Niels Arestrup, French-Danish Actor Known forWar HorseandA Prophet,Dies at 75

Mar. 15, 2025

Niels Arestrup in 2011’s War Horse.Photo:Skg/Kobal/Shutterstock

Skg/Kobal/Shutterstock

Niels Arestrup, the French-Danish actor celebrated for his roles in Steven Spielberg’sWar HorseandJacques Audiard’sA Prophet,has died. He was 75.

The actor won a record three French César awards — France’s equivalent to the Academy Awards — over his long career, most recently for 2013’sThe French Minister.

Niels Arestrup on May 16, 2009.Sean Gallup/Getty

Sean Gallup/Getty

PerThe Hollywood Reporter, Arestrup made his debut in the theater when he was 23. He first appeared onscreen in 1974 and worked consistently ever since, with 91 screen credits to his name. He was a frequent collaborator with filmmaker Jacques Audiard (Emilia Perez), winning two of his three César awards for Audiard’s 2005 filmThe Beat That My Heart Skippedand 2009’sA Prophet.In 2011’sWar Horse, Arestrup costarred with Jeremy Irvine, Emily Watson, Benedict Cumberbatch, Tom Hiddleston and David Thewlis. The movie followed followed a horse named Joey as he is sold to the British Army in World War I and participates in a number of battles and eventually returns to his old family.

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Niels Arestrup on Jan. 23, 1990.Frederic SOULOY/Gamma-Rapho via Getty

Frederic SOULOY/Gamma-Rapho via Getty

PerTHR, Adjani toldLe Parisienthat Arestrup “was a great actor [but] personally, I unfortunately have nothing positive to say about the man,” when that outlet reached her for comment on Arestrup’s death.

source: people.com