'It breaks my heart': Gerard Butler hails 'incredible talent' Michael Nyqvist following his death from lung cancer
Gerard Butler has paid tribute to 'incredible talent' Michael Nyqvist following his death from lung cancer.
The Scottish star said he was moved to speak out in memory of the Swedish actor, who he starred with in the forthcoming action film Hunter Killer.
And he said he was left with a 'broken heart' when he learned on Tuesday his friend had died aged just 56.
Heartbroken: Gerard Butler paid tribute to 'incredible' Michael Nyqvist on Tuesday following his death from lung cancer
The 47-year-old 300 favourite said: 'I just found out that he passed today. It feels important to send my condolences because of all the movies I’ve made, he was right up there.
'He’s one of my favorites, if not my favorite, in terms of somebody who just had such incredible talent and childlike qualities and playfulness. But more than anything, just incredible humility and warmth and this cheeky kind of glint in his eyes.
'And to see all the young actors we worked with thinking how are they going to be if they ever make it, and if you see somebody like that and see how they handle themselves with such dignity and integrity and fun like he still loves what he does, and anyway it breaks my heart.'
In the caption to his Instagram video he added: 'Sending my condolences to Michael Nyqvist and his family. Incredibly talented and an extraordinary human being. My heart is broken.'
His favourite: Gerard said he became close to the actor when they worked on the forthcoming Hunter Killer
Sad news: Michael Nyqvist has died at the age of 56 it was revealed on Tuesday
Nyqvist is best known for his role in the Swedish movie adaptations of The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo series.
In a statement his family said: 'Michael's joy and passion were infectious to those who knew and loved him.
'His charm and charisma were undeniable, and his love for the arts was felt by all who had the pleasure of working with him.'
Michael was best known for his role as Mikael Blomqvist in the original 2009 adaptation of The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, where he starred alongside Noomi Rapace.
On screen: Michael was best known for his role as Mikael Blomqvist in the original 2009 adaptation of The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, where he starred alongside Noomi Rapace
In the American adaptation - also based on Stieg Larsson's Millennium Trilogy - his character was played by Daniel Craig.
The Swedish actor also starred in Colonia alongside Emma Watson and played a main role in John Wick with Keanu Reeves.
He was also known for playing the main villain in Tom Cruise's Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol.
Michael is survived by his wife Catharina and their children Ellen and Arthur.
Tragic loss: 'Michael's joy and passion were infectious to those who knew and loved him. 'His charm and charisma were undeniable' read a family statement
Michael was adopted and revealed that his quest to find his biological parents consumed his childhood and early adulthood.
The star always possessed a passion for acting, and was educated at the School of Drama in Malmö.
It is believed he decided to pursue acting as a career after travelling to Omaha, Nebraska for one year as an exchange student aged 17.
Finding his roots: Michael was adopted and revealed that his quest to find his biological parents consumed his childhood and early adulthood
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