The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo and John Wick star Michael Nyqvist dies aged 56

Michael Nyqvist, best known for his starring role in the trilogy that began with The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, has died at the age of 56. 

Nyqvist passed away yesterday (June 27th). He had been suffering from lung cancer. 

Nyqvist’s representative has issued a statement about his death, which reads as follows: “It is with deep sadness that I can confirm that our beloved Michael, one of Sweden’s most respected and accomplished actors, has passed away quietly surrounded by family a year-long battle with lung cancer."

He continued: "Michael’s joy and passion were infectious to those who knew and loved him. 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 spent most of his career working as a stage actor in his native Sweden and did not begin his film career until he was 40 when he starred in Swedish comedy Together. 

The actor was best known for playing journalist Mikael Blomkvist in the Swedish originals of Stieg Larsson's Millennium Trilogy. Blomkvist is the investigative reporter who teams up with feisty computer hacker Lisbeth Salander, played by Noomi Rapace. 

After his success in the Millennium Trilogy, he would go on to gain key roles in Hollywood blockbusters John Wick and Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol.