1. Overview
Sissela Maria Kyle, born on March 17, 1957, in Örgryte, Gothenburg, Sweden, is a prominent Swedish actress, theater director, and comedian. Throughout her extensive career, Kyle has made significant contributions to the Swedish cultural landscape, known for her versatility in both comedic and serious roles across various mediums including theater, film, television, and radio. Her work often reflects a sharp wit and deep understanding of human nature, establishing her as a beloved and respected figure in the arts, particularly within the country's progressive artistic scene.
2. Life
Sissela Kyle's life journey, from her early fascination with theater to becoming a celebrated artist, is marked by a deep commitment to her craft and a versatile engagement with different artistic expressions.
2.1. Early Life and Education
Sissela Kyle is the daughter of Per Gunnar Kyle and Gunnhild Kyle (née Karlson), who passed away in 2016. She spent her formative years in Partille, a municipality located just outside of Gothenburg. From a young age, Kyle developed a strong interest in the performing arts, which led her to join a local theater group in Gothenburg. In 1976, after moving out of her childhood home, she began working as a teacher temp, gaining practical experience before pursuing her passion professionally. Her dedication to theater culminated in her acceptance into the prestigious Theater School of Stockholm in 1978. During her studies, she was part of a notable class that included future prominent actors such as Peter Stormare, Jessica Zandén, Maria Johansson, and Tomas Norström. This period laid the foundation for her diverse and successful career in the Swedish entertainment industry.
3. Career and Major Activities
Sissela Kyle's career is distinguished by her broad range of work as an actress, comedian, and director, spanning various platforms from the stage to television and radio.
3.1. Theater Work
Kyle has graced the stages of numerous renowned theaters, including the Stockholm City Theatre, the Royal Dramatic Theatre, Boulevardteatern, and Hamburger Börs. While she quickly gained recognition as a comedian, showcasing her exceptional talent for humor and improvisation, she also demonstrated her dramatic range by taking on serious roles. Notable serious performances include her participation in the productions of Revisorn (1990) and Onkel Vanja (1994), where she proved her capability to tackle complex, non-comedic characters. Her contributions to the theatrical scene have been pivotal in shaping the modern Swedish stage.
3.2. Film and Television Work
Sissela Kyle has been a familiar face on Swedish television, appearing in several popular series. These include Skärgårdsdoktorn, broadcast on SVT, as well as Tjat om mat and Pistvakt. She further solidified her reputation as a comedian with her regular appearances on the comedy show Parlamentet, which airs on TV4. In later years, she took on a leading role as Dagmar Friman in the acclaimed SVT drama series Fröken Frimans krig, showcasing her ability to portray strong and impactful characters. Her filmography also includes significant roles in movies such as Livet är en schlager (2000) and the popular comedy Kopps (2003).
3.3. Radio and Hosting Activities
Beyond her acting career, Kyle has been a prominent voice on Sveriges Radio. She has made multiple appearances over the years on the popular radio show Spanarna. Furthermore, Kyle has presented her own episodes of the esteemed program Sommar i P1 in 1994, 2000, 2005, and 2019, where she shared personal anecdotes and reflections on her life. Her charismatic presence also led her to frequently host the annual Guldbaggen, Sweden's most prestigious film gala, a role that further highlighted her versatile talents and widespread appeal.
3.4. Directing Work
In 2011, Sissela Kyle made her directorial debut in theater, taking the helm for Alan Ayckbourn's play Vänner (Absent Friends) at the Stockholm City Theatre. Following this, she continued to explore her talent behind the stage, directing Carin Mannheimer's I sista minuten and Chris Lee's Det kan du drömma om Hilda. All of these directorial projects were also staged at the Stockholm City Theatre, marking her significant expansion into the role of a theater director.
4. Personal Life
Since 2011, Sissela Kyle has been in a relationship with Per Naroskin, a well-known Swedish comedian and writer.
5. Awards and Recognition
Sissela Kyle has received numerous accolades throughout her career, particularly for her outstanding contributions to theater. She has been awarded the Guldmasken five times for her work on stage, recognizing her exceptional performances and impact in the Swedish theatrical landscape.
6. Filmography
- 1983 - Limpan
- 1985 - Lösa förbindelser
- 1988 - Liv i luckan
- 1992 - Gomorron
- 1999 - Dödlig drift
- 2000 - Naken
- 2000 - Livet är en schlager
- 2001 - Familjehemligheter
- 2003 - Kopps
- 2003 - Håkan Bråkan
- 2004 - Eurovision Song Contest 2004 (In the sketch ABBA: The Last Video)
- 2004 - Miss Sweden
- 2004 - Bombay Dreams
- 2005 - Four Weeks in June
- 2006 - Min frus förste älskare
- 2007 - Hjälp!
- 2007 - En riktig jul
- 2007 - Sisselak
- 2013 - Crimes of Passion
- 2013 - Fröken Frimans krig
- 2013 - Ego
7. External links
- [https://akas.imdb.com/name/nm0477404/ Sissela Kyle] at the Internet Movie Database
- [https://www.svenskfilmdatabas.se/sv/item/?type=person&itemid=110065 Sissela Kyle] at the Swedish Film Database