Oscar Egede-Nissen

Oscar Egede-Nissen (March 7, 1903 – November 1, 1976) was a Norwegian actor. He appeared in dozens of films from his debut in 1936 onward, his last being An-Magritt in 1969. Egede-Nissen was an unruly child, and he was sent to the alternative Odenwald School in Germany. He came home and started high school, but soon left again, this time on a long trip to South America. He went whaling and spent time in Buenos Aires. He ended up as an illegal immigrant to the United States, where he became a professional soldier and flew to the Philippines. There he had a falling out with a lieutenant, and he was sentenced to ten years' imprisonment. With the help of connections in Norway, including Prime Minister Johan Ludwig Mowinckel, he was pardoned after 14 months. When he returned to Norway this time, his own abilities—and the family's connections—in theater became decisive for his future. He started performing at the National Theater in Bergen, where he made his debut in Hamlet in 1932, playing opposite the famous Magda Blanc. He was successful in the role and was engaged at the theater. During the Second World War he was arrested on January 6, 1941, and on February 21 he was placed in Vollan Prison. On February 17, 1942, he was transferred to Bredtveit Prison, before being released on March 2.