Alice Krige launched her professional career in the 1976 South African romantic drama Vergeet My Nie before relocating to England. Her breakthrough in 1981 came through dual roles in the British period feature Chariots of Fire and the supernatural thriller Ghost Story, establishing her as a versatile presence in both international cinema and classical stage productions.
Early Life and Education
Born on 28 June 1954 in Upington, South Africa, Krige is the daughter of a physician and a psychology professor. Her upbringing took place in Port Elizabeth. She initially pursued studies at Rhodes University in Grahamstown with the intention of becoming a clinical psychologist. Following an acting class, she shifted her focus, completing a Bachelor of Arts and an Honours degree in drama with distinction. She subsequently graduated from the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama in London.
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After moving to England in 1979, Krige appeared on BBC2 Playhouse before securing significant television and film roles. In 1981, she earned a Laurence Olivier Award for her performance in the West End production of Arms and the Man. Her stage repertoire expanded through her work with the Royal Shakespeare Company, where she portrayed characters including Cordelia in King Lear, Miranda in The Tempest, and Roxanne in Cyrano de Bergerac.
Diverse Filmography
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Krige maintained a steady output in varied genres. Her credits include King David, the black comedy Barfly, and the horror film Sleepwalkers. In 1996, she debuted as the Borg Queen in Star Trek: First Contact, a performance that earned her a Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actress. She reprised this role in subsequent Star Trek projects, including Star Trek: Voyager and voice performances in Star Trek: Lower Decks and Star Trek: Picard.
Television and Later Work
Krige has appeared in numerous television miniseries and films, such as Ellis Island, Wallenberg: A Hero's Story, and Dream West. Her television career includes roles in Dynasty: The Making of a Guilty Pleasure and the psychological drama series The OA. In 2021, she starred in the horror film She Will. Her ongoing contributions to international film were recognized with a Time Machine Award in 2021.
Fast facts
- Born: 28 June 1954, Upington, South Africa
- Alma Mater: Rhodes University, Royal Central School of Speech and Drama
- Film Debut: Vergeet My Nie (1976)
- Notable Character: Borg Queen
- Laurence Olivier Award: 1981
- Saturn Award: Best Supporting Actress (1996)
- Time Machine Award: 2021
Questions readers ask
Did Alice Krige study acting initially?
No, she enrolled at Rhodes University to study psychology before switching to drama.
How many times did she play the Borg Queen?
She played the character in Star Trek: First Contact, Star Trek: Voyager, Star Trek: The Experience: Borg Invasion 4-D, Star Trek: Lower Decks, and Star Trek: Picard.
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