Alice Krige

Alice Krige
Krige in October 2006
Born	Alice Maud Krige (1954-06-28) 28 June 1954 (age 70) Upington, Cape Province, South Africa
Education	Rhodes University Central School of Speech and Drama
Occupation(s)	Actress, producer
Years active	1976–present
Spouse	Paul Schoolman ​ (m. 1988)​

Alice Maud Krige (Afrikaans: [ˈkriːχə]) (born June 28, 1954) is a South African actress and producer. Her big break came in 1981, when she starred as the Gilbert and Sullivan singer Sybil Gordon in the British historical film Chariots of Fire, and as Eva Galli / Alma Mobley in the American supernatural horror film Ghost Story. She received a Laurence Olivier Award for her performance in the West End theatre production of Arms and the Man (1981) and later joined the Royal Shakespeare Company.

Krige starred in various British, South African, European, and American films throughout her career. She starred in King David (1985), Barfly (1987), Haunted Summer (1988), See You in the Morning (1989), Sleepwalkers (1992), and Institute Benjamenta (1995). She played the role of the Borg Queen in the science fiction film Star Trek: First Contact (1996), for which she received a Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actress, and reprised the role in Star Trek: Voyager (2001), Star Trek: Lower Decks (2021), and Star Trek: Picard (2023). Subsequent notable film appearances include The Little Vampire (2000), Silent Hill (2006), Skin (2008), Solomon Kane (2009), The Sorcerer's Apprentice (2010), Thor: The Dark World (2013), A Christmas Prince (2017) and its two sequels, and Gretel & Hansel (2020). She played the leading role in the 2021 psychological horror drama film, She Will.^[1]

On television, Krige played Lucie Manette in the 1980 historical drama film A Tale of Two Cities, appeared in miniseries Ellis Island (1984) and Dream West (1986), the Holocaust drama Wallenberg: A Hero's Story (1985), and as Patsy Cline in the comedy-drama Baja Oklahoma (1988). In later years, Krige played Lady Jessica in Frank Herbert's Children of Dune (2003), Natalie Wood's mother in The Mystery of Natalie Wood (2004), Joan Collins in Dynasty: The Making of a Guilty Pleasure (2005), and Lady Russell in Persuasion (2007). Her regular roles include Tyrant (2014–15), The Syndicate (2015), and The OA (2016–19).

Early life and education

Krige was born in Upington, Cape Province (now Northern Cape), South Africa on 28 June 1954, the daughter of Patricia, a professor of psychology, and Louis Krige, a physician. She is of Afrikaaner and German descent. The Kriges later moved to Port Elizabeth, where Alice grew up in what she has described as a "very happy family", with two brothers, one of whom became a physician and the other a Professor of Surgery.^[2][3]

Krige attended Rhodes University in Grahamstown, South Africa with plans to become a clinical psychologist. She turned to acting after taking an acting class at Rhodes, then completed a Bachelor of Arts degree and a BA Hons degree in drama, with distinction. She went on to London to attend the Central School of Speech and Drama.^[4]

Career

Krige made her professional debut playing the female lead in the 1976 South African romantic drama film Vergeet My Nie directed by Elmo De Witt.^[5]

She moved to England in 1979, when she made her debut on British television appearing in an episode of BBC2 Playhouse. The following year, Krige starred as Lucie Manette in the American historical television film A Tale of Two Cities opposite Chris Sarandon.^[6] She went on to play Sybil Gordon in the British historical film Chariots of Fire and Eva Galli/Alma Mobley in Ghost Story, both released in 1981.^[3][4]

She then joined the Royal Shakespeare Company, playing Cordelia in King Lear and in Edward Bond's Lear, Miranda in The Tempest, Bianca in The Taming of the Shrew, and Roxanne in Cyrano de Bergerac. She also appeared in plays such as Thomas Otway's Venice Preserv'd at the Almeida Theatre in London, and Toyer at the Arts Theatre in the West End.^{[citation needed]}

After her big screen breakthrough, Krige went on to star in a number of made-for-television movies and miniseries. She starred in the three-part CBS miniseries Ellis Island in 1984 based on 1983 novel of the same title. She starred alongside Richard Chamberlain in the television film Wallenberg: A Hero's Story (1985) and the miniseries Dream West (1986). Her other television films include Second Serve (1986), Baja Oklahoma (1988) playing country singer Patsy Cline, and Max and Helen (1990).

Krige played Bathsheba in the 1985 epic film King David opposite Richard Gere.^[7] The film was not well received by the critics and was also a box-office failure, grossing $5.9 million worldwide against its $21 million production budget.^[8] In 1987, she starred alongside Mickey Rourke and Faye Dunaway in the black comedy film Barfly, which received positive reviews from critics.^[9] The following year she played Mary Shelley in the period drama film Haunted Summer.^[10] In 1989, Krige played the female lead opposite Jeff Bridges in the romantic comedy-drama film, See You in the Morning.^[11]

In 1992, Krige starred in the horror film Sleepwalkers written by Stephen King and directed by Mick Garris. Later that year she guest-starred in an episode of popular teen drama series, Beverly Hills, 90210 playing beautiful ranch owner named Anne who dated Luke Perry's character. She appeared in a made-for-television movies Judgment Day: The John List Story (1993), Jack Reed: Badge of Honor (1993), Sharpe's Honour (1994), Donor Unknown (1995), Devil's Advocate (1995), Hidden in America (1996), Indefensible: The Truth About Edward Brannigan (1997), and Deep in My Heart (1999). She starred in the 1991 miniseries Strauss Dynasty about Strauss family of Vienna, and well as Scarlet and Black (1993) and Joseph (1995). She received CableACE Award nomination for her performance in the anthology series The Hidden Room in 1992.^{[citation needed]} In 1995, she starred in the critically acclaimed drama film Institute Benjamenta directed by Brothers Quay.^[12] She later appeared in Habitat (1997), Twilight of the Ice Nymphs (1998), The Commissioner (1998) and Molokai: The Story of Father Damien (1999).^{[citation needed]}

Krige at a Star Trek event

In 1996, Krige starred in the science fiction film Star Trek: First Contact, playing the role of the Borg Queen,^[13] who attempts to assimilate Earth into the Borg collective. She won Best Supporting Actress at the 1997 Saturn Awards for that role.^[3] She returned to this character in the Star Trek game Star Trek: Armada II and in the Star Trek: Voyager series finale "Endgame" in 2001. In 2021, she reprised her role as the Borg Queen in voice only for the animated series Star Trek: Lower Decks, to be followed in 2023 again voicing the Borg Queen in the series finale of Star Trek: Picard.^[14] The character was named the greatest villain in Star Trek history.^[15]

In 2000, Krige appeared in two genre films: the horror comedy The Little Vampire and the supernatural horror The Calling. She appeared in Reign of Fire (2002), Stay Alive, Lonely Hearts and The Contract (all released in 2006). Also in 2006, Krige played Christabella, the main antagonist of the supernatural horror film Silent Hill.^[16]

In 2008, she starred in the biographical drama film Skin alongside Sophie Okonedo and Sam Neill receiving positive reviews.^[17][18] The film explores the issues of the girl being classified as "Coloured" by the South African authorities during Apartheid, although her parents were white. In 2012, Krige produced the award-winning feature Jail Caesar, an exploration of the little known adolescence of Julius Caesar, filmed in three working prisons with several hundred serving prisoners and an ensemble of actors including Derek Jacobi and John Kani. Jail Caesar was written and directed by Paul Schoolman. Her later credits including Solomon Kane (2009), The Sorcerer's Apprentice (2010), Will (2011), and Thor: The Dark World (2013).^[19]

Krige's science fiction career has expanded into television, with prominent roles in miniseries adaptations of Dinotopia (2002) and Frank Herbert's Children of Dune (2003).^[3]

She played Natalie Wood's mother in the 2004 made-for-television movie The Mystery of Natalie Wood, and starred as Joan Collins in Dynasty: The Making of a Guilty Pleasure (2005).^[20][21] She starred in the BBC Two drama The Line of Beauty in 2006. She had recurring roles on Deadwood, and guest starred on Six Feet Under, Law & Order: Criminal Intent, The 4400, Dirty Sexy Money and NCIS.

In 2011, Krige appeared in the BBC's final season of Spooks, playing Russian double agent Elena Gavrik.^[22] Krige also featured in the final season of the BBC drama Waking the Dead, in 2011.^[23] She played the role of Amira in the first and second series of Tyrant for F/X, and worked for the BBC on the series The Syndicate and Partners in Crime. In 2016, she starred on the Netflix mystery series, The OA.^[24]

In 2017, Krige starred as Queen Helena Charlton in the Christmas romantic comedy film, A Christmas Prince for Netflix. She reprised her role in two sequels: A Christmas Prince: The Royal Wedding (2018) and A Christmas Prince: The Royal Baby (2019). In 2020 she starred in the dark fantasy horror film, Gretel & Hansel playing the role of The Witch.^[25] In 2021, she played the leading role in the psychological horror drama film She Will playing the role of aging film star. Krige received positive reviews for her performance.^[26][27] Also that year she appeared opposite Max von Sydow in the drama film Echoes of the Past. In 2022, Krige appeared in the slasher film Texas Chainsaw Massacre for Netflix.^[1]

Recognition

She earned a Plays and Players Award, as well as a Laurence Olivier Award for Most Promising Newcomer, after appearing in a 1981 West End theatre production of George Bernard Shaw's Arms and the Man.^[3][4]

In April 2004, Krige was awarded an honorary Litt.D. degree from Rhodes University.^[3]

In 2015, Krige received the Special Jury Award at the International Film Festival for Peace, Inspiration and Equality in Jakarta, along with Andy Garcia and Jimmy Carter for her performance in the film Shingetsu, in which she plays a war-traumatised surgeon of Doctors Without Borders, opposite Gunter Singer.^[28][29]

Personal life

Krige married writer and director Paul Schoolman in 1988.^[3]

Filmography

Film

Year	Title	Role	Notes
1976	Vergeet My Nie	Welma de Villiers
1981	Chariots of Fire	Sybil Gordon
1981	Ghost Story	Eva Galli / Alma Mobley
1985	King David	Bathsheba
1987	Barfly	Tully Sorenson
1988	Haunted Summer	Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin
1989	See You in the Morning	Beth Goodwin
1992	Sleepwalkers	Mary Brady	Fangoria Chainsaw Award for Best Supporting Actress Fantafestival Award for Best Actress
1992	Spies Inc.	Isabelle
1994	Sea Beggars	Wife	Short film
1995	Institute Benjamenta	Lisa Benjamenta
1996	Star Trek: First Contact	Borg Queen	Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actress
1996	Amanda	Audrey Farnsworth
1997	Habitat	Clarissa Symes
1997	Twilight of the Ice Nymphs	Zephyr Eccles
1998	The Commissioner	Isabelle Morton
1999	Molokai: The Story of Father Damien	Mother Marianne Cope
2000	The Little Vampire	Freda Sackville-Bagg
2000	The Calling	Elizabeth Plummer
2001	Superstition	Mirella Cenci
2001	Vallen	Monique
2002	Reign of Fire	Karen Abercromby
2004	Star Trek: The Experience - Borg Invasion 4D	Borg Queen	Short film
2004	Shadow of Fear	Margie Henderson
2006	Stay Alive	The Author
2006	Silent Hill	Christabella LaRoache
2006	Lonely Hearts	Janet Long
2006	The Contract	Agent Gwen Miles
2007	Ten Inch Hero	Zo
2008	Skin	Sannie Laing
2008	The Betrayed	Falco
2009	Solomon Kane	Katherine Crowthorn
2010	The Sorcerer's Apprentice	Morgan le Fay
2011	Will	Sister Carmel
2012	Jail Caesar	Pirate Captain	Also producer Nominated — Raindance Film Festival Jury Prize for Best UK Feature
2013	Thor: The Dark World	Eir
2017	The Little Vampire 3D	Freda Sackville-Bagg	Voice
2017	A Christmas Prince	Queen Helena
2018	A Christmas Prince: The Royal Wedding	Queen Helena
2018	A Rose in Winter	Anna Reinach
2019	A Christmas Prince: The Royal Baby	Queen Helena
2020	Gretel & Hansel	Holda/The Witch	Nominated — Fangoria Chainsaw Award for Best Supporting Performance
2020	Shingetsu	Woman	Also producer
2020	The Bay of Silence	Vivian
2021	She Will	Veronica Ghent
2021	Echoes of the Past	Andrea Foss
2022	Texas Chainsaw Massacre	Virginia "Ginny" McCumber	[30]

Television

Year	Title	Role	Notes
1980	BBC2 Playhouse	Emily	Episode: "The Happy Autumn Fields"
1980	A Tale of Two Cities	Lucie Manette	TV film
1980	The Professionals	Diana Molner	Episode: "Operation Susie"
1983	Arms and the Man	Raina	Filmed stage production
1984	Ellis Island	Bridget O'Donnell	TV miniseries
1985	Wallenberg: A Hero's Story	Baroness Lisl Kemeny	TV film
1985	Murder, She Wrote	Nita Cochran	Episode: "Murder in the Afternoon"
1986	Dream West	Jessie Benton Fremont	TV miniseries
1986	Second Serve	Gwen	TV film
1988	Baja Oklahoma	Patsy Cline	TV film
1990	Max and Helen	Helen Weiss	TV film
1991	The Strauss Dynasty	Olga	TV miniseries
1991	The Hidden Room	Jennifer	Episode: "Dream Child" Nominated — CableACE Award for Best Actress in a Dramatic Series
1991	L'Amérique en otage	Parveneh Limbert	TV film
1992	Ladykiller	May Packard	TV film
1992	Beverly Hills, 90210	Anne Berrisford	Episode: "Wild Horses"
1993	Judgment Day: The John List Story	Jean Syfert	TV film
1993	Double Deception	Pamela Sparrow	TV film
1993	Jack Reed: Badge of Honor	Joan Anatole	TV film
1993	Scarlet and Black	Madame de Renal	TV miniseries
1994	Sharpe's Honour	La Marquesa	TV film
1995	Joseph	Rachel	TV film
1995	Donor Unknown	Alice Stillman	TV film
1995	Devil's Advocate	Alessandra Locatelli	TV film
1996	Hidden in America	Dee	TV film
1997	Indefensible: The Truth About Edward Brannigan	Rebecca Daly	TV film
1998	Close Relations	Louise	TV miniseries
1998	Welcome to Paradox	Aura Mendoza	Episode: "Acute Triangle"
1999	Deep in My Heart	Annalise Jurgenson	TV film
1999	Becker	Dr. Sandra Rush	Episode: "Activate Your Choices"
1999	In the Company of Spies	Sarah Gold	TV film
2001	Attila	Galla Placidia	TV miniseries
2001	Star Trek: Voyager	Borg Queen	Episode: "Endgame"
2002	Six Feet Under	Alma	Episodes: "Out, Out, Brief Candle" and "The Plan"
2002	Dinotopia	Rosemary Waldo	TV miniseries
2003	Children of Dune	Lady Jessica	TV miniseries
2003	The Death and Life of Nancy Eaton	Snubby Eaton	TV film
2004	The Mystery of Natalie Wood	Maria Gurdin	TV film
2003, 2004	Threat Matrix	Senator Lily Randolph	Episodes: "Flipping" and "19 Seconds"
2005	Dynasty: The Making of a Guilty Pleasure	Joan Collins	TV film
2005	Deadwood	Maddie	5 episodes
2006	Law & Order: Criminal Intent	Gillian Booth	Episode: "Dramma Giocoso"
2006	The Line of Beauty	Rachel Fedden	TV miniseries
2006	The 4400	Sarah	Episodes: "Gone: Part 1" and "Gone: Part 2"
2007	Persuasion	Lady Russell	TV film Nominated — Monte-Carlo Television Festival for Best Performance by an Actress
2007	Heroes and Villains	Letizia	Episode: "Napoleon"
2008	Dirty Sexy Money	Judge Alexis Wyeth	Episode: "The Family Lawyer"
2009	Midsomer Murders	Jenny Frazer	Episode: "Secrets and Spies"
2011	Waking the Dead	Karen Harding	Episodes: "Care: Part 1" and "Care: Part 2"
2011	Page Eight	Emma Baron	TV film
2011	Spooks	Elena Gavrik	6 episodes
2014	Tyrant	Amira Al Fayeed	20 episodes
2014	NCIS	Margaret Clark	Episode: "So It Goes"
2015	The Syndicate	Lady Hazelwood	6 episodes
2015	Partners in Crime	Rita Vandemeyer	Episodes: "The Secret Adversary: Part 1" and "The Secret Adversary: Part 2"
2016–2019	The OA	Nancy Johnson	Season 1 (2016): 8 episodes Season 2 (2019): Episode: "Angel of Death"
2019	Carnival Row	Aoife Tsigani	Recurring role[31]
2020	The Alienist: Angel of Darkness	Elizabeth Cady Stanton	2 episodes
2021	Star Trek: Lower Decks	Borg Queen (voice)	Episode: "I, Excretus"
2023	Son of a Critch	Millicent Hearn	Episode: "Old Friends, New Friends"
2023	Star Trek: Picard	Borg Queen (voice)	2 episodes

References

1. "Alice Krige's life in horror, from 'Ghost Story' and 'Sleepwalkers' to 'She Will'". EW.com.
2. Alice Krige biodata, Yahoo! Movies; accessed 29 September 2014.
3. "The Alice Krige Home Page biography". Archived from the original on 13 July 2011.
4. "Alice Krige biography and filmography". Tribute.ca. Retrieved 4 November 2013.
5. "Vergeet my nie (1975) (HD 1080p)". 30 June 2023 – via www.youtube.com.
6. "A Tale of Two Cities (1980)" – via www.allmovie.com.
7. Canby, Vincent (29 March 1985). "SCREEN: 'KING DAVID,' A BIBLICAL EPIC" – via NYTimes.com.
8. "King David - Rotten Tomatoes". Rotten Tomatoes. 15 June 2011.
9. "Barfly - Rotten Tomatoes". Rotten Tomatoes. 10 August 2016.
10. "Haunted Summer - Rotten Tomatoes". Rotten Tomatoes. 6 June 2011.
11. "See You in the Morning - Rotten Tomatoes". Rotten Tomatoes. 21 April 1989.
12. "Institute Benjamenta - Rotten Tomatoes". Rotten Tomatoes. 13 March 1995.
13. "First Contact's Borg Queen - Alice Krige". StarTrek.com. Retrieved 19 May 2018.
14. "'Star Trek: Lower Decks' Brought Back Alice Krige, the OG Borg Queen". 30 September 2021.
15. Orquiola, John (30 September 2021). "Star Trek's Original Borg Queen Returns (& Why There's A New One)". ScreenRant.
16. McAndrews, Mary Beth (18 July 2022). "Alice Krige Explains Why She Struggled With 'Silent Hill'". Dread Central.
17. "Skin - Rotten Tomatoes". Rotten Tomatoes. 22 March 2016.
18. Bradshaw, Peter (23 July 2009). "Skin". The Guardian.
19. "'Thor: The Dark World' casts Alice Krige". Digital Spy. 13 August 2012. Retrieved 4 November 2013.
20. Heffernan, Virginia (1 January 2005). "Dynasty: The Making of a Guilty Pleasure: If You've Got It, Flaunt It: ABC Trumpets an 80's Hit". The New York Times. Retrieved 26 February 2009.
21. "Dynasty: The Making of a Guilty Pleasure: Credits". Der-denver-clan.de. Archived from the original on 19 January 2012. Retrieved 27 February 2009.
22. "'Star Trek' star Alice Krige is 'amazing' in 'Spooks', say writers". Cultbox.co.uk. 8 September 2011. Retrieved 4 November 2013.
23. "Alice Krige Credits". TV Guide. 28 November 2012. Retrieved 4 November 2013.
24. Ge, Linda (12 December 2016). "Brit Marling's Netflix Series 'The OA' Promises Mystery in First Trailer (Video)". The Wrap. Retrieved 12 December 2016.
25. "Gretel & Hansel - Rotten Tomatoes". Rotten Tomatoes. 31 January 2020.
26. Felperin, Leslie (19 July 2022). "She Will review – atmospheric tale of post-menopausal revenge fantasies". The Guardian.
27. "She Will - Rotten Tomatoes". Rotten Tomatoes. 15 July 2022.
28. "Winners - International Film Festivals for Peace, Inspiration, and Equality". internationalfilmfestivals.org. Archived from the original on 10 October 2018. Retrieved 28 February 2017.
29. "Shingetsu director Paul Schoolman and actor Alice Krige interview". hastingsonlinetimes.co.uk.
30. Fuge, Jon (22 March 2021). "'Don't Breathe 2' & 'Texas Chainsaw' Sequel Are Finished and Fantastic Teases Producer". MovieWeb. Retrieved 8 April 2021.
31. Petski, Denise (12 October 2017). "'Carnival Row': Alice Krige & Jared Harris Set To Recur on Amazon's Fantasy Drama Series". Deadline. Retrieved 15 December 2017.

Further reading

• Gagne, Paul R. (February 1982). "'Ghost Story' From Novel to Film". Cinefantastique Magazine. pp. 20–39

External links

• Alice Krige at IMDb
• Alice Krige at the TCM Movie Database
• Alice Krige interview at www.sci-fi-online.com
• Alice Krige at Who's Who Southern Africa