Since I got the opportunity to write a tribute for the print program of the evening, I'd like to share it with you:
I have no words, or I have too many, that would do justice to speak about the multifaceted and unique Dolph Lundgren. It's a great pleasure and honor for me to pay a tribute and celebrate an underrated man who's inspiration has been influential and instrumental for me and my professional career. It's daunting because I've had the utter respect for the action icon in the past 25 years, following his career closely since I was a preadolescent, and have come be acquainted with the man on a personal and professional level for nearly 5 years.
Dolph Lundgren has been a role model, not just because of his “action man” persona, but because I perceived reserved, humble, sensitive personality behind his body armor, that I could both identify with. A man of few -but counting- words, his modesty and simple personality contrasts with his bigger-than-life looks and the macho attributes he's mostly regarded for. I also had a glimpse of what more he had to offer, and wanted to support him to break through typecasting.
In nearly three decades of hard work in the film industry as an actor and a director, Dolph has been admirable in building a strong career despite the highs and lows, without buying into the dark side of show-business, its success obsession or its glamour and glitter. He kept playing his own game and took the time to understand who he is, even at the risk of not always taking the best decisions business-wise.
Like a 16th century Japanese samurai, Dolph Lundgren's way of life goes beyond body and health, cultivating the mind and spirit with an uncanny interest for the world at large. The combination of his academic scientific background, his musical skills, martial arts expertise, and an uncanny interest for history and politics make him a complex personality that goes beyond the realm of film and show-business. Dolph is man of curiosity who's constantly willing to learn, valuing knowledge, skills and human connections, treating everybody with respect no matter who they are, and leaving a trail of friends around the globe behind every project. A simple grounded humble man who enjoys the simple pleasures of life, in the company of close friends and family.
Having spent about half of his life in Sweden and half of it in the United States, Dolph has shown gratitude to his country of adoption while remaining attached to his Swedish roots and values, true and faithful to who he his as a person, not as a just Hollywood star. May this be the first of many Awards to a man who embodies the Swedish/American cultures and whose best is yet to come!
CONGRATULATIONS, DOLPH! GRATTIS! SKOL!
- Jeremie Damoiseau, Paris, November 2012
I see the evening was sold out, great!