Malin Akerman's Real Name: Malin Maria Åkerman

Quick answer: Malin Akerman's real name is Malin Maria Åkerman. She is a Swedish-born actress, born May 12, 1978, in Stockholm, Sweden, later known for films including Watchmen and 27 Dresses.

Real name and early life

She is known professionally as Malin Akerman. Because TV Insider and TV Guide independently record the birth name Malin Maria Åkerman, that form is used in the title. TV Insider dates the birth to May 12, 1978, in Stockholm, Sweden. TV Guide does not give a full date; it independently gives the birthplace as Stockholm, Sweden. TV Guide says that, born in Sweden, she spent most of her life growing up in Canada, began modeling as a child after being discovered by Ford Models on a trip to a shopping mall, and started appearing in television commercials when she was 5. It also says she intended to become a child psychologist before entering acting, and that she was the lead singer in the alternative band The Petalstones. TV Insider independently says she began her career in Canada, where an early start in modeling eventually gave way to a number of television guest appearances in science-fiction and adventure offerings.

Career highlights

TV Insider says a supporting role on HBO's The Comeback (2005) launched her comedy career, followed by a co-starring role opposite Ben Stiller in The Heartbreak Kid (2007), supporting roles in 27 Dresses (2008) and the ensemble romantic comedy Couples Retreat (2009), and a role in the 2009 film Watchmen. TV Guide independently says she was nominated for a Saturn Award in 2010 for her performance in Watchmen; its awards list specifies a 2010 Saturn Award nomination for best supporting actress. TV Insider's later credits list includes Lara Axelrod on Billions, dating that series credit to 2016, as well as later series work including The Hunting Wives. TV Guide's shorter profile does not mention Billions.

Name notes for searchers

People looking up Malin Akerman, Malin Åkerman, or Malin Maria Åkerman are looking for the same actress. Independent sources support the fuller birth name used in the title. The professional spelling Akerman, without the ring above the A, is the form used in most English-language credits discussed here.