Biography [en]

Nicolai Cleve Broch (born 14 November 1975 in Oslo, Norway) is a renowned Norwegian actor celebrated for his versatility and compelling performances across theatre, film, and television

He was born in Oslo and developed an early interest in the performing arts. He briefly enrolled at the University of Oslo to study history and social studies but left on the first day, overwhelmed by the large lecture hall. At age 20, he was accepted into the Norwegian National Academy of Theatre (Teaterhøgskolen), where he studied from 1996 to 1999. He made his stage debut in the play „Hjalmar og Frode“. 

Nicolai Cleve Broch has been a prominent figure in Norwegian theatre. Since 2005, he has been associated with the Nationaltheatret in Oslo, portraying roles such as „Julian the Apostate“ in Henrik Ibsen’s „Emperor and Galilean“. He has also performed at Oslo Nye Teater and Det Norske Teatret, with notable roles in „The Seagull“ by Anton Chekhov and „Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?“  by Edward Albee. In 2002 he was named „Theatre Talent of the Year“ by the Norwegian newspaper Dagbladet. 

In the 2024 stage adaptation of „Rain Man“ at Oslo’s Christiania Theater, Nicolai Cleve Broch took on the role of „Charlie Babbitt*, Known for his strong presence and emotional depth, Broch brings a compelling energy to the character. His performance highlights both the humor and the heartfelt moments of the story, making the bond between the two brothers truly moving for the audience. The production premiered on January 11, 2024, and ran until March 9, 2024, receiving widespread acclaim from both audiences and critics.

His film debut made Nicolai back in 1995 with the Swedish-Norwegian coming-of-age film „Sebastian“. He gained national recognition in 2002 for his role as „Roger“, a kindergarten teacher, in NRK’s drama series „Lekestue“, earning a nomination for „Best Male Actor“ at the Gullruten awards. 

His breakthrough came with the 2003 romantic comedy „Buddy“, directed by Morten Tyldum, where he played „Kristoffer Haukeland“. The film was well-received, highlighting a new generation of Norwegian film actors

In 2004, he starred in „Uno“ as „Morten“, followed by a critically acclaimed performance in „Uro“ (2006) as undercover police officer „Hans Petter „HP“ Hansen“, earning an Amanda Award nomination for „Best Actor“. „Uro“ was shown at the Cannes filmfestival in the section „Un Certain Regard“.

In 2008, Cleve Broch portrayed resistance fighter „Gregers Gram“ in the World War II film „Max Manus“, alongside Aksel Hennie. His performance garnered an Amanda Award nomination for „Best Supporting Actor“. 

He is known for his dedication to roles, often undergoing significant physical transformations, such as gaining muscle for „Uno“ and „Uro“, growing a beard and long hair for „Den siste revejakta“, and bleaching his hair for „Max Manus“. 

Recent television roles include „Aksel Borgen“ in „Frikjent“ (2015–2016), „Lars Haaland“ in „Beforeigners“ (2019–2021), and „Alexander Forsman“ in „Morden i Sandhamn“ (2020– ). 

In 2025 Nicolai plays a significant role in the television series „Nepobaby“, which had its world premiere at the 8th edition of Canneseries in April 2025. The series was showcased in the official competition, with episodes 1 and 2 screened at the Grand Auditorium Louis Lumière on April 26

„Nepobaby“ received significant recognition at Canneseries winning the „Best Screenplay Award“ for writers Henriette Steenstrup, Siri Seljeseth, and Tina Rygh. Additionally, the entire main cast, including Nicolai Cleve Broch, was honored with the „Special Interpretation Award“, highlighting the ensemble’s compelling portrayal of complex family relationships .

These accolades at Canneseries underscore the series‘ critical acclaim and Nicolai Cleve Broch’s impactful performance within the ensemble.

Cleve Broch is married to actress Heidi Gjermundsen Broch, known for her performances as „Donna“ in „Mamma Mia!“ and „Piaf“. The couple has two sons, Jacob (born 2004) and Jørgen (born 2006). Jørgen has followed in his parents‘ footsteps, appearing in the series „Ammo“ and „Stayer“ (2024). Cleve Broch is also the half-brother of actress Ida Elise Broch. 

Nicolai Cleve Broch continues to be a significant figure in Norwegian performing arts, known for his dynamic range and commitment to his craft.

(Sources: Wikipedia, IMDb, Filmstarts, LeBlogTVNews, Cineuropa and more