Viggo Mortensen is an American actor, producer, and director, born on October 20, 1958, in New York City. He gained widespread recognition for his role as Aragorn in the Lord of the Rings film trilogy, directed by Peter Jackson. Mortensen has also appeared in various critically acclaimed films, including A History of Violence and Eastern Promises. In addition to acting, Mortensen is a talented artist and photographer, often showcasing his work in galleries. He is known for his dedication to his roles, often immersing himself deeply in the characters he portrays, which has earned him several award nominations throughout his career.