Dolph Lundgren Becomes US Citizen After Four Decades

Expressing his gratitude for the opportunities afforded to him by America, Dolph Lundgren stated, “America has given me some wonderful opportunities and an amazing life. I’m proud to become a US citizen and officially make this my home,” emphasizing that the time had come for this pivotal decision in his life.

Interestingly, Dolph Lundgren didn’t come to the United States to become an actor but was aiming to become an engineer. He arrived in the States in the early 80s journey to study at Washington State University and Clemson University in South Carolina. He later received a prestigious Fulbright scholarship to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 1983, where he excelled in his engineering studies. 

However, drawn to the allure of acting, Dolph Lundgren ultimately decided to give up his scientific education and take a chance on becoming an actor. He eventually relocated to New York City to pursue his passion.

In 1985, Dolph Lundgren secured his breakthrough role as Ivan Drago, the formidable Soviet boxer, in Rocky IV, opposite Sylvester Stallone. His portrayal in the film catapulted him to international fame, and he later reprised his role in the Rocky franchise’s spinoff, Creed II, decades later. Luckier than most actors, Lundgren’s big break came on his second project, as he also appeared in the James Bond thriller, A View to Kill, earlier that year.

Sharing their joyous moment on social media, both Dolph Lundgren and his wife, Emma Krokdal, posted images of themselves taking the oath of allegiance during the citizenship ceremony. Krokdal, who hails from Norway, expressed her gratitude for having two homes, each contributing to shaping who she is today.

The couple’s journey to citizenship comes on the heels of their recent marriage, which took place last year after a three-year engagement. Dolph Lundgren and Emma Krokdal exchanged vows at their villa in Mykonos, Greece, surrounded by close family and friends. Despite facing challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and Lundgren’s battle with kidney cancer, their commitment to each other remained unwavering.

In a candid revelation last year, Dolph Lundgren disclosed his ongoing battle with kidney cancer for the past eight years. Despite the health challenges, he maintains a positive outlook, remarking that he’s living a typical life, and though he has to take medication, it doesn’t cause any adverse side effects.

Dolph Lundgren’s attainment of US citizenship not only signifies a personal milestone but also underscores his enduring resilience and indomitable spirit in the face of adversity. As he embarks on this new chapter as an American citizen, Lundgren continues to build upon his long career, with four upcoming projects in the works, including a rumored spin-off called Drago following his most iconic character Ivan Drago.