Viggo Mortensen’s dramatic roles, tough charisma, and bold approach to acting have captivated audiences for decades.
However, there’s another aspect of the Hollywood star’s life that’s garnering huge interest—one that goes beyond his on-screen roles.
Over the years, Mortensen has been repeatedly caught in passionate poses, kissing a close person in his entourage.
Such moments have sparked rumors, speculation, and the nagging question for fans: „Is there something more between them?”
Finally, the actor decided to speak out. And what he said… might surprise you.
No introduction needed
Viggo Mortensen, now 66, won the hearts of audiences around the world as Aragorn in the *Lord of the Rings* trilogy and has been nominated for three Oscars.
But beyond the Hollywood glitz and sword-fighting scenes, Mortensen hides another side – a deep and stable relationship with a very important person in his life.
Born in Watertown, New York, to an American mother and a Danish father, he grew up in Venezuela, Denmark and Argentina, before returning to the US at the age of 11.
After graduating from St. Lawrence University, he worked several jobs in Denmark – selling flowers and driving trucks. Acting was not in his plans.
Cut from the first film
In 1982, at the age of 24, Mortensen returned to the US to try to break into the film industry.
His scenes in his debut film The Purple Rose of Cairo (1985) were cut, however. However, he did not give up and gradually built his career in the world of cinema.
The turning point with Demi Moore
The turning point came in 1997, when he starred with Demi Moore in G.I. Jane.
Although the film was not a commercial success, and Moore was criticized, Mortensen’s role as Sergeant John Urgayle was appreciated.
Few would have imagined then that Viggo would soon create one of the most iconic characters in the history of cinema – Aragorn in The Lord of the Rings.
The best swordsman in Middle-earth
Mortensen did not just play the role of a warrior – he became one. The weapons trainer on the set called him „the best swordsman I have ever trained.”
He performed most of his own stunts, risking injury (he even broke two of his toes).
In *Hidalgo* (2004), he performed all of the horse riding scenes, proving that his passion for horses goes beyond acting.
Interestingly, he initially wanted to turn down the role of Aragorn, but his son – a big Tolkien fan – convinced him to accept.
A Hollywood love story (or more?)
Although Viggo attracts attention with his roles, his close relationship with Canadian director David Cronenberg especially fascinates the audience.
They met at the Cannes Film Festival in 2001 and promised to work together. This is how *A History of Violence* (2005) was born. At first, Mortensen was not convinced by the script, but after meeting Cronenberg he accepted.
The collaboration was a success, and the actor declared: “I have never felt so connected to a director as I do with David.”
The kiss that ignited the rumors
In 2006, after the success of the film, during a press conference, the two kissed passionately. The press exploded. Was it more than just friendship?
They later collaborated on *Eastern Promises* (2007) and *A Dangerous Method* (2011). Their relationship became not only artistic, but also very personal.
In 2014, Mortensen presented Cronenberg with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Canadian Screen Awards.
On stage, he called him “the best director and the most rational man I know,” and then kissed him again – this time in front of all of Hollywood.
Is Viggo Mortensen gay?
Their closeness has led to speculation about the actor’s sexual orientation. Mortensen responded with a relaxed tone:
„People ask me if I’m gay or straight. You could say I’m not completely straight.”
The statement was made while promoting the film *Falling*, which he wrote, directed and stars in. In the film, he plays the role of John – a gay man who takes care of his homophobic father.
Asked if, as a straight man, it was appropriate to play a gay role, he replied:
„How do you know what my personal life is like? You assume I’m straight. Maybe I am, maybe I’m not. But honestly, it’s none of your business.”
Role reversal in the film
Interestingly, in *Falling*, David Cronenberg has a cameo – he plays a proctologist.
Mortensen humorously recalled moments on set when Cronenberg would move his gloved hand closer and closer to the lens for comic effect.
On Love and Friendship Without Labels
Mortensen emphasizes that for him, love is primarily a connection of souls, not a label.
Relationship with David C
ronenberg is one of the most intense, loyal and fascinating friendships in Hollywood history.
“We can say no to each other. If Viggo doesn’t feel like doing a role, he can say no. And vice versa. That’s respect and professionalism,” Cronenberg explains.
Viggo Mortensen’s love life
Viggo is known to have met singer Exene Cervenka on the set of the film *Salvation!* in 1986. They married a year later and had a son, Henry, who starred opposite his father in *Crimson Tide* (1995) and Falling.
They separated in 1992, and the divorce took place in 1997. Since 2009, Viggo has been in a relationship with Spanish actress Ariadna Gil.
Cronenberg’s love life
David Cronenberg, now 81, has been married twice. With his first wife, Margaret Hindson, he has a daughter, Cassandra.
After their divorce in 1979, he married film editor Carolyn Zeifman, with whom he remained until her death in 2017.