Michael Nyqvist, ‘Girl With the Dragon Tattoo’ Star, Dies at 56

Actor had roles in “John Wick” and “Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol”

Michael Nyqvist, who starred in the Swedish film version of “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo” as well as Hollywood hits like “John Wick,” died after a battle with lung cancer, his manager said on Tuesday. He was 56.

“Michael’s joy and passion were infectious to those who knew and loved him,” read a statement from his family. “His charm and charisma were undeniable, and his love for the arts was felt by all who had the pleasure of working with him.”

Nyqvist played Mikael Blomkvist in the Swedish film series “Millennium,” based on the best-selling books by Stieg Larsson. The series included “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo,” “The Girl Who Played With Fire” and “The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets’ Nest.”

The actor catapulted from the series to Hollywood, where he landed roles in such studio films as John Wick,” “Disconnect” and “Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol.” 

Greg Poehler, who created the NBC sitcom “Welcome to Sweden,” expressed his remorse on Twitter on Tuesday.

“The first 4 Swedish movies I ever watched all starred Mikael Nyqvist. He shined in all of them. Death is the worst,” Poehler wrote.

Nyqvist published an autobiographical memoir, “Just After Dreaming,” in 2010. It included memories from his childhood and followed his life from his adoption as a baby up to tracking down his biological parents when he was 30. 

He is survived by his wife, Catharina, and their children Ellen and Arthur.

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