Why Viggo Mortensen says he may not be entirely straight
Viggo Mortensen has spent decades captivating audiences with his intense performances, rugged charm, and fearless approach to acting. But beyond the roles he plays, there’s another side to the Hollywood star that has sparked curiosity.
Over the years, Mortensen has been photographed passionately kissing a certain man in his life — again and again. These moments have led to whispers, speculation, and one burning question: Is there more to the story?
Now, the actor himself is finally addressing the topic. And what he has to say may surprise you…
Viggo Mortensen, 66, needs no introduction — he’s been nominated for an Academy Award three times and won hearts worldwide as Aragorn in The Lord of the Rings trilogy. But beyond the sword fights and Hollywood glamour, there’s another side to Mortensen — one that involves a passionate, decades-long connection with a very special man in his life.
Born in Watertown, New York, to a Danish father and an American mother, Mortensen’s childhood was anything but ordinary. He lived in Venezuela, Denmark, and Argentina before settling back in the U.S. at age 11. His path to stardom wasn’t straightforward —after graduating from St. Lawrence University, he took odd jobs in Denmark, driving trucks and selling flowers. Acting wasn’t even on the horizon.
His first scenes in his first movie was deleted
But in 1982, at 24, Mortensen returned to the U.S. to pursue his Hollywood dreams. His first film appearance in The Purple Rose of Cairo (1985) never saw the light of day — his scenes were cut. Yet, he persisted, slowly carving out a name for himself.
Undeterred, he steadily built a solid career, landing roles in various films without quite reaching superstar status. That all changed in 1997 when he starred alongside Demi Moore in G.I. Jane.
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With a hefty $50 million budget, G.I. Jane was Mortensen’s most high-profile project at the time. While the film itself struggled at the box office and Demi Moore faced heavy criticism for her performance, Mortensen emerged largely unscathed.
In fact, his portrayal of Command Master Chief John James ‘Jack’ Urgayle was widely praised.
After the G.I. Jane debacle, not many would have predicted that Viggo Mortensen would go on to create one of the most iconic characters in movie history. But just a few years later, he did exactly that — stepping into the role of Aragorn in The Lord of the Rings trilogy and making cinematic magic.
The best swordsman in Lord of the Rings
Mortensen wasn’t just playing a warrior — he became one. The film’s sword master even called him ”the best swordsman I’ve ever trained.” In fact, Mortensen was so committed to the role that he performed most of his own stunts, even when it meant getting injured. (Yes, those two broken toes? All part of the job.)
And his love for horses? That wasn’t just acting — he did all his own riding stunts in Hidalgo (2004) too.
According to the Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring Special Extended Edition DVD, Mortensen was actually a last-minute replacement for Stuart Townsend. He almost didn’t take the role — until his son, a huge J.R.R. Tolkien fan, convinced him to say yes.
And he got so into character that director Peter Jackson once called him ”Aragorn” for over half an hour… and Mortensen never even noticed. Now that’s dedication!
A love story in Hollywood
While Mortensen’s on-screen presence is legendary, it’s his real-life chemistry with Canadian director David Cronenberg that has fascinated fans for years.
The two first met at the 2001 Cannes Film Festival, where Mortensen was celebrating The Lord of the Rings. It was instant magic and they vowed to work together one day.
That day came with A History of Violence (2005). Initially unimpressed with the script, Mortensen only agreed to the project after meeting with Cronenberg.
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The film was a smash hit, hailed as one of the best of the decade. Their professional bond deepened. Mortensen declared, “I don’t think I’ve ever felt more like I was on the same wavelength with a director as I am with David.”
Their connection wasn’t just artistic — it was deeply personal. At a press event in 2006, fresh off their cinematic triumph, the two men shared a lingering, affectionate kiss in front of flashing cameras. It was a moment that spoke volumes.
”My kind of actor”
Their collaborations continued — Eastern Promises (2007), A Dangerous Method (2011) — each film strengthening their unique connection.
”Viggo’s my kind of actor,” Cronenberg said, explaining that Mortensen had the rare ability to blend the presence of a leading man with the depth and versatility of a character actor.
In 2014, the duo took it a step further. At the Canadian Screen Awards, Mortensen presented Cronenberg with a Lifetime Achievement Award.
He stood on stage, full of admiration, calling him “the finest director and the sanest man I know.” Then, right there, in front of an audience of Hollywood elites, he leaned in and kissed him again.
The moment was electric, a testament to their enduring bond. Mortensen, never one to hold back, used the opportunity to criticize the film industry for overlooking Cronenberg’s genius. Despite a four-decade career as a director, the Academy Awards never once recognized Cronenberg with a nomination.
“Mainstream movie business people, much as they might praise him from time to time, seem very reluctant to reward him officially. I can understand that because David basically is not one of them,” Mortensen said.
Is Viggo Mortensen gay?
With a relationship as affectionate and openly intimate as theirs, it’s no wonder that Mortensen has faced speculation about his sexuality. In a candid interview, he addressed the topic with his signature nonchalance: “People ask if I’m gay or straight. I guess you could say I’m not entirely straight.”
Mortensen got the question in connection with the movie Falling, which Viggo Mortensen both wrote and stars in. There, he portrays a gay man (John) who ends up caring for his racist and homophobic father.
The Lord of the Rings star was asked to respond to criticism about whether it was appropriate for him, a man who appears to be heterosexual, to play the role of John.
He replied, ”How do you know what my life is? You’re assuming that I’m completely straight. Maybe I am, maybe I’m not. And it’s frankly none of your business.”
“I want my movie to work, and I want the character of John to be effective. If I didn’t think it was a good idea I wouldn’t do it.”
Inside their professional relationship
Interestingly, David Cronenberg also has a small role in the movie Falling. The roles were actually reversed this time.
While filming Cronenberg’s scene as a proctologist, Viggo noticed that Cronenberg kept moving his gloved hand closer to the camera lens. When Viggo pointed out that this was creating an exaggerated perspective, making the hand appear unnaturally large, Cronenberg responded, “Yes, I’m quite aware of that.”
George Pimentel/WireImage for New Line Cinema
For Mortensen, love isn’t about labels — it’s about connection. And his connection with David Cronenberg? Undeniably one of the most passionate, professional and visually striking friendships Hollywood has ever seen.
“We are professionals, unbelievable as it seems, so it means that we can say no to each other. If I offered Viggo a role, and he really feels he’s not right for or doesn’t connect with it, he has to be able to say no, and I am not going to be shattered and think he’s not my friend anymore. And the reverse is true. If Viggo had a project or a script that he wanted me to direct, I would have to say no if I really didn’t want to do it. So there’s that respect and that professionalism despite the tomfoolery that we enjoy,” Cronenberg says.
Viggo Mortensen girlfriend
When it comes to Viggo Mortensen’s love life, there are a few things we know:
He met singer Exene Cervenka in 1986 while working on the comedy Salvation!, and they tied the knot in 1987. A year later, they welcomed their son, Henry, who would later play Viggo’s on-screen son in Crimson Tide (1995).
Interestingly, Viggo also cast Henry in a small role in Falling. Henry impressed his father during a script read-through by showing off a perfect upstate New York accent. He even shaved his long hair and grew a mustache to better resemble a 1977 state trooper.
Viggo Mortensen and Exene Cervenka parted ways in 1992 and officially divorced in 1997. Since 2009, Viggo has been in a relationship with Spanish actress Ariadna Gil.
David Cronenberg, now 81, first married Margaret Hindson in 1972. Their seven-year marriage ended in 1979 due to personal and professional differences. They had one daughter together, Cassandra Cronenberg. His second wife was film editor Carolyn Zeifman, whom he was married to from 1979 until her passing in 2017.
Inside the hectic life of Australia’s biggest family
When Jeni first met her husband Ray, she was certain of one thing — she never wanted children.
“Ray wanted at least four kids. I thought that was crazy. Like, who has that many children?” Jeni told Mamamia.
Now, over three decades later, they are the proud parents of 16 children.
$600 every week on groceries
If you’re from Australia, you might have heard of them, but for me, it was a real shock when I first started reading about The Bonell Family.
Life for the Bonell family, who are raising 16 kids in Australia, is anything but ordinary. From feeding their large brood to coordinating the chaos of daily life, Jeni and Ray Bonell have mastered the art of juggling it all — and with a healthy dose of humor, too.
The Bonell family, from Queensland’s Toowoomba, is made up of nine boys and seven girls – Jesse, 35, Brooke, 34, Claire, 31, Natalie, 30, Karl, 28, Samuel, 26, Cameron, 25, Sabrina, 24, Tim, 22, Brandon, 20, Eve, 19, Nate, 17, Rachel, 16, Eric, 15, Damian, 14 and Katelyn, 10.
Comedian Jim Gaffigan once joked, “You know what it’s like having a fourth kid? Imagine you’re drowning, then someone hands you a baby.” So what’s it like to have sixteen kids?
Jeni, the mother at the helm, spends a staggering $600 every week on groceries just to keep their pantry stocked. With inflation hitting hard, that budget has crept up by $50. For a family of 18 (with 8 kids still living at home), it takes a lot to keep everyone well-fed.
The weekly grocery list is nothing short of impressive: 17 three-litre bottles of milk, 14 boxes of cereal, 45 tubs of yogurt, and a whopping four dozen eggs.
“We go through 50 litres of milk each week and one to two loaves of bread every day,” says Jeni.
Getting a good family photo is difficult
It’s a logistical nightmare for anyone, but for the Bonells, it’s all part of the rhythm of life. The Bonell family’s home life is a carefully choreographed routine.
“Getting a good family photo is difficult,” says Jeni, laughing. “You need an extra-wide lens, and there’s always someone looking away, pulling a funny face, or with their eyes closed. But we enjoy those little quirks in the photos. They’re not picture perfect, but that’s part of the fun.”
With 16 kids, it’s not just about taking photos — it’s about keeping up with the whirlwind of daily life.
Imagine having 16 kids, a full-time job, part-time jobs, and a household to run. That’s the reality for Jeni and Ray.
“I used to think life was busy with little kids,” says Jeni, “but I’m certainly busier these days with older children.” Between coordinating three different schools, sporting activities, part-time jobs, and the older kids’ studies, it’s a juggling act. And yet, Jeni wouldn’t have it any other way. “Life is very hectic – but it’s good.”
The evening routine in their home is a perfect reflection of the Bonell family dynamic. “Take an average-sized family and multiply it by eight, and that’s what our evening routine is like,” Jeni laughs.
Stretching every dollar
Some nights it’s total chaos; other nights, everything falls into place like a well-oiled machine. But regardless of how the evening unfolds, one thing is always consistent: dinner time. “Dinner is always great,” Jeni explains. “Some nights we have eight people at the table, other nights we have more than 20!”
The Bonells are pros at stretching every dollar. Jeni is known for her budget-friendly meals that cost between $2 and $10. She often shares her grocery trips on YouTube to help others manage their food costs.
“It’s a struggle for everyone at the moment,” says Jeni, “We’re all feeling that pinch with the budget.” To stay organized, Jeni uses a chore chart to divide household responsibilities, making sure everyone from age eight upwards pitches in. The kids are also taught to cook from a young age. “Our 12-year-old can put a roast dinner on for 20 people with almost no supervision,” Jeni says with pride.
The laundry load in a house like theirs is equally immense. Jeni does three full loads of laundry every day, which amounts to about six average-sized loads. And when it comes to grocery shopping, Jeni fills up two trolleys each week. “I always need one of the kids to help with the load,” she says.
The Bonell Family religion
When it comes to their finances, the Bonells have learned to make sacrifices. While they pay off their home mortgage, the financial pressures are still real. “It’s expensive and you definitely have to make sacrifices with your budget,” says Jeni. “But we all work, and our family doesn’t live off the taxpayer. However, we do get a lot of criticism for having so many kids.”
Although the Bonells are deeply religious and regularly attend church, Jeni insists that their large family isn’t solely the result of their strong faith.
“God has a funny sense of humour,” says Jeni. They have no regrets, though. ”It just feels right for us,” says Ray, who works as an electrician. ”People have to do what’s right for them. Having 16 kids is not for everyone, but it’s what works for us.”
Despite their busy lives, Jeni and Ray find moments for themselves. “Do I get alone time with my wife? Of course, I do. We make time for each other,” says Ray with a smile. “It’s important to look after each other.”
Their two older children have now left home and are married, adding to the family dynamic as Jeni and Ray become grandparents to two grandchildren. It’s proof that the Bonell family just keeps growing. But with each addition, the love, laughter, and sense of togetherness only deepen.
Inside their roster system
In a family where organization is key, the Bonells have developed a solid routine. From prepping school uniforms and lunches the night before to creating a rotation system for chores, the Bonells make it work.
“We have a roster system, so when a kid turns eight, they get put on the roster,” says Jeni. “They rotate through chores like sweeping, mopping the floor, packing up the table, and helping with meal prep.”
When it comes to snacks, Jeni has a few favorites she shares with fans on YouTube, including air fryer egg cups and air fryer pizza bites. Both snacks are simple to prepare, freeze well, and are perfect for school lunches.
For the Bonells, it’s all about creating a system that allows everyone to pitch in and contribute. And despite the chaos of managing a household of 16, it’s clear that love, teamwork, and humor keep the Bonell family thriving.
Whether it’s feeding the kids, running a household, or finding time for a quick coffee date, the Bonells make it all work — and they do it with a smile.
At the end of the day, the Bonell family proves that with a little creativity, a lot of organization, and plenty of love, you can make just about anything work. Sure, raising 16 kids isn’t easy, but for Jeni and Ray, it’s all part of the adventure.
Whether it’s sharing tips on how to feed a crowd on a budget, keeping up with the endless laundry, or just enjoying the chaos of family life, the Bonells know how to make it happen. And through it all, they’re creating a home full of memories, laughter, and endless love. If there’s one thing we can all take away from this, it’s that family, no matter how big, is always worth it.
Tiger Woods posts an emotional message on social media announcing the death of his mother, Kultida, saying, “My Mom Was Force Of Nature
In a heartfelt social media statement, Tiger Woods revealed that his mother, Kultida Woods, has passed away at the age of 78. She is his “biggest fan” and a “force of nature,” according to the 15-time major champion.
“I want to share with you my deepest sorrow that my beloved mother, Kultida Woods, passed away early this morning,” Tiger wrote in his touching letter. My mother’s spirit was just indisputable; she was a force of nature all her own.
She laughed and used the needle quickly. “She was my biggest supporter and fan, and without her, none of my personal accomplishments would have been possible,” he continued. Her two grandsons, Sam and Charlie, adored her more than anyone else. I appreciate everyone’s prayers, support, and privacy at this trying time for my family and myself. I adore you, Mom.
Kultida, who is originally from Thailand, met Tiger’s father, Earl Woods, in the late 1960s when he was serving with the US military in Bangkok, according to Fox News. After being married in 1969, the pair moved to Brooklyn, New York, and finally settled in Cypress, California, where their only child, Tiger-born Eldrick Woods, was born.
Eldrick was given his parents’ names, K for Kultida and E for Earl. Tiger Phong, his father’s lost companion in Vietnam, inspired the golf champion’s nickname. At the age of 74, Earl passed away in 2006.
During one of the golfer’s darkest moments, Kultida supported her son. In a widely reported news appearance in 2010, he admitted to having several extramarital affairs. Tiger’s mother, who was seated in the front row of the public confession, acknowledged that he had “stopped living by the core values” that his parents had taught him and that his behaviour was unacceptable.
penultimate year, Tiger Woods said on The Tonight Show that his mother was the reason he was able to don the now-famous red and black ensemble that he donned on the penultimate day of golf competitions. Published at 10:45 AM IST on Wednesday, February 5, 2025