Lena Olin
Actress in 'The Unbearable Lightness of Being' and 'Alias'
Lena Maria Olin (born March 22, 1955) is a Swedish-American actress born in Stockholm, Sweden. She is best known for her roles in acclaimed films including 'The Unbearable Lightness of Being' (1988), where she starred alongside Daniel Day-Lewis, and her role as Irina Derevko in the ABC television series 'Alias' (2001-2006). Olin's acting career spans both European and American productions, demonstrating her international prominence and versatility. In 'The Unbearable Lightness of Being,' she delivered a critically acclaimed performance opposite major Hollywood stars. Her work on 'Alias' showcased her ability to portray complex, morally ambiguous characters in a contemporary television context. Beyond these notable roles, Olin has appeared in various other films and television productions, building a diverse and respected career. She has worked with acclaimed directors and has been recognized for her acting talent through various nominations and awards. Olin's career represents the successful integration of European and American entertainment industries and her ability to transcend language and cultural barriers to achieve international recognition.
Lena Dunham
Creator and star of HBO's 'Girls,' writer, filmmaker
Lena Waithe
Actress in 'The Chi,' Emmy winner, LGBTQ+ advocate
Lena Headey
Cersei Lannister in 'Game of Thrones,' accomplished actress
Lena Horne
Jazz singer, civil rights activist, 'Stormy Weather'
Entertainment
Swedish-American
1955
Thinking about the name
Lena
Greek origin
“A short, elegant name derived from Greek Magdalena (meaning 'of Magdala'), Lena gained international recognition through the 1950s film icon Lena Horne and later through the Swedish singer Lena Philipsson. The name has a lyrical, feminine quality while remaining strong and unpretentious, making it perennially appealing across cultures.”