10 Famous People from Iceland – From Singers and Actors to Politicians

Iceland, with a population of just about 376,000 people, may be small, but it sure knows how to make a global impact! Despite its size, this Nordic island has given the world a surprising number of internationally renowned celebrities.

From iconic musicians to award-winning actors and trailblazing politicians, the list of famous people from Iceland is as impressive as it is diverse. These famous Icelanders have left their mark on the world stage in various ways, showcasing Iceland's unique culture and talents.

Whether it's the ethereal music of Björk, the groundbreaking films of Baltasar Kormákur or Vigdís Finnbogadóttir making history as the first female president, Icelanders have shown that their influence far outweighs their country's size. This article dives into the stories behind these Icelandic icons, proving that big things really do come from small places.

1. Björk – The Musical Icon

Björk Guðmundsdóttir, better known simply as Björk, is one of the most famous Icelandic singers to emerge from Reykjavík, Iceland. Starting her music career at just 11, she recorded her first solo album, Björk, in 1977. However, it was as the lead singer of The Sugarcubes that she gained international fame, paving the way for her groundbreaking solo career.

Björk's unique blend of electronic, pop, classical, and avant-garde music sets her apart, with albums like Debut (1993) and Homogenic (1997) establishing her global reputation. She's known not only for pushing the boundaries of music but also for fostering creativity in both production and performance. Her influence spans across genres, inspiring artists like FKA Twigs and Thom Yorke of Radiohead.

With multiple Grammy and BRIT Award nominations and even a Best Actress award at Cannes for Dancer in the Dark (2000), Björk remains an iconic figure in music history.

2. Halldór Laxness – The Nobel Prize-Winning Icelandic Writer

Halldór Laxness stands as one of Iceland's famous people, celebrated for his profound contributions to literature. Born on April 23, 1902, in Reykjavík, Laxness began his literary career with the modernist novel Vefarinn mikli frá Kasmír (1927), exploring themes of faith and existential struggle.

He quickly became a leading voice in social realism, with works like Salka Valka (1931-32) and Sjálfstætt fólk (1934-35), focusing on poverty and the fight for independence among marginalized Icelanders. Laxness masterfully blended traditional Icelandic saga elements with modern narrative techniques, creating a powerful body of work that resonated deeply with both local and global audiences.

In 1955, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature for 'renewing the great narrative art of Iceland.' Later works, such as Íslandsklukkan (1943-46), addressed national identity and colonialism. His influence extends beyond fiction to essays, poetry, and plays, solidifying his place as Iceland's most renowned literary figure.

3. Ólafur Darri Ólafsson – The Actor with Global Appeal

Ólafur Darri Ólafsson is one of the famous Icelandic actors who has made a name for himself both at home and internationally. Born on March 3, 1973, in Connecticut, Ólafsson moved to Iceland at a young age and later graduated from the Icelandic Drama School in 1998. His versatility as an actor has allowed him to shine in various genres, from intense dramas to light-hearted comedies.

Ólafsson gained widespread recognition for his role as Andri, the chief of police, in the critically acclaimed Icelandic series Trapped. The Nordic noir drama, known for its intricate storytelling, brought Ólafsson to the forefront of Icelandic cinema.

His portrayal of Andri, a character balancing personal and professional turmoil, resonated with audiences and made him a household name in Iceland. Beyond his success in Iceland, Ólafsson has also appeared in Hollywood films such as The Secret Life of Walter Mitty and Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga, showcasing his global appeal.

4. Vigdís Finnbogadóttir – The World's First Female President

Vigdís Finnbogadóttir stands out as one of the most famous people from Iceland, making history as the world's first democratically elected female president on August 1, 1980. Her election marked a major milestone for both Iceland and women globally, symbolizing empowerment and progress. Over her remarkable 16-year presidency, she was re-elected three times, becoming the longest-serving elected female head of state in history.

Vigdís's presidency coincided with key moments in Icelandic history, including the 1975 women's strike that laid the groundwork for her rise to leadership. Under her guidance, Iceland became a global leader in gender equality, regularly ranking at the top of the World Economic Forum's Gender Gap Index.

Beyond Iceland, she was a powerful voice in international discussions on women's rights and cultural preservation. Vigdís's contributions have earned her numerous accolades, including the WIP Award for Lifetime Achievements in Female Political Empowerment. She continues to inspire future generations of women leaders worldwide.

5. Sigur Rós – Iceland's Melodic Pioneers

Sigur Rós is probably one of the most iconic celebrities from Iceland who has enchanted the world with their ethereal music since forming in 1994 in Reykjavík. The band, consisting of Jón Þór' Jónsi' Birgisson, Georg Holm, and Kjartan Sveinsson, blends post-rock, ambient, and classical music to create a sound that transports listeners to Iceland's breathtaking landscapes.

With over 10 million albums sold worldwide, they have become one of the most famous Icelandic musical groups. Their breakthrough album, Ágætis byrjun (1999), garnered international acclaim for its haunting melodies and intricate arrangements.

Known for tracks like 'Untitled #1 (Vaka)' and 'Samskeyti,' Sigur Rós's music evokes deep emotions, enhanced by Jónsi's falsetto and their use of the made-up language 'Hopelandic.' Their cinematic sound has also been featured in film soundtracks, including the recent 2024 Beetlejuice movie with their song 'Svefn-g-Englar,' further showcasing their global influence.

6. Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson – The Mountain from Game of Thrones

Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson, is another one of our famous Icelanders, that is best known for his role as Gregor' The Mountain' Clegane in Game of Thrones. Born on November 26, 1988, Björnsson's towering height of 2.06 meters (6'9") and imposing presence made him perfect for the role, which he played from Season 4 onward, gaining international fame.

In addition to his acting career, Björnsson is a celebrated strongman competitor. Since beginning his strongman career in 2009, he has participated in over 100 competitions, winning more than 60 of them. Notably, he secured the World's Strongest Man title in 2018.

One of his most famous achievements includes carrying a 1,433-pound log for five steps, breaking a thousand-year-old Viking record.

7. Magnús Scheving – Creator of Lazytown

The list of famous people from Iceland wouldn't be complete without mentioning Magnús Scheving. Born on November 10, 1964, Magnús is the creator of the beloved children's show LazyTown, where he also plays the energetic superhero, 'Sportacus.' Before his work in entertainment, Scheving was a world-class athlete, which inspired him to create LazyTown in 1991 to promote physical activity and healthy eating among children.

The show quickly became a global phenomenon, blending fun and education by encouraging kids to eat "sports candy" (fruits and vegetables) and stay active. Through LazyTown, Scheving made fitness engaging and accessible for children, turning healthy habits into a form of entertainment.

The positive influence of LazyTown has been widely recognized, as it effectively improved children's dietary choices in ways that traditional health campaigns struggled to achieve. Beyond TV, Scheving has authored bestselling children's books, continuing his mission to inspire healthy living for kids everywhere.

8. Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir – The World's First Openly Gay Prime Minister

Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir is a famous Icelander who made history as the world's first openly gay prime minister, serving Iceland from 2009 to 2013. Her election marked a groundbreaking moment for LGBTQ+ representation in global politics. Born on October 4, 1942, she entered Iceland's parliament, the Althing, in 1978 and quickly became known for her passionate advocacy for social justice and welfare reform.

Jóhanna took office during one of Iceland's most challenging periods, following the 2008 financial crisis and the collapse of the banking system. Despite the immense challenges, she led efforts to secure international assistance and implement reforms that contributed to a positive GDP growth of around 3% by 2011 and 2012.

Her leadership was not only about economic recovery but also focused on social issues like gender equality and LGBTQ+ rights. Jóhanna's term as prime minister highlighted effective crisis management while promoting inclusivity and social justice, leaving a lasting legacy in Icelandic and global politics.

9. Stefán Karl Stefánsson – Robbie Rotten from Lazytown

The most well-known LazyTown actor from Iceland, Stefán Karl Stefánsson, is best remembered for his iconic role as Robbie Rotten. Born on July 10, 1975, in Hafnarfjörður, Stefán first gained recognition as a talented stage actor before bringing the character of Robbie to life in the original theatrical production of LazyTown.

As the comically lazy villain opposing the health-conscious hero, Sportacus, Stefán's energetic and humorous portrayal of Robbie Rotten earned international acclaim. His character became especially famous for the song 'We Are Number One,' which went viral in 2016 as a popular meme.

Beyond LazyTown, Stefán remained active in Icelandic theater and television, showcasing his versatility as an actor. Over the course of his career, he received prestigious honors, including Emmy nominations and two BAFTA Award nominations. Stefán passed away on August 21, 2018, leaving behind a lasting legacy in children's entertainment and as an advocate for healthy living through LazyTown.

10. Eiður Guðjohnsen – The Famous Icelandic Footballer

The last person on our list of famous people from Iceland is Eiður Guðjohnsen, one of the nation's most celebrated football stars. Born on September 15, 1978, in Reykjavík, Guðjohnsen's career began with KR Reykjavík before his talent propelled him to international fame. In 2000, he joined Chelsea, becoming a key player and helping the club secure two Premier League titles and several domestic cups.

Guðjohnsen's ability to adapt as a forward allowed him to thrive alongside some of the best players in the world. In 2006, he moved to FC Barcelona, where he contributed to the team's triumphs, including a UEFA Champions League victory in 2009 and multiple La Liga titles.

His international career was equally impressive, earning over 84 caps for Iceland and becoming a symbol of national pride. Guðjohnsen's success has inspired future generations of Icelandic footballers, solidifying his legacy in Icelandic sports history.

What We Can Learn from Famous People from Iceland

The list of famous people from Iceland we've covered demonstrates the country's incredible diversity and global impact, from music and film to sports and politics. Their achievements inspire creativity, resilience, and the importance of following your passions, qualities that reflect the Icelandic spirit.

Whether you're interested in exploring the cultural landmarks tied to these icons or experiencing the stunning landscapes that shaped their stories, there's no better way to travel than by renting a campervan in Iceland. With our affordable options, you can enjoy the freedom to discover Iceland at your own pace while staying connected to its rich heritage.