Actor Michael Nyqvist, who starred in the original film version of Stieg Larsson's The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, has died aged 56.

The Swedish actor had suffered from lung cancer for a year and died on Tuesday, surrounded by family.

He was best known for his role as Mikael Blomkvist in the Swedish version of The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo and its sequels in the Millennium trilogy.

The 2009 film saw him play an investigative journalist who works with computer hacker Lisbeth Salander, a role played by Noomi Rapace.

The success of the series inspired an American film adaptation, which was released two years later. Daniel Craig took over Nyqvist's role as Blomkvist, and Rooney Mara starred as Lisbeth Salander.


In a statement, Nyqvist's family said: "Michael's joy and passion were infectious to those who knew and loved him.

"His charm and charisma were undeniable."

They added that his death had left a "huge void".

Image: Michael Nyqvist also broke into Hollywood cinema, starring in a number of films

Nyqvist also starred in Hollywood blockbusters including John Wick and Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol and in 2015 he starred in Colonia with Daniel Bruhl and Emma Watson.

His memoir, Just After Dreaming published in 2010, was about his childhood and adoption and tracing his biological parents at the age of 30.

He is survived by his wife Catharina Ehrnrooth, and their children, Ellen and Arthur.