Thomas Otway's Venice Preserv'd at the Almeida Theatre in London, and Toyer at the Arts Theatre in the West End.[citation needed]

After her big screen breakthrough, Krige went on to star in a number of made-for-television movies and miniseries. She starred in the three-part CBS miniseries Ellis Island in 1984 based on 1983 novel of the same title. She starred alongside Richard Chamberlain in the television film Wallenberg: A Hero's Story (1985) and the miniseries Dream West (1986). Her other television films include Second Serve (1986), Baja Oklahoma (1988) playing country singer Patsy Cline, and Max and Helen (1990).

Krige played Bathsheba in the 1985 epic film King David opposite Richard Gere.[7] The film was not well received by the critics and was also a box-office failure, grossing $5.9 million worldwide against its $21 million production budget.[8] In 1987, she starred alongside Mickey Rourke and Faye Dunaway in the black comedy film Barfly, which received positive reviews from critics.[9] The following year she played Mary Shelley in the period drama film Haunted Summer.[10] In 1989, Krige played the female lead opposite Jeff Bridges in the romantic comedy-drama film, See You in the Morning.[11]

In 1992, Krige starred in the horror film Sleepwalkers written by Stephen King and directed by Mick Garris. Later that year she guest-starred in an episode of popular teen drama series, Beverly Hills, 90210 playing beautiful ranch owner named Anne who dated Luke Perry's character. She appeared in a made-for-television movies Judgment Day: The John List Story (1993), Jack Reed: Badge of Honor (1993), Sharpe's Honour (1994), Donor Unknown (1995), Devil's Advocate (1995), Hidden in America (1996), Indefensible: The Truth About Edward Brannigan (1997), and Deep in My Heart (1999). She starred in the 1991 miniseries Strauss Dynasty about Strauss family of Vienna, and well as Scarlet and Black (1993) and Joseph (1995). She received CableACE Award nomination for her performance in the anthology series The Hidden Room in 1992.[citation needed] In 1995, she starred in the critically acclaimed drama film Institute Benjamenta directed by Brothers Quay.[12] She later appeared in Habitat (1997), Twilight of the Ice Nymphs (1998), The Commissioner (1998) and Molokai: The Story of Father Damien (1999).[citation needed]

Krige at a Star Trek event

In 1996, Krige starred in the science fiction film Star Trek: First Contact, playing the role of the Borg Queen,[13] who attempts to assimilate Earth into the Borg collective. She won Best Supporting Actress at the 1997 Saturn Awards for that role.[3] She returned to this character in the Star Trek game Star Trek: Armada II and in the Star Trek: Voyager series finale "Endgame" in 2001. In 2021, she reprised her role as the Borg Queen in voice only for the animated series Star Trek: Lower Decks, to be followed in 2023 again voicing the Borg Queen in the series finale of Star Trek: Picard.[14] The character was named the greatest villain in Star Trek history.[15]

In 2000, Krige appeared in two genre films: the horror comedy The Little Vampire and the supernatural horror The Calling. She appeared in Reign of Fire (2002), Stay Alive, Lonely Hearts and The Contract (all released in 2006). Also in 2006, Krige played Christabella, the main antagonist of the supernatural horror film Silent Hill.[16]

In 2008, she starred in the biographical drama film Skin alongside Sophie Okonedo and Sam Neill receiving positive reviews.[17][18] The film explores the issues of the girl being classified as "Coloured" by the South African authorities during Apartheid, although her parents were white. In 2012, Krige produced the award-winning feature Jail Caesar, an exploration of the little known adolescence of Julius Caesar, filmed in three working prisons with several hundred serving prisoners and an ensemble of actors including Derek Jacobi and John Kani. Jail Caesar was written and directed by Paul Schoolman. Her later credits including Solomon Kane (2009), The Sorcerer's Apprentice (2010), Will (2011), and Thor: The Dark World (2013).[19]

Krige's science fiction career has expanded into television, with prominent roles in miniseries adaptations of Dinotopia (2002) and Frank Herbert's Children of Dune (2003).[3]

She played Natalie Wood's mother in the 2004 made-for-television movie The Mystery of Natalie Wood, and starred as Joan Collins in Dynasty: The Making of a Guilty Pleasure (2005).[20][21] She starred in the BBC Two drama The Line of Beauty in 2006. She had recurring roles on Deadwood, and guest starred on Six Feet Under, Law & Order: Criminal Intent, The 4400, Dirty Sexy Money and NCIS.

In 2011, Krige appeared in the BBC's final season of Spooks, playing Russian double agent Elena Gavrik.[22] Krige also featured in the final season of the BBC drama Waking the Dead, in 2011.[23] She played the role of Amira in the first and second series of Tyrant for F/X, and worked for the BBC on the series The Syndicate and Partners in Crime. In 2016, she starred on the Netflix mystery series, The OA.[24]

In 2017, Krige starred as Queen Helena Charlton in the Christmas romantic comedy film, A Christmas Prince for Netflix. She reprised her role in two sequels: A Christmas Prince: The Royal Wedding (2018) and A Christmas Prince: The Royal Baby (2019). In 2020 she starred in the dark fantasy horror film, Gretel & Hansel playing the role of The Witch.[25] In 2021, she played the leading role in the psychological horror drama film She Will playing the role of aging film star. Krige received positive reviews for her performance.[26][27] Also that year she appeared opposite Max von Sydow in the drama film Echoes of the Past. In 2022, Krige appeared in the slasher film Texas Chainsaw Massacre for Netflix.[1]

Recognition

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She earned a Plays and Players Award, as well as a Laurence Olivier Award for Most Promising Newcomer, after appearing in a 1981 West End theatre production of George Bernard Shaw's Arms and the Man.[3][4]

In April 2004, Krige was awarded an honorary Litt.D. degree from Rhodes University.[3]

In 2015, Krige received the Special Jury Award at the International Film Festival for Peace, Inspiration and Equality in Jakarta, along with Andy Garcia and Jimmy Carter for her performance in the film Shingetsu, in which she plays a war-traumatised surgeon of Doctors Without Borders, opposite Gunter Singer.[28][29]

Personal life

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Krige married writer and director Paul Schoolman in 1988.[3]

Filmography

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Film

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Year Title Role Notes
1976 Vergeet My Nie Welma de Villiers
1981 Chariots of Fire Sybil Gordon
1981 Ghost Story Eva Galli / Alma Mobley
1985 King David Bathsheba
1987 Barfly Tully Sorenson
1988 Haunted Summer Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin
1989 See You in the Morning Beth Goodwin
1992 Sleepwalkers Mary Brady Fangoria Chainsaw Award for Best Supporting Actress
Fantafestival Award for Best Actress
1992 Spies Inc. Isabelle
1994 Sea Beggars Wife Short film
1995 Institute Benjamenta Lisa Benjamenta
1996 Star Trek: First Contact Borg Queen Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actress
1996 Amanda Audrey Farnsworth
1997 Habitat Clarissa Symes
1997 Twilight of the Ice Nymphs Zephyr Eccles
1998 The Commissioner Isabelle Morton
1999 Molokai: The Story of Father Damien Mother Marianne Cope
2000 The Little Vampire Freda Sackville-Bagg
2000 The Calling Elizabeth Plummer
2001 Superstition Mirella Cenci
2001 Vallen Monique
2002 Reign of Fire Karen Abercromby
2004 Star Trek: The Experience - Borg Invasion 4D Borg Queen Short film
2004 Shadow of Fear Margie Henderson
2006 Stay Alive The Author
2006 Silent Hill Christabella LaRoache
2006 Lonely Hearts Janet Long
2006 The Contract Agent Gwen Miles
2007 Ten Inch Hero Zo
2008 Skin Sannie Laing
2008 The Betrayed Falco
2009 Solomon Kane Katherine Crowthorn
2010 The Sorcerer's Apprentice Morgan le Fay
2011 Will Sister Carmel
2012 Jail Caesar Pirate Captain Also producer
Nominated — Raindance Film Festival Jury Prize for Best UK Feature
2013 Thor: The Dark World Eir
2017 The Little Vampire 3D Freda Sackville-Bagg Voice
2017 A Christmas Prince Queen Helena
2018 A Christmas Prince: The Royal Wedding Queen Helena
2018 A Rose in Winter Anna Reinach
2019 A Christmas Prince: The Royal Baby Queen Helena
2020 Gretel & Hansel Holda/The Witch Nominated — Fangoria Chainsaw Award for Best Supporting Performance
2020 Shingetsu Woman Also producer
2020 The Bay of Silence Vivian
2021 She Will Veronica Ghent
2021 Echoes of the Past Andrea Foss
2022 Texas Chainsaw Massacre Virginia "Ginny" McCumber [30]

Television

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Year Title Role Notes
1980 BBC2 Playhouse Emily Episode: "The Happy Autumn Fields"
1980 A Tale of Two Cities Lucie Manette TV film
1980 The Professionals Diana Molner Episode: "Operation Susie"
1983 Arms and the Man Raina Filmed stage production
1984 Ellis Island Bridget O'Donnell TV miniseries
1985 Wallenberg: A Hero's Story Baroness Lisl Kemeny TV film
1985 Murder, She Wrote Nita Cochran Episode: "Murder in the Afternoon"
1986 Dream West Jessie Benton Fremont TV miniseries
1986 Second Serve Gwen TV film
1988 Baja Oklahoma Patsy Cline TV film
1990 Max and Helen Helen Weiss TV film
1991 The Strauss Dynasty Olga TV miniseries
1991 The Hidden Room Jennifer Episode: "Dream Child"
Nominated — CableACE Award for Best Actress in a Dramatic Series
1991 L'Amérique en otage Parveneh Limbert TV film
1992 Ladykiller May Packard TV film
1992 Beverly Hills, 90210 Anne Berrisford Episode: "Wild Horses"
1993 Judgment Day: The John List Story Jean Syfert TV film
1993 Double Deception Pamela Sparrow TV film
1993 Jack Reed: Badge of Honor Joan Anatole TV film
1993 Scarlet and Black Madame de Renal TV miniseries
1994 Sharpe's Honour La Marquesa TV film
1995 Joseph Rachel TV film
1995 Donor Unknown Alice Stillman TV film
1995 Devil's Advocate Alessandra Locatelli TV film
1996 Hidden in America Dee TV film
1997 Indefensible: The Truth About Edward Brannigan Rebecca Daly TV film
1998 Close Relations Louise TV miniseries
1998 Welcome to Paradox Aura Mendoza Episode: "Acute Triangle"
1999 Deep in My Heart Annalise Jurgenson TV film
1999 Becker Dr. Sandra Rush Episode: "Activate Your Choices"
1999 In the Company of Spies Sarah Gold TV film
2001 Attila Galla Placidia TV miniseries
2001 Star Trek: Voyager Borg Queen Episode: "Endgame"
2002 Six Feet Under Alma Episodes: "Out, Out, Brief Candle" and "The Plan"
2002 Dinotopia Rosemary Waldo TV miniseries
2003 Children of Dune Lady Jessica TV miniseries
2003 The Death and Life of Nancy Eaton Snubby Eaton TV film
2004 The Mystery of Natalie Wood Maria Gurdin TV film
2003, 2004 Threat Matrix Senator Lily Randolph Episodes: "Flipping" and "19 Seconds"
2005 Dynasty: The Making of a Guilty Pleasure Joan Collins TV film
2005 Deadwood Maddie 5 episodes
2006 Law & Order: Criminal Intent Gillian Booth Episode: "Dramma Giocoso"
2006 The Line of Beauty Rachel Fedden TV miniseries
2006 The 4400 Sarah Episodes: "Gone: Part 1" and "Gone: Part 2"
2007 Persuasion Lady Russell TV film
Nominated — Monte-Carlo Television Festival for Best Performance by an Actress
2007 Heroes and Villains Letizia Episode: "Napoleon"
2008 Dirty Sexy Money Judge Alexis Wyeth Episode: "The Family Lawyer"
2009 Midsomer Murders Jenny Frazer Episode: "Secrets and Spies"
2011 Waking the Dead Karen Harding Episodes: "Care: Part 1" and "Care: Part 2"
2011 Page Eight Emma Baron TV film
2011 Spooks Elena Gavrik 6 episodes
2014 Tyrant Amira Al Fayeed 20 episodes
2014 NCIS Margaret Clark Episode: "So It Goes"
2015 The Syndicate Lady Hazelwood 6 episodes
2015 Partners in Crime Rita Vandemeyer Episodes: "The Secret Adversary: Part 1" and "The Secret Adversary: Part 2"
2016–2019 The OA Nancy Johnson Season 1 (2016): 8 episodes
Season 2 (2019): Episode: "Angel of Death"
2019 Carnival Row Aoife Tsigani Recurring role[31]
2020 The Alienist: Angel of Darkness Elizabeth Cady Stanton 2 episodes
2021 Star Trek: Lower Decks Borg Queen (voice) Episode: "I, Excretus"
2023 Son of a Critch Millicent Hearn Episode: "Old Friends, New Friends"
2023 Star Trek: Picard Borg Queen (voice) 2 episodes

References

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  1. ^ a b "Alice Krige's life in horror, from 'Ghost Story' and 'Sleepwalkers' to 'She Will'". EW.com.
  2. ^ Alice Krige biodata, Yahoo! Movies; accessed 29 September 2014.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g "The Alice Krige Home Page biography". Archived from the original on 13 July 2011.
  4. ^ a b c "Alice Krige biography and filmography". Tribute.ca. Retrieved 4 November 2013.
  5. ^ "Vergeet my nie (1975) (HD 1080p)" – via www.youtube.com.
  6. ^ "A Tale of Two Cities (1980)" – via www.allmovie.com.
  7. ^ Canby, Vincent (29 March 1985). "SCREEN: 'KING DAVID,' A BIBLICAL EPIC" – via NYTimes.com.
  8. ^ "King David - Rotten Tomatoes". Rotten Tomatoes. 15 June 2011.
  9. ^ "Barfly - Rotten Tomatoes". Rotten Tomatoes. 10 August 2016.
  10. ^ "Haunted Summer - Rotten Tomatoes". Rotten Tomatoes. 6 June 2011.
  11. ^ "See You in the Morning - Rotten Tomatoes". Rotten Tomatoes. 21 April 1989.
  12. ^ "Institute Benjamenta - Rotten Tomatoes". Rotten Tomatoes. 13 March 1995.
  13. ^ "First Contact's Borg Queen - Alice Krige". StarTrek.com. Retrieved 19 May 2018.
  14. ^ "'Star Trek: Lower Decks' Brought Back Alice Krige, the OG Borg Queen". 30 September 2021.
  15. ^ Orquiola, John (30 September 2021). "Star Trek's Original Borg Queen Returns (& Why There's A New One)". ScreenRant.
  16. ^ McAndrews, Mary Beth (18 July 2022). "Alice Krige Explains Why She Struggled With 'Silent Hill'". Dread Central.
  17. ^ "Skin - Rotten Tomatoes". Rotten Tomatoes. 22 March 2016.
  18. ^ Bradshaw, Peter (23 July 2009). "Skin" – via The Guardian.
  19. ^ "'Thor: The Dark World' casts Alice Krige". Digital Spy. 13 August 2012. Retrieved 4 November 2013.
  20. ^ Heffernan, Virginia (1 January 2005). "Dynasty: The Making of a Guilty Pleasure: If You've Got It, Flaunt It: ABC Trumpets an 80's Hit". The New York Times. Retrieved 26 February 2009.
  21. ^ "Dynasty: The Making of a Guilty Pleasure: Credits". Der-denver-clan.de. Archived from the original on 19 January 2012. Retrieved 27 February 2009.
  22. ^ "'Star Trek' star Alice Krige is 'amazing' in 'Spooks', say writers". Cultbox.co.uk. 8 September 2011. Retrieved 4 November 2013.
  23. ^ "Alice Krige Credits". TV Guide. 28 November 2012. Retrieved 4 November 2013.
  24. ^ Ge, Linda (12 December 2016). "Brit Marling's Netflix Series 'The OA' Promises Mystery in First Trailer (Video)". The Wrap. Retrieved 12 December 2016.
  25. ^ "Gretel & Hansel - Rotten Tomatoes". Rotten Tomatoes. 31 January 2020.
  26. ^ Felperin, Leslie (19 July 2022). "She Will review – atmospheric tale of post-menopausal revenge fantasies" – via The Guardian.
  27. ^ "She Will - Rotten Tomatoes". Rotten Tomatoes. 15 July 2022.
  28. ^ "Winners - International Film Festivals for Peace, Inspiration, and Equality". internationalfilmfestivals.org. Archived from the original on 10 October 2018. Retrieved 28 February 2017.
  29. ^ "Shingetsu director Paul Schoolman and actor Alice Krige interview". hastingsonlinetimes.co.uk.
  30. ^ Fuge, Jon (22 March 2021). "'Don't Breathe 2' & 'Texas Chainsaw' Sequel Are Finished and Fantastic Teases Producer". MovieWeb. Retrieved 8 April 2021.
  31. ^ Petski, Denise (12 October 2017). "'Carnival Row': Alice Krige & Jared Harris Set To Recur on Amazon's Fantasy Drama Series". Deadline. Retrieved 15 December 2017.

Further reading

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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Alice Krige.
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