Alexander Ludwig isn’t the kind of guy you forget. At six-foot-two with piercing blue eyes and the kind of rugged charm that could sell out a line of luxury camping gear, this Canadian-born actor has already been around the industry for decades. From his breakout role as the cocky tribute Cato in The Hunger Games to his iconic turn as the axe-wielding Bjorn Ironside on Vikings, Ludwig has a knack for bringing intensity and grit to the screen. But don’t mistake him for just another Hollywood tough guy—Ludwig is so much more than that. Something I was honored to witness firsthand.
At 32, Ludwig has already built a résumé with roles in adrenaline-fueled blockbusters like Bad Boys for Life and critically acclaimed dramas like Lone Survivor; he’s constantly cementing and showcasing his versatility. But his skill does not meet its limit in film. Ludwig is also an amazing singer and songwriter. He has released several country albums. Blending soulful storytelling with his signature intensity. The depth of his well doesn’t just stop there either, Alexander also gives his time as a mentor for at-risk youth at The Boys Club in Vancouver, Canada.
I have had the utmost honor to sit down with major celebrities and get to pick their brains and hear their stories, but very rarely have I encountered a time where the interview effortlessly morphed into a mutual conversation. Not where one or the other is trying to stop or top the other. But when two minds are both engaged in the moment, feeding off the other’s thoughts.
I thought I was interviewing Alexander, but little did I know I was about to experience one of the most encouraging and thought-provoking conversations I have ever had the pleasure to have. I know this sounds like a lot of hyperbole, and oftentimes as a journalist, I know I can exaggerate to get my point across. But I will honestly say here, that with Alexander, there is no need to exaggerate or embellish. When you meet him, you meet a true example of a man fully grounded and fully present. A man who has multiple endeavors from acting to writing to producing, running businesses, and being a father to two little ones and a husband. He has every right to have his mind split in a million different places but chooses to engage with whoever is in front of him.
A young veteran in an industry for child actors that either chews you up and spits you out or leaves you jaded and lonely. Alexander has survived and thrived. Starting his young career as an extra in Air Bud. Nine-year-old Alexander had to experience the sting of a watch party and find out his scene was cut. “I was so heartbroken, but the greatest feeling as an actor was that in my next movie, I got one line in it!”
I spoke in depth with him on his career, as well as his passions. Ludwig shares his heart on sobriety and advice for men seeking betterment and wellness.
I can tell these answers are from deep within his soul. He answers not only with a vigor of youth but with the wisdom of an old soul.
In a world where so many people are trying to fit in, Ludwig is the guy who stands out—and not just because he looks like he was carved out of marble. He’s the embodiment of the modern gentleman: a man who knows his worth values authenticity, and isn’t afraid to roll up his sleeves (or swing an axe). And with every role, every song, and every project, he’s proving that the best way to live is all in.
You have been on sets with a wide spectrum of personalities, who did you laugh the most with? Who did you learn the most from?
The thing about this business that is so incredible is that you get to work with your heroes. But also, the pedestal that you put them on, gets removed when you get to know them, in the best way possible. You get to see them for who they are, you realize this isn’t God’s gift to acting. This is a person who has worked incredibly hard on their craft and is grateful for where they are.
I laughed the most with Adam Sandler. I was in my early 20s when I did Grown Ups 2. I got a call while I was in college saying “Adam wants to fly you to Boston and meet everyone from Happy Madison.” It was one of those experiences that almost didn’t feel real. I will also say that Adam is just an amazing man and person. Probably one of the best I have ever had the privilege to meet.
I have learned a lot from all sorts of very talented people. At a younger age, I learned from Dwayne Johnson how to carry yourself when you’re leading a movie. He would shake everyone’s hand and he was very kind to everyone he interacted with. He was an amazing actor to work with at such an early stage in my career.
From an acting perspective, I learned the most from Anthony Hopkins. I did a film with him called “Blackway”, along with Julia Styles and Ray Liotta. I went to him one day and asked him to “show me how you do what you do.” He sat with me in his trailer for the rest of the day and learned so much that day. – FULL ARTICLE IN PRINT ONLY
Photographer: Eric Michael Roy
Stylist: Savannah Mendoza
Grooming: Kindra Mann
Interview: Tom Burleson
Shot on Location: 1504 N Kenter Ave, Los Angeles
Currently for sale by Cindy Ambeuhl for $28.9M
