Overview

Per Theodor Haugen (8 October 1932 – 14 October 2018) was a Norwegian actor whose professional career spanned stage, film and television. He established himself as a performer in the post‑war era, beginning stage work in 1950 and remaining active in public performance for many decades. He is often remembered for both his steady stage presence and for screen appearances that connected him with popular Norwegian audiences.

Career and roles

Haugen began his career on the theatre stage and later took part in motion pictures and television productions. His body of work included supporting and character parts that complemented ensemble casts. While primarily a stage performer in his early years, he crossed over into film at a time when Norway’s domestic cinema was expanding, taking roles that reflected everyday life and contemporary humour.

Notable work

  • Støv på hjernen (1959) — Haugen had a supporting role in this popular Norwegian comedy, a film that captured domestic themes and became widely seen in its era.
  • Stage productions — Throughout his career he remained associated with live theatre, contributing to the repertoire of plays presented to Norwegian audiences.
  • Television and film appearances — He continued to appear on screen in various roles that showcased his experience as a character actor.

Personal life

Per Theodor Haugen was born in Kongsberg, Norway, on 8 October 1932. He was married to actress Sissel Sellæg, and the couple had a son, actor Kim Haugen, continuing a family connection to the performing arts. Sellæg died on 5 January 2014 in Oslo. Haugen himself died in Oslo on 14 October 2018 at the age of 86.

Legacy and significance

Haugen is regarded as part of a generation of Norwegian performers who helped sustain both theatre and a growing national film industry after World War II. He is remembered for his long involvement in performance, his contributions to ensemble work, and for being a member of an acting family that includes his late wife and their son. His career illustrates the varied paths a Norwegian stage actor might follow, moving between live theatre and screen roles while remaining a familiar presence to the public.