Nikolaj Coster-Waldau interview: ‘Deal with others the way in which you need them to deal with you, it’s that straightforward’

Nikolaj Coster-Waldau walks the runway throughout ‘Le Défilé L’Oréal Paris – Stroll Your Price’ present as a part of Paris Trend Week on the Eiffel Tower on October 01, 2023 in Paris, France
| Picture Credit score: Getty Photographs

Danish actor Nikolaj Coster-Waldau could have discovered mainstream Hollywood success with the recognition of the exhibits and movies he’s starred in, however nothing excited the star greater than strolling the runway along with his youthful daughter Safina Waldau final week on the Le Défilé L’Oréal Paris occasion.

After showing along with his spouse Nukâka Coster-Waldau on the Paris Trend Week runway in 2022, this time round, the 53-year-old was a proud father as he shared the stage along with his daughter (additionally an actor), to tumultuous applause from the viewers.

As a United Nations Improvement Program Goodwill Ambassador, Nikolaj has supported many causes over time, particularly within the realm of gender equality and ladies’s empowerment, in addition to documenting the results of local weather change and international warming in areas internationally. Now, he bats for this 12 months’s Le Défilé L’Oréal Paris theme of standing up towards avenue harassment. The actor talks to us about all issues trend and Paris, and debunks the hearsay about him getting inked!

Excerpts from an unique interview:

What has been your impression of Le Défilé L’Oréal Paris over time? 

That is the fourth time I’m right here, and it’s an out-of-body expertise for me every time. I’m not used to doing the catwalk, however Le Défilé L’Oréal Paris is kind of totally different from the remainder of the style weeks because it has a really particular theme and helps a trigger. Stars from everywhere in the world are strolling the ramp, and it’s enjoyable to witness it. This 12 months, I’m right here with my spouse and second daughter, and it’s a really cool expertise for all of us.

What’s your tackle this 12 months’s theme of taking a stand towards avenue harassment? As a UNDP ambassador, what extra do you suppose may be accomplished to scale back this from taking place globally?

The theme, Stand Up In opposition to Road Harassment, addresses an enormous drawback globally. All of it comes right down to fundamental human rights and respecting one another; treating others such as you need them to deal with you — it’s that straightforward. I don’t suppose there’s any man who doesn’t know the distinction between proper andwrong. We undoubtedly have come a good distance from how issues have been 20 years in the past. Instances are altering, however generally we do really feel that change isn’t taking place quick sufficient, proper?

Contemplating you’re married to a magnificence queen (former Miss Greenland Nukâka Coster-Waldau), is there any stress on you from her to ensure your Le Défilé appearances go properly?

There’s at all times stress to maintain up with my spouse, that goes with out saying! It’s true, she was Miss Greenland when she was 18 years previous; she solely entered the competitors as a result of the primary prize was a snowmobile (laughs). Since then, she’s acted in a few exhibits, however didn’t take to modeling. She got here to Paris with me final 12 months as properly, and that was superb. 

What does Paris imply to you? Do you’ve gotten any particular reminiscence or affiliation with town that you simply cherish?

Ah… Paris. It’s such an attractive metropolis and rightfully has the legendary standing. It’s known as town of romance and love for a purpose! I’ve at all times loved spending time right here with my household. My reference to L’Oréal apart (attributable to which I come right here), the film trade in France can be prestigious and steeped in historical past. I keep in mind, round 20 years in the past, I did a French film. Whereas capturing on set, I may really feel the relevance of the historical past in each scene. 

Do you take pleasure in strolling on the runway? What can we count on out of your participation within the present this time round?

The very first thing I inform myself yearly: attempt to focus and stroll with out falling over! Fortunately, I appear to have achieved that. This time round, I hope my daughter (Danish actor Safina Waldau) who’s strolling the ramp with me, additionally has a gala time, and that folks will take pleasure in watching us collectively. I’m additionally excited to observe the opposite skilled fashions on stage, and really feel simply grateful to be witnessing one thing particular. 

What does the idea of trend imply to you? Do you comply with any designers or model icons?

I’m not a mannequin; I are available in, strive on the garments they present me, and simply go ‘certain, let’s do this or that out…’ (grins). However having mentioned that, Le Défilé is an fascinating collaboration and I get to satisfy so many fascinating people who find themselves behind-the-scenes. One of the vital necessary classes I’ve learnt in life is to simply accept what you’re not good at, and attain out to individuals who know extra about it than you do! Look, I really like stunning garments; I discover the standard, the craftsmanship and dedication that goes into making the outfits, and it blows me away. However I’ll admit that trend isn’t essentially a ardour of mine; when you confirmed me 5 totally different fits, I wouldn’t have the ability to inform the distinction between a Tom Ford and Dolce & Gabbana!

There was speak of you getting a tattoo to pay tribute to a well-liked present you starred in; is that true? If not, do you see your self getting one sooner or later?

Tattoos? No manner! I don’t have any tattoos, and I don’t suppose I’m ever going to get any. For me, it’s all about saving time and preparing as rapidly as attainable after I’m going into make-up and costume, so getting tattoos wouldn’t actually assist.