Unfortunately, this text will only ever be available in English.
Please note that this is by no means a complete record and that due to its'
size, it is "text-only".
These records are in alphabetical order by first name, where applicable -
this is consistent with Icelandic tradition and I therefore felt it more fitting
- but to "simplify" things, no Icelandic characters are used in
the titles. If you want to search for someone in particular, go to "Edit"
on your browser and select "Find" and type in what you are looking
for. If you feel I have left someone important out, let
me know.
Albert Gudmundsson (1923-1994)
Icelandic Gudmundsson was not only a very famous footballer, but also one
of Iceland's busiest politicians. Born in 1923, he lost his father at the
age of 12, grew up with his grandmother and spent most of his youth playing
football, being a delivery boy, selling candy at a Reykjavik football stadium,
fishing and going to the Y.M.C.A. While waiting for the YMCA meetings, the
boys always used to play football and there he got some good experience very
early on. His dream was to become good enough to be able to play with Icelandic
team "Valur" and get to wear one of their uniforms.
Turns out his skills were a bit better than that.
Highlights of his professional career include leaving Iceland for Scotland
in 1945 to play for the Glasgow Rangers and later English team Arsenal. While
playing for Arsenal in France in 1946 (a game they won) he was spotted by
French scouts and ended up moving over to France to play for the team "Nancy".
In his first season with Nancy he scored 2 goals in every cup final they played,
and they won them all 2-1! This earned him the title of top goal scorer of
that season. He made quite an impression on French football fans, and is still
remembered by many, but in 1948 he went over to AC Milan in Italy. While playing
for AC Milan he broke his knee and many people thought his career was over,
including the managers of AC Milan. Guðmundsson did not give up on himself,
however, even if they did. He decided to pay his way out of the current contract
with the team, go for surgery and hope for the best.
He was successful and fully recovered. He then went back to France to play,
before returning to Iceland in 1954. As soon as he was back he started his
own wholesale business and went almost straight into politics.
Known as one of the most honest, helpful and caring person in politics at
the time, he started as a member of the Independence Party where he spent
most of his political life. Later on, however, he went on to form his own
party and his popularity gave the newly formed party close to 20% of the votes!
In his various Ministerial and Member of Parliament posts, he did a lot to
help the people of the country and his popularity only increased.
Amongst other things Guðmundsson did was fighting for the right to keep dogs (forbidden at the time) and working for the Icelandic Football Association, KSI (of which he was chairman and is attributed with having paved the way for women's football in Iceland).
Albert Guðmundsson died in 1994, a few months before reaching the age of 71, leaving what can only be described as a good and eventful life.
Sources: Icelandic newspaper Fréttablaðið, Saturday the 29th of march, 2003. Pages 24 and 25. Articles "Í skugga og skjóli Alberts", "Ruddi kvennaknattspyrnu braut" and "Barðist fyrir hundahaldi" by thorarinn@frettabladid.is
Arnar Gunnlaugsson (1973-)
Icelandic striker Gunnlaugsson has played with Icelandic, German, Dutch and
English teams. His teams in UK include Bolton Wanderers, Stoke City and Dundee
United.
See his profile at http://www.4thegame.com/playerprofile.d?personid=528
and a bit more at http://www.soccerage.com/en/04/12893.html
Arnar Thor Vidarsson (1978-)
Icelandic footballer Arnar Þór Viðarsson has just signed
up with Belgian football team Lokeren with a 3 year contract, where he is
currently the team captain. He has also played in Norway as well as with Icelandic
team FH and of course the Icelandic National Team.
Arni Gautur Arason (1975-)
Arason is an Icelandic football goalkeeper, currently with Rosenborg, Norway
who was for a long time monitored by UK top team Arsenal but is now being
looked at by Chelsea, UK.
Arni Magnusson (1663-1730)
Manuscript collector, historian and teacher at the University of Copenhagen,
Magnusson is definitely one of the big historical figures of Iceland. He was
the face of our 100kr. bill (now replaced by a coin with fish on it…very
original) and has the Arni Magnusson Institute in Iceland (as well as in Denmark)
named after him.
He played the biggest role in the preservation of Iceland's manuscripts of
the ancient Sagas and more.
Arnor Gudjohnsen (1961-)
Father of Chelsea player Eidur Smari Gudjohnsen, Arnor has played with teams
such as Lokeren and Anderlecht in Belgium, French team Bordeaux, Swedish teams
Orebro and Hacken and various teams in Iceland. He was voted player of the
year in both Sweden and Belgium and he made football history in 1996 along
with his son Eidur Smari, when Arnor was replaced in the second half by his
son.
Read a nice SoccerNet interview at http://www.soccernet.com/columns/2002/0502/20020502featchadband.html
Asgeir Sigurvinsson (1956-)
Footballer Sigurvinsson was elected Best Player of the German Bundesliga in
1985 and is at time of writing one of the directors of Stoke City football
team. He was also the first Icelander to play professional football for a
foreign club and definitely one of the most respected - if not best - footballer
in Iceland.
http://vestmannaeyjar.ismennt.is/vefir/comenius/people/asgeir.htm
Atli Edvaldsson (1957-)
Younger brother of Johannes Edvaldsson,
the Iceland National team coach Edvaldsson has not only a good coaching career
behind him, but also a very good playing career.
Most of his time was spent playing in Iceland and Germany - the German teams
being Borussia Dortmund, Fortuna Dusseldorf, Bayer Uerdingen, Turu Dusseldorf
- but he has also played for Turkish team Genclerbirligi.
See his profile at http://www.soccerway.com/profiles/coach.php?id=776
Atli Heimir Sveinsson(1938-)
One of Iceland's greatest current successes in classical music is the composer
Atli Heimir Sveinsson. Sveinsson built up his pianist skills in Iceland, before
moving to Germany for more advanced studies where he studied under artists
such as Stockhausen and Bernd Alois Zimmermann as well as studying the art
of electrical composition from Gottfried Michael Koenig. In Iceland he has
been a radio presenter, a conductor, pianist, composer and served on various
boards and committees. He has received the Nordic Composer award and is a
member of the Royal Swedish Music Academy.
Buy some of Sveinsson's works at Amazon.com: (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/search-handle-url/index=classical&field-keywords=Atli%20Heimir%20Sveinsson&search-type=ss&bq=1/103-4802607-9975041)
Baltasar Kormakur (1966-)
Baltasar has acted in/directed numerous Icelandic plays and films. His most
notable one recently being the film "Hafið"
or "the Sea", which he has received critical acclaim for all
over the world.
He was also one of the main characters in the well-known films 101 Reykjavik
(http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00008973P/qid=1047768477/sr=8-1/ref=sr_8_1/103-4802607-9975041?v=glance&s=dvd&n=507846)and
Angels of the Universe, to name only a few.
You can also find some more on him at
http://www.efp-online.com/html/shst2001/shst_2001_korm.html
Lastly, his father is a well-known artist in Iceland and both of them are very enthusiastic about the Icelandic horse.
Bang Gang
Bang Gang is an Icelandic pop/dance music band consisting of Bardi
Johannsson and the various female singers he collaborates with. Highlights
of their career probably include signing up with a french label (EMI France
- over 10.000 copies sold there already), having their work showcased in commercials
for companies as big as Citroen and having their music and videos played on
MTV.
Sadly, their website is currently not as updated as I had hoped, but it does give you details like Bang Gang started out as a surf band and such, so try it out www.mmedia.is/banggang/
Other news of Bang Gang include releasing an album in September 2003 and includes vocals from artists such as Nicolette (of Massive Attack fame) and Daniel Agust formerly of Gus Gus.
Bardi Johannsson (1975-)
Bardi is the man behind Bang Gang.
He has also composed a lot of music for Icelandic films, TV commercials and
other Icelandic musicians (such as Paul
Oscar, XXX Rottweiler and more). In addition to that his music has been
in International commercials and he recently signed a contract with a foreign
record company to write music for them and their artists.
Baugur Group
Originally started by father and son as "Bonus" store chain, Icelandic
company Baugur has now grown to include investments and holdings in most major
Icelandic retail stores as well as International ones. Baugur Group is divided
into Baugur-ID, Baugur-USA and Baugur-Iceland, where the last two are aimed
at Baugur's retail business in the respective countries and the first one
focuses on Investments and Development. Baugur-USA includes "Bonus dollar
stores" and "Bill's dollar stores" and Baugur-ID currently
includes investments in UK's House of Fraser, Mothercare, Big Food Group and
Somerfield as well as having made an attempt at a take over of Arcadia Group
(Top Shop etc.). Baugur-ID has also got assets in Iceland and the Faroe Islands
and is currently very active and likely to add to its portfolio in the near
future.
At the time of writing they are very active in the UK retail sector and have
purchased all stock in "Hamley's" toy stores (incl. Bear Factory)
as well as being pegged to make a bid for the "Oasis" chain of stores.
More on Baugur at www.baugur.is
Bellatrix
Icelandic band Bellatrix adopted the name upon getting into the International
market, they originally started out as "Kolrassa Krokridandi" (loosely
translated as Blackass Hookriding) and were a female only band. They then
let 1 man into their female group who I believe was their drummer. Their music
is a kind of punk rock with some violins.
https://www.smekkleysa.net/shop/?artist_id=5
Bjarni Fridriksson (?)
Icelandic Judo man Fridriksson's greatest achievement was probably when he
reached 3rd place in the 1984 L.A. Olympic Games.
Bjarni Gudjonsson (1979-)
An Icelandic footballer, currently playing for Stoke football club, UK. Son
of Gudjon Thordarson, previously
the manager of Stoke football club).
More on Gudjonsson at http://www.soccerbase.com/footballlive/?MIval=players_details&playerid=10517
Bjork Gudmundsdottir(1966-)
Björk Gudmundsdottir, singer/artist/musician/composer, started very young
in the music business. She was always a musical child and very quickly enters
various bands. Her musical studies include piano and singing but those were
too classical for her at that time.
There are recordings of her as a child singing (released in Iceland on vinyl),
but she didn't really hit the spotlight until she joined the punk bands Exodus,
Tappi Tikarrass and later Kukl. After having gotten some publicity through
those bands she advanced along with the rest of Kukl into the Sugarcubes.
(http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/search-handle-url/index=music&field-keywords=Sugarcubes&search-type=ss&bq=1/103-5789960-3813409)
They were a massive hit, with musical talent in every corner and achieved
International fame, but a few years later she preferred going off on her own
to start a solo career as she had gotten such massive attention - from critics
and fans alike - through the Sugarcubes.
Her solo albums are Björk (1977); Gling-Glo, with the Gudmundur Ingolfsson trio (1990); Debut (1993); Post (1995), Homogenic (1997), Selmasongs, from the film Dancer in the Dark (2000); Vespertine (2001); Greatest Hits (2002) and Family Tree (2002). She has also collaborated with various artists and written songs for other famous singers including Madonna, as well as some acting in the films Dancer in the Dark and Juniper Tree (1990). In 2001 She Won Best Actress for Dancer In The Dark at the Bodil Awards, The Cannes Film Festival, The Edda Award Iceland, The European Film Award, and more, as well as being nominated for many more.
To see her music on amazon.com click here (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/search-handle-url/index=music&field-keywords=bj%F6rk&search-type=ss&bq=1/103-4802607-9975041)
To see her films on amazon.com click here (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/search-handle-url/index=dvd&field-keywords=bj%F6rk&search-type=ss&bq=1/103-4802607-9975041)
Or to see more on her in general, try http://www.bjork.com/
Botnledja/Silt
see Silt
Brynjar Gunnarsson (1975-)
Icelandic footballer Brynjar Gunnarsson is currently a defender with UK team
Stoke. More on him here: http://www.soccerbase.com/footballlive/?MIval=players_details&playerid=18921
Daniel Bjarnason (1979-)
Bjarnason is an up and coming composer and conductor in classical music. When
this is written Icelandic newspaper Morgunblaðið has just told of
him having been invited to the International Takefu music festival (http://www.necsoft.co.jp/takefu/)
in 2003 (the news story in Icelandic here).
Other than that, all I know is that he spent the autumn of 2002 in the Royaumont
arts academy in Paris and that he is definitely one to watch.
David Stefansson - fra Fagraskogi (1895-1964)
One of Iceland's main poets of that time was David Stefansson (fra Fagraskogi
- actually just means from Fagriskogur ie. "beautiful forest", which
is whereabouts in N-Iceland he was born but was also always a part of his
name). He was the opposite of the other main poet of that time, Steinn Steinarr,
in that Stefansson's poetry was much more about love and beauty and was of
the romantic nature. Or as often referred to, the romantic half of that era;
the Thorbergur Thordarson in the Thordarson/Laxness pair.
Poetry was not all he wrote, as an example a play of his "the Golden
Gate", about a woman who tries to get her atheist husband's soul entry
into heaven - based on one of his older poems, is still frequently shown in
the country's theatres and when originally premiered, became the top attraction
ever in Icelandic theater!
He has released 10 poetry books, a novel and 4 plays and as soon as his first
book, Black Feathers, was printed, he became well-known all around the country
for his beautiful writing and use of language. His sudden fame was so great,
that it could be likened to today's biggest pop stars, only with a little
bit more substance.
Prior to this, his poetry had been seen in magazines for a few years, but
he was still a fairly recent poet. In fact, he didn't really start writing
at all until he contracted a serious illness when he was young and suddenly
fell in love with the magical world that poetry could create. It no doubt
allowed him to live some of the beauty of life, that he was at the time denied
due to his illness.
He was also always very interested in other people's writings. So much so, that his library was for a while one out of two of Iceland's biggest personal book collections. He even seemed to have almost a pathological need for books of all kinds and collected anything from dictionaries to magazines to Bibles (and apparently had all Icelandic versions of the Bible, bar one). Most noticeably in his collection, he seems to have had a great fascination for anything and everything relating to Matthias Jochumson, a fellow writer and poet, in any way.
He also travelled a lot in various periods of his life, but the place he
always came back to was the place he loved, his home, Akureyri.
His house in Akureyri, in the North of Iceland, is still preserved and is
much the way it was when he passed away. It is open for viewing, but opening
times vary.
An apartment on the house's bottom floor is available for free, for artists
wishing to dwell in Akureyri and who are prepared to contribute to Akureyri's
cultural flora.
Sources: the Icelandic website http://www.skaldhus.akureyri.is/ds1.html, the Icelandic version of The National Theatre of Iceland's website with added knowledge from myself and contributors.
Dyri Kristjansson(1980-)
Kristjansson is an Icelandic gymnast, part of the Icelandic team Gerpla but
currently studying in and competing for the University of Minnesota. He is
also a member of Iceland's National Team.
Check out his website at http://coach.tier1host.net/%7Elearningtobreathe.com/dyri/
Eidur Smari Gudjohnsen (1978-)
Gudjohnsen is an Icelandic footballer, currently playing in a forward position
for UK team Chelsea. Son of famous Icelandic footballer Arnor Gudjohnsen,
Eidur thought it was all over a few years ago when he had an ankle injury,
but thankfully - for him and all football fans - he's since then gotten better,
to say the least.
More on Gudjohnsen at http://www.soccerbase.com/footballlive/?MIval=players_details&playerid=18921
or http://www.gudjohnsen.com/
and some old gossip at http://football.guardian.co.uk/FA_Cup/Story/0,5764,665050,00.html
Einar Benediktsson (I
and II)
Iceland has two famous men by the name Einar Benediktsson (or Einar Ben).
The first one Einar Ben(ediktsson) (1864-1940) - even though he may
now have been surpassed in fame by the other one, at least with the younger
people - was very famous both as a poet and an entrepreneur.
He was Iceland's first lawyer, established one of the first newspapers in
Iceland, was heavily obsessed with trying to utilise Iceland's hydropower,
fishing grounds and more and released numerous works of poetry - all very
well regarded and well known.
In the early 1900's he also had the sole trading license for Marconi products
in all of the Nordic Countries.
He came up with Iceland's first flag and not only had great ideas for the
country's natural resources, but the people and the country itself as well.
Last but not least it was always much more than apparent that he was a true
patriot that not only loved his country, but realised its potential. He was
also one of Iceland's main politicians at the time.
And the second one, Einar Orn Benediktsson
(1962-), is known by association with Bjork as they were both in the band
"The Sugarcubes" as
well as having created music with Damon Albarn, amongst others.
That particular co-operation was for the Icelandic film 101 Reykjavik, which
has
received critical acclaim worldwide. (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00008973P/qid=1047768477/sr=8-1/ref=sr_8_1/103-4802607-9975041?v=glance&s=dvd&n=507846)
For those of you who haven't heard of the Sugarcubes, they were probably
Iceland's most famous band to date - although I am not sure if bands like
Sigurros may be closing in on them
nowadays. Filled with musical talent, the Sugarcubes released a few albums,
before they split up and Bjork began
her solo career, outselling the Sugarcube records by far.
Benediktsson was also one of the founders of Icelands "Smekkleysa"
record company (international name: Bad Taste Records) www.smekkleysa.net
You will find the music of the Sugarcubes at
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/search-handle-url/index=music&field-keywords=Sugarcubes&search-type=ss&bq=1/103-5789960-3813409
and more on
him and the Sugarcubes on http://www.thesugarcubes.com/
Einar Mar Gudmundsson (1954-)
Author of the novel behind the film and the script of Angels of the Universe,
as well as the script to the Oscar Nominated film Children of Nature (along
with director Fridrik Thor Fridriksson). He has written numerous books, most
of which have been translated to foreign languages (and he is in fact Iceland's
most widely translated modern author) and many of which have received not
only critical acclaim but also awards and prizes.
Some more on Gudmundsson here http://edda.is/english/categories.asp?cat_id=579
or you can buy some of his books at amazon, here (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/search-handle-url/index=books&field-keywords=Einar%20Mar%20Gudmundsson&search-type=ss&bq=1/103-4802607-9975041)
Einar Jonsson (1874-1954)
Icelandic Sculptor, born on the 1000-year anniversary of Iceland's colonisation.
One of Iceland's most famous sculptor, and in many ways pioneered the art
of sculpturing in Iceland.
His best-known work of art is "The Outlaws" located in Reykjavik
across from the National Library (strange big red square house in the city
centre), close to the University of Iceland.
Still today it represents exceptionally well the torment of being excluded,
for whatever reason and this is probably why it can so easily take control
of your feelings and therefore retains its' popularity.
He has a constant exhibition in the house that was his home and work studio, only a few meters from Hallgrimskirkja in the center of Reykjavik.
For more information on Einar Jonssson, have a look at http://www.icelandnaturally.com/webzine/webzine_july_03.html
Einar Karason(1955-)
Karason is one of Iceland's best-known contemporary writers; mainly known
in Europe but getting better and better known in other countries as well now.
Amongst his works are the book and script behind the Icelandic film "Djoflaeyjan"
(Devil's Island).
He is a good talent in all areas of writing, whether it be as a playwright,
poet, script writer or author of novels and short stories. For more information
on him, try http://edda.is/english/categories.asp?cat_id=578
His work can be bought at Amazon.com (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/search-handle-url/index=books&field-keywords=Einar%20K%E1rason&search-type=ss&bq=1/103-4802607-9975041)
Einar Vilhjalmsson(?)
Olympic Javelin athlete, son of Vilhjalmur Einarsson Olympic athlete and trainer.
3 times Iceland's athlete of the year, nr.23 on the list of world's men all
time best for javelin, according to http://w1.196.telia.com/~u19603668/atb-m32.htm
but reached top 10 in 1983, '84, '85, '88, '89, '90 and '91 (8th, 5th, 5th,
5th, 4th, 10th and 9th respectively)
Einoma
Einoma are a fairly recent Icelandic techno band, consisting of Steindor Kristinsson
and Bjarni Thor Gunnarsson. They have recently signed up with the label Vertical
Form under which they released their album Undir Feilnótum. More on
this can be found here
and here
Emiliana Torrini (1977-)
Full name: Emiliana Torrini Davidsdottir.
(Half Italian) Icelandic female singer; Grew up in the Icelandic town of Kopavogur
and attended the college "Menntaskolinn i Kopavogi". She started
out by winning a college singing contest on behalf of that college, and going
on to singing for the band "Spoon". She then joined the ranks of
GusGus in their early
days and showcases her vocal magic on their first CD, Polydistortion. After
this she then went on to commit to her solo career.
She has toured with famous musicians like Dido, Moby, Travis, Tricky and Sting; she appeared on one of Paul Oakenfold's CD's; she has been on soundtracks for films such as Icelandic Blossi and 101Reykjavik as well as the somewhat larger the Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, not to mention the US TV series Roswell.
Her solo albums are Merman, Croucie dou'La (which in Icelandic sounds the same as the word for "cutie pie") and her first International album, Love in the Time of Science, which has gotten very good coverage and reviews in music magazines and music television.
In addition to this she recently wrote 2 songs for Kylie Minogue's new album along with her writing partner, the first one - Slow - went straight to number 1 in the UK charts and the second one - Someday - is still due to be released. Both will appear on Kylie's next album, Body Language.
She has often said that she is much more interested in the beauty of singing, rather than the fame and fortune that follows and currently lives in England, studying singing with a view to opera.
For the ultimate resource on Torrini, see the website www.emiliana.net and there is also an enjoyable interview with her on http://www.disturb.org/torrinieng.html
Ensimi
Icelandic rock/techno band; Formed by many of the former members of the band
Jet Black Joe, Ensimi has been
quite successful and is penetrating the foreign markets gradually. Currently
the biggest thing on their calendar is playing on "South by Southwest"
music festival in Texas, along with the Icelandic band Singapore Sling.
For more on Ensimi, check out their website at http://www.ensimi.is/eng/index.html
Eric Zobler (?)
Half Icelandic sound Engineer, living in USA, that has worked extensively
with George Duke. He has also worked with Dean Brown, Jennifer Batten, Miles
Davis, Mezzoforte, Chris Standring,
Leon Patillo, Miles Davis, Barry Manilow, Natalie Cole, Yolanda Adams, Celine
Dion, Dianne Reeves and more.
He was Grammy nominated in 1996 (Stardust - Natalie Cole) and won a Grammy in 2001 (Best Jazz Vocal - Diane Reeves, the Calling).
Erro - Gudmundur Gudmundsson (1932-)
Erro is not only a painter, but has also worked in printing and on films as
well as sculpting and drawing (I should add, that he is generally referred
to as a "pop-artist"). The aforementioned includes various works
of art in Iceland, as well as Icelandic mosaic floors. He currently has 3
homes, none of which is in Iceland unfortunately, but in Thailand, France
and Spain. He has also lived in many other countries, but the main ones he
has studied in are Iceland, Norway, Spain, Germany, France and Italy. The
Reykjavik Art Museum has a large Erro collection, donated by him, including
a lot of his work as well as some more personal things. He also founded "the
Gudmunda S. Kristindóttir Memorial Award Fund" in memory of his
aunt.
Not only is Erro one of Iceland's greatest artists, but he has also played a big role in the artistic culture of Paris, France, since 1958. His work usually tells a story, in that so many images and characters usually appear in the same painting which are frequently very cartoon like. Many of the characters and objects in his paintings you will recognise from various fields in life or fiction, as that is his style. You could say that he grabs what's already there and makes a story out of it, on his canvas.
As for his artistic influences, I don't know much other than that Johannes Sveinsson Kjarval was a very early influence and a friend and Erro's father was also a well known artist in Iceland.
His artistic name, Erro, is probably in part to do with the fact that "Gudmundur" is one of the 2 most common names in all of Iceland, so it maybe lacked a certain uniqueness reflecting the one in his work. His original artists name was "Ferro" which he held for over a decade, before finding out that another artist was using the same name, so he reduced it to Erro.
An example of Erro's artwork can be viewed here:
http://mistur.klaki.net/island69.html
http://spies.com/~gus/ran/iceland/pages/094_erro.htm
His biography (in Icelandic) can be bought here: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/9979303069/qid=1049208889/sr=1-6/ref=sr_1_6/104-6628863-4972760?v=glance&s=books
But an overview of his life can be seen in French on this website:
http://www.zannettacci.com/artistes/Erro/Erro_Bio_FR.html
And books with some of his work can be bought here http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/3775706232/qid=1049208986/sr=1-7/ref=sr_1_7/104-6628863-4972760?v=glance&s=books
here
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/3854152000/qid=1049208905/sr=1-13/ref=sr_1_13/104-6628863-4972760?v=glance&s=books
and a reproduced print of one of his works here
http://s1.amazon.com/exec/varzea/ts/exchange-glance/Y01Y1725361Y2284582/qid=1049208837/sr=1-2/104-6628863-4972760
Sources:
Website
of Reykjavik Art Museum,
Article
on Erro by Gunnar Kvaran (in Icelandic)
Eyjolfur Sverrisson (1978-)
Icelandic defender Sverrisson has been with German team Hertha Berlin since
1998 and is definitely one of Iceland's best.
See more at http://www.soccerbase.com/footballlive/?MIval=players_details&playerid=17776
Fridrik Thor Fridriksson (1953-)
Icelandic filmmaker Fridrik Thor has got one of the biggest contributions
to Icelandic filmmaking. His full list of movies appears at:
http://us.imdb.com/Name?Fri%F0riksson,+Fri%F0rik+%DE%F3r
but to mention a few, he has worked on: The Wager (prod.), Falcons (writer/dir./prod.),
Regina! (prod.), No Such thing (prod.), Dancer in the Dark (prod.), Angels
of the Universe (dir./prod.), Devil's Island (dir./prod.), Cold Fever (writer/dir.)
and Oscar nominated Children of Nature (writer/dir./prod.).
He has dabbled a bit in acting as well and has a son, which has also done
the same.
In addition to all this and all of the awards that his films have won, he has been a great resource for young Icelandic filmmakers. In 1987 he also founded the Icelandic Film Corporation
Some of his films are available at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/search-handle-url/index=vhs&field-keywords=Fridriksson&search-type=ss&bq=1/104-3714765-3081529
Fridrik Karlsson (1960-)
Buy his CD "New Day" at amazon.com here (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00004YTZI/qid%3D1048344872/sr%3D11-1/ref%3Dsr%5F11%5F1/104-3618844-9746322
)
and see his website at www.thefeelgoodcollection.com
Gardar Cortes, Senior. (1940-)
Famous opera singer Gardar Cortes Sr. is very popular in Iceland and well
known outside the country as well. In Iceland, he sings, conducts and manages
in all aspects of music. He founded the Singing College of Iceland and was
one of the founders of The Icelandic Opera. He is also one of the receivers
of the Danish Broste optimism awards. But I am sure that he also regards his
family as one of his greatest achievements, including his son, Gardar
Cortes Jr.
Gardar Cortes, Junior. (1974-)
The son of Gardar Cortes Sr.,
Cortes Jr. has followed in his father's singing steps, as well as having done
some acting and modelling. I believe he is currently trying to pursue his
career in whichever way it might take him but unfortunately do not have any
more information on him.
Gotti Sigurdarson (1974-)
Gottskalk Dagur Sigurdarson, actor, was Swedish Lars in UK TV Series "the
Bookgroup". Also, he has been in BBC (UK) TV film Happy Birthday Shakespeare
and Icelandic films Einkalif, Agnes, the White Viking and When the Raven Flies
(also known as Revenge of the Barbarians).
Born in Sweden in 1974, Gotti has lived most of his life in Iceland but now resides in London, UK, pursuing his acting career. Lastly, as well as acting in it, he was also the Executive Producer of the film "Sand"which I believe was a school project of some sorts.
Gudbrandur Thorlaksson (?)
Icelandic bishop who was the first to translate the Bible to Icelandic in
1584
Gudmundur Einarsson - fra Middal (1895-1963)
Icelandic artist Einarsson (from Middalur) was the father of pop-artist Erro.
Studied art in Iceland and Denmark and sculpting, ceramics and glass work
in Germany. He worked somewhat around filmmaking as well, and also made the
stained glass windows in the church at Icelandic President residency Bessastadir,
as well as in Hallgrimskirkja, Reykjavik. Most of his exhibitions were in
Iceland, but he also held some in Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Germany,
Britain and Greenland.
Gudmundur Einarsson was also a founding member of the Icelandic Artists Union
and one of the first 3 people that sat on its' board.
Gudni Bergsson (1965-)
Icelandic defender Gudni Bergsson is currently the captain of English football
team Bolton, where he plays alongside fellow Icelander Olafur Snorrason (striker).
Previously he has also played with Tottenham Hotspurs as well as Icelandic
team Valur.
See his profile at http://www.soccerbase.com/footballlive/?MIval=players_details&playerid=636
Gudrun Arnardottir (1971-)
Icelandic Olympic athlete Arnardottir has got numerous record achievements
in running, hurdles, long jump and more and did well in the '96 and '00 Olympics.
She was also regarded as one of the world's top athletes in 400m hurdles in
1997 and 2000 (8th and 7th )
Some of her records are here
And picture here
Gunnar Gunnarsson (1889-1975)
Gunnar Gunnarsson is one of Iceland's best writers. His work includes novels,
plays, short stories, poems, essays, lectures and articles, many of which
have been translated into more than a dozen languages and some of which were
actually originally written in Danish (in order to reach a greater audience)
- he himself also translated many works, including some of his own, into Icelandic.
He has his own institute, Gunnarsstofnun, information on which can be found
at http://www.skriduklaustur.is/
His first bestseller came in 1912. He was made an honorary professor of the University of Iceland and received an honorary PhD from University of Heidelberg. He was awarded "the order of the Falcon" by the Icelandic President and "Knight of Danneborg" by the Danes. Through living in Denmark a great part of his life, and writing in Danish, he managed to be one of the most popular writers in Denmark in his day.
See some of Gunnarsson's work for sale at amazon.com:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/search-handle-url/index=books&field-keywords=Gunnar%20Gunnarsson&search-type=ss&bq=1/104-4418196-9381516
And a full list of his work at http://www.skriduklaustur.is/ensksida/ensgunnar/gunnar.htm
Gunnar Huseby (1923-1995)
One of Iceland's sporting legends. Gunnar Huseby holds many records in men's
Shot Put including being considered one of the world's top Shot Putters in
1949, 1950 and 1951 (9th, 5th and 5th). In the 1950 Brussels European Championships
he achieved 1st place in Men's Shot Put, (http://www.athletix.org/Eurochamps/ec50men.htm)
after having done the same 4 years earlier in Oslo (http://www.athletix.org/Eurochamps/ec46men.htm).
He passed away in 1995 at the good age of 72 after having had an amazing life full of amazing achievements, both personally and representing his country.
Gunnlaugur (Gulli) Briem (1962-)
Did a gig in Portsmouth with Jim Davidson, the English comedian and singer.
Is a member of the band Mezzoforte,
played percussion in some of the music for the movie Evita and is one heck
of a drummer. Currently living in the UK.
GusGus
GusGus started out as an Icelandic group of artists, with filmmakers, singers
Emiliana Torrini and Hafdis Huld
and more and managed to reach quite a bit of fame in their early days. Their
second album failed to reach the expectations of the audience, however and
along with arguments within the group that crushed the collaboration. They
have recently started again but are currently just a band of musicians and
DJ's.
See more on GusGus at http://www.gusgus.com/
Gyrdir Eliasson (1961-)
Gyrdir has won various literature awards and is primarily published in Iceland,
Scandinavia and Germany. His works are mainly short stories and poetry, as
well as various translations of foreign literature. He was born in the Icelandic
capital of Reykjavik, but was raised in the East part of the country in Saudarkrokur,
where he sought his education, before returning to the capital.
Some more information can be found at my source: http://edda.is/english/categories.asp?cat_id=587
Halldor Kiljan Laxness (Gudjonsson) (1902-1998)
Nobel Laureate Laxness is without a doubt Iceland's best known (if not just
best) writer. He has written "more than 60 books which have been translated
into 43 languages and published in more than 500 editions. They have sold
in large numbers all over the world, e.g. hundreds of thousands of copies
in the US alone." Many of the Laxness stories have been filmed, including,
currently, Independent People, which is a standard textbook in Icelandic colleges
and is now being filmed by Merchant-Ivory Productions. Laxness was a true
master of literature and tells amazing stories in his work. Having travelled
a lot most of his life, his inspiration came from all over: religion, politics,
Icelandic contemporary life and more.
He was twice married. First to Ingibjorg Einarsdottir and then to Audur Sveinsdottir. With regards to his children, I am only going to mention that the Icelandic producer/director most interested in filming his works, is Gudny Halldorsdottir, his daughter from the first marriage.
Some more on Laxness can be found at the location of the previous quote,
here,
and even more is to be found here.
Some of his work can be bought at amazon.com, here (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/search-handle-url/index=books&field-keywords=Halldor%20Laxness&search-type=ss&bq=1/103-4802607-9975041)
and lastly his Nobel acceptance speech can be found at the following address:
http://www.nobel.se/literature/laureates/1955/laxness-speech.html
Also, for anyone who reads Icelandic I would thoroughly recommend Icelandic newspaper Morgunbladid's web on Halldor Laxness here.
Hallgrimur Petursson(1614-1674)
The nations most published works are the Psalms of Passion by Rev. Hallgrimur
Petursson, they are 50 psalms covering the crucifixion and resurrection of
Christ, each composed in a different form. He was a priest as well as a poet,
he was related to Rev.Gudbrandur Thorlaksson (profiles.html#GThorlaksson)
(and grew up in Holar, where Thorlaksson's parish was) who was at the time
one of Iceland's most remarkable bishops, amongst other things he wrote Iceland's
first translation of the Bible in 1584.
Despite growing up at Holar, Hallgrimur later moved to Germany where he got
a job. There he also met Brynjolfur Sveinsson, who later became Bishop, and
they remained friends for a long time. After meeting Sveinsson he went to
study in Copenhagen, as Icelanders generally did in those days, where he met
his wife to be.
A few years later after he had returned to Iceland, his friend Brynjolfur
Sveinsson has become a Bishop in Iceland and had Hallgrimur ordained as a
minister. That is when his poetic side really started to flourish, even though
he had always had a good way with words, and he wrote his best work.
He died of leprosy at the age of 60.
A church in Iceland, Hallgrimskirkja, is dedicated to Hallgrimur Petursson.
It sits on a hill, right in the center of Reykjavik, reaches 73m in the air,
has a statue of Leifur Eiriksson in front of it (profile.html#LEiriksson)
and sits between the Einar Jonsson museum and the Reykjavik Technical College,
facing the Leifur Eiriksson Hotel.
As can be imagined, the great view from the top of the church tower is well
worth the trip.
See amazon.com for Hallgrimur Petursson: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/9979800380/qid=1048954738/sr=8-1/ref=sr_8_1/104-4418196-9381516?v=glance&s=books&n=507846
Hannes Hafstein (1861-1922)
Lawyer, Sheriff, Politician, Accountant, Bank Manager, Minister of Iceland
Affairs (the first ever), newspaper editor, poet (some of his lyrics were
also used by Jon Leifs (profiles.html#Jleifs)), writer, president of the United
Parliament, member of many important political committees and definitely a
key figure in Iceland's history.
Hannes Hafstein was a busy man all his life, and did a lot for the country - both as a political figure and outside that. As an example he almost lost his life (and 3 fishermen that were with him actually drowned) when he was trying to capture British poachers fishing at Iceland's shores in 1899. He was also Einar Benediktsson's (profiles.html#Eben) main competitor/opponent in many things, especially as they were on separate sides in party-politics. Interestingly enough though, Benediktsson took over the case of the British fishermen (whose actions almost resulted in Hafstein's death) from Hafstein.
One of his poems, Storm, can be found translated here: http://www.uneedspeed.net/~todd/storm.htm
Hannes Hlifar Stefansson ()
Icelandic chess Grandmaster
More on Icelandic chess here: http://www.chessbase.com/newsdetail.asp?newsid=483
Heidar Helguson (1977-)
Watford Striker, Helguson, comes from the capital of Northern Iceland, Akureyri.
He came to Watford from Lilleström, a Norwegian football team, in 2000
and right away in his first season with Watford, was their top scorer. He
has, however, had both good and bad moments at Watford and as Norwegian team
Lyn is one of the teams that have been interested in him while at Watford,
who knows, he might one day return to Norway.
See more on him here http://www.bsad.org/colinwho/helguson.html
Helgi Valur Danielsson (1981-)
Icelandic midfielder Danielsson playes for the team Peterborough in England.
He has also played with Icelandic team Valur, as well as some International
games.
See part of his profile at http://www.soccerbase.com/footballlive/?MIval=players_details&playerid=16896
Helgi Ass Gretarson ()
Chess grandmaster
Helgi Kolvidsson (1971-)
Currently a midfielder in German team SSV ULM Kolvidsson was born in the town
Kopavogur, in the capital area of Iceland, on the 13th of September 1971.
There the blacksmith's son went to Kopavogsskoli and the Menntaskolinn i Kopavogi
College. His career mostly consists of playing in Iceland, with local and
national teams, as well as playing in Austria and Germany.
Hermann Gunnarsson ()
Hermann Hreidarsson(1974-)
Ipswitch defender Hreidarsson comes from Iceland's Northern parts (like Heidar
Helguson, above) and started out with the local team Tyr before moving on
to the Westman Islands team IBV. He has also been with teams such as Wimbledon,
Crystal Palace and the Icelandic National Team and has proved his worth with
all of them and often been considered by many as one of the best defenders
currently in England. At the time of this writing, English team Portsmouth
has shown quite an interest in him and he might well be joining them in the
next season for their entry into the Premier League.
Not many people know that in his younger years he also played handball and
even won a cup in Iceland with his team at the time. But fortunately for us,
he ended up choosing football and probably hasn't regretted the decision ever
since, as he absolutely loves the sport. Currently his father lives in Norway,
his mother in Iceland and he himself in England along with his Icelandic wife.
See his stats at http://www.soccerbase.com/footballlive/?MIval=players_details&playerid=12148
Hilmar Orn Hilmarsson(1958-)
Icelandic classical musician, composer, poet and "allsherjargoði"
Hilmarsson is gradually getting more publicity Internationally. Being "allsherjargoði"
means he is basically in charge of all Icelandic people that still believe
in the old Norse gods (Thor, Odin, etc.), but he is also very much into music.
He has worked with the band Sigurros on the soundtrack to Angels of the Universe
(link), composed the music for Icelandic film Children of Nature (link) and
has recently been asked to compose the music for Jane Campion's latest film,
In the Cut.
A full list of his works can be found at http://us.imdb.com/Name?Hilmarsson,+Hilmar+%D6rn
and his music can be bought at Amazon via this link http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/search-handle-url/index=music&field-keywords=Hilmarsson&search-type=ss&bq=1/104-3618844-9746322
Hilmir Snaer Gudnason (1969-)
Icelandic actor Hilmir Snaer has been in various films, two of them are 101Reykjavik
(buy at Amazon http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00008973P/qid%3D1047945647/sr%3D11-1/ref%3Dsr%5F11%5F1/104-3618844-9746322
) and Angels of the Universe, but the rest are to be found here http://us.imdb.com/Name?Gu%F0nason,+Hilmir+Sn%E6r
He was also part of a group of Icelandic actors and comedians that had a weekly
TV comedy show for many years on Iceland television.
Hilmir Snaer is a genuine nice guy and you often feel this through his acting
as well. His latest project is a German film. After having been in Blueprint
with Franka Potenke (of Run Lola Run and Bourne Identity fame) he was offered
another leading role in the Lars Büchel film "Erbsen auf halb sechs".
I would definitely place Hilmir Snaer in the "one to watch" category.
Another place for more information on Hilmir Snaer is
http://www.efp-online.com/html/shst2000/shst_2000_gudn.html
Hinn Islenski Thursaflokkur
band
Holmfridur Karlsdottir(1963-)
She was Miss World in 1985, sang a song on Icelandic CD Hvit er Borg og Baer,
along with many of Iceland's greatest (including Bjork). But currently still
teaches at the same nursery school that she taught at before winning the beauty
contest, so not a lot seems to have changed for her.
That probably means that she really likes her job and her life as it is (and was), in which case it's a good thing that she kept it the way it was.
Hreinn Halldorsson ()
In 1979 was regarded as the world's 8th best Shot Putter, 9th best in 1978,
3rd best in 1977
Husky Hoskulds (1969-)
Full name Steinar Höskuldsson, recording engineer who lives in Los Angeles,
for the last 10 years.
He has worked on numerous albums for artists such as Norah Jones, Sheryl
Crow, Vanessa Paradis, Tom Waits, the Wallflowers, Fiona Apple and more.
He has just received a Grammy award for the Norah Jones' album "Don't
know why" and also worked on Sheryl Crow's Grammy award winning "The
Globe Sessions".
See his website at http://www.eightbitaudio.com/
Ingvar E Sigurdsson ()
Actor
http://us.imdb.com/Name?Sigur%F0sson,+Ingvar+Eggert og http://www.efp-online.com/html/shst1999/shst_1999_sigu.html
Ivar Ingimarsson ()
Brentford Wolves footballer - previously in Valur and IBV two of Iceland's
strongest football teams, currently on loan at Brighton.
Jaguar
The Icelandic funk band Jaguar has been quite popular in Iceland and is now
starting to move outside our small island. Their trip to the big world starts
with concerts in London, including in the renowned The Jazz Café, as
well as getting a lot of airplay in BBC Radio London and planning to play
all over Europe.
Their albums so far, are Jaguar and Get The Funk Out, as well as having been
a part of the Cuba influenced Jazz CD, Kubanska.
More on Jaguar on www.jaguar.is
Johann Gudmundsson (1977-)
Norwegian team's Lyn midfielder Gudmundsson, has also played for Icelandic
teams as well as UK team Watford. Unfortunately I do not have any more information
on him.
Johann Hjartarson (1963-)
Chess GrandMaster and lawyer Hjartarson had an amazing rise to fame as he
became GM in his twenties and a few years later won an International tournament
in Budapest, Hungary. His early rise to fame becomes less mysterious when
you find out that Iceland actually has the largest ratio of GM's per capita
in the world!
(9 GrandMasters in a population of less than 300.000)
He finished his law degree as well, however, and currently practices law and despite being currently the highest rated active GrandMaster in Iceland, he doesn't play that often any more.
More on Hjartarson's chess career can be found here: http://home.worldonline.dk/kfyhn/VikingChess/profiles/JohannHjartarson.htm
Johanna Gudrun ()
young singer poised for more success after being contacted by many of the
world's biggest music companies.
Johannes Edvaldsson (1956-)
Played for Tulsa - USA, Celtic - Scotland,
Older brother of Atli Edvaldsson (profile link) and both played together with
the Iceland team in some International games in the late 1970's
Johannes "Joey" Gudjonsson (1980-)
Icelandic Real Betis Midfielder Joey Gudjonsson is currently on loan to Aston
Villa.
http://www.soccerbase.com/footballlive/?MIval=players_details&playerid=21028
and http://www.playerwatch.co.uk/pw/player.asp?cid=1085 give some more information.
Johannes Sveinsson Kjarval (1885-1972)
http://vestmannaeyjar.ismennt.is/vefir/comenius/people/kjarval.htm
http://www.listasafn.akureyri.is/listak0901/frumh.htm
Jon Arnason ()
Chess Grandmaster.
Jon Oddur Halldorsson(1982-)
Unfortunately I don't know much about this man, other than he is a disabled
Icelandic Athlete that was elected athlete of the year in his club. He lives
in "Hellissandur" in the West/Southwest of Iceland, but studies
physics in the University of Iceland (Reykjavik) and has done well both in
Iceland and in International tournaments. His main sport seems to be sprinting.
Jon Leifs ()
Furthering Iceland's name in classical music in the early 1900's was the famous
composer Jon Leifs. He lived a good part of his life in Germany and has a
very Wagner-ish influence in many of his works. Many of them, however, are
about (or dedicated to) Iceland and Icelandic folk music.
He would often be inspired by Iceland and it's nature as well as frequently
composing music to many of Iceland's most famous sayings, poems and literature.
This included psalms by Hallgrimur Petursson, Jonas Hallgrimsson and writings
by Einar Ben.
He was also responsible for bringing classical music properly to Iceland as well as using the Icelandic Saga's as inspiration, in the hope of furthering the old Icelandic culture. In a way this was his own battle for Icelandic independence (which wasn't acquired until 1944).
Also, one of the greater things he did for Iceland was to found the association for the rights of musical artists and composers.
He also had a battle of his own as his great life in Germany, working with
people like Richard Strauss and others, turned into something of a nightmare
in the 3rd Reich as his wife was of Jewish descent and even though his composing
in many ways conformed with the ideas of the Nazis, this was to be too great
a hurdle.
He managed to escape in the end, along with his wife and children, but the
marriage had already been ruined. The rest of his life included another unhappy
marriage, the loss of his daughter to the sea, and his work being torn to
shreds by critics, not on the basis of its quality, but because they disliked
him having lived in Germany in the Nazi times.
Even after his death, his works were left almost unheard and unperformed until in the last 2 decades or so.
A film has been done on his life, Tar ur steini/Tears of stone (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B000004A4M/qid=1045740029/sr=8-8/ref=sr_8_8/103-5789960-3813409?v=glance&s=classical&n=507846 ), and has played a great role in getting Leifs the audience he always deserved.
For more information on Jon Leifs and his work, I highly recommend the movie and also the Icelandic State Broadcasting company has a website on him and his work. http://www.jonleifs.is/english/index_e.html
Jon Arnar Magnusson ()
His main sport is Decathlon, he was Athlete of the Year in Iceland, 1996,
he made the world's top 10 Decathlon athletes list in 1995, '97 and '98 (10th,
9th, 3rd ) and got first place at the 1998 Talence Decastar in France
[www.trackandfieldnews.com]
Jon Paul Sigmarsson/Jon Pall (1960-1993)
4 times World's Strongest Man and 5 times World Muscle Power Champion. In
the years 1983-1990 he was always nr. 1 or nr.2 in World's Strongest Man competition
- apart from 1989, when he ended up in 3rd place - you know, the one who kept
referring to himself as a Viking or "the Icelandic Viking".
He had his own Gym in Iceland - Gym80 - which is where he passed away from
a heart attack at the age of 32 (just over 5 months away from his 33rd). This
gym is today, I believe, owned by another 4 time champion of World's Strongest
Man, Magnus Ver Magnusson (profiles.html#MVMagnusson).
Icelandic people are no wimps, I'll tell you that… :-)
Jon Pall was also always much more in Iceland than just a very strong man. He was a bit of a national hero and a very lovable guy. I myself remember when I was a kid in my neighbourhood and a family event was on in a park close to our house (I fail to remember which one). I went over and later Jon Pall came along to do his "strong man routine" and after he finished he stayed on and had lots of fun with us kids. To my recollection he really seemed to thoroughly enjoy being there and just having a laugh with the kids, much like he was one himself.
He was also sponsored by a local fruit juice company, who produce the drink "Svali", and became "the face" of Svali. It is quite extraordinary that to this day (more than ten years from his death) I still often remember him when I see the "Svali" juice cartons and I know a lot of other people do as well.
It just shows you how much of a nice guy he was in everyone's mind and how much of a legend he still is.
Jon "Forseti" Sigurdsson(1811-1879)
The priest's son from the West Fjords, Jon Sigurdsson, is one of the most
remarkable people in Iceland's history, and probably the most remarkable person
in the history of our battle for independence. He played such a great role
in that battle, that the Icelandic people chose his birthday, 17th of June,
as their independence day (upon receiving independence in 1944).
Sigurdsson was always greatly interested in commerce, free trade and economics,
but also in history, especially the one of our country. Unlike today's (Icelandic)
politicians, who commonly study law or business and then try their best to
push themselves forward, Sigurdsson was always a great scholar and studied
for years upon years our history and financial background in Copenhagen, where
he lived the latter part of his life. He also learned a lot while working
for an Icelandic Bishop, where he had access to a large library as well as
the country's greatest collection of Icelandic manuscripts and documents at
that time.
Because of all this, Sigurdsson understood very well the importance of education
(he himself passed an entry level exam for university with commendation(?),
having only ever - due to financial reasons - been taught by his father) and
fought hard for the rest of Iceland's politicians and governing forces of
that time to understand this.
As a sidenote, "Forseti", means president and this is how he is always known today, as Jon "President" Sigurdsson (or even without his last name). But a certain confusion should be avoided here and so I will clarify this a bit more. Jon Sigurdsson was never the president of Iceland. The Icelandic Republic only first had a president (in the common meaning of the word) in 1944, when our independence was declared. (That man was Sveinn Bjornsson.) The reason he is known as "Forseti" is because not only was he the president of the Icelandic Literary Society (a very important society in those days) but he fought hard (and succeeded) to get the Althing Parliament reinstated in Iceland and became its' first president. He was also re-elected many times and served a total of 10 terms in that office, more than any other president of the Icelandic parliament.
It has previously been mentioned that Jon Sigurdsson had a great interest
in many a thing, including financial and economical matters. He even had a
reputation as a man of outstanding financial skill and helped many people
in their financial problems.
So as well as fighting for Iceland's independence, he also fought for its'
financial freedom.
Free trade was always one of his main objectives and he, much like Einar Ben(ediktsson)
(link) after him, saw Iceland's real potential in financial matters. They
both saw that we should and could be able to stand on our own as a nation.
So, as interested as Sigurdsson was in the past, he also saw the future sometimes
in a somewhat too radical way for his contemporaries.
He also wrote an immense number of articles and essays, including the first essay on Icelandic commerce and various other economics and commerce related works, in both Icelandic and Danish publications.
From his childhood in Icelandic town Hrafnseyri, Sigurdsson was keen to see Iceland get their justified independence. One thousand years after the first settlers arrived in Iceland (1874), Jon Sigurdsson succeeded in that he got us our own constitution, which slowly gave us some authority over matters in Iceland. Sigurdsson referred to this as our first step, a step towards complete independence, and he was right. Thirty years later, Iceland was granted its own Home Rule and got its first first Minister of Iceland (Hannes Hafstein - link). Forty years after that, we declared full independence.
This is just in addition to all the other things he achieved, both in his life in general, and for Iceland. A lot more happened in his life that isn't covered here, but some of it can be found in the sources for this text and the links provided.
Jon Sigurdsson died in Copenhagen in 1879 and shortly afterwards, so did his wife (Ingibjorg Einarsdottir). They are now both buried in a cemetery in Reykjavik.
In Iceland, you will be able to see Jon Sigurdsson on every 500kr. banknote/bill, but there is also a statue of him in the Icelandic square "Austurvollur" situated in front of the parliament building, right in the centre of Reykjavik. An identical statue also exists in Manitoba, Canada, in front of the local legislative building there.
Sources: the Icelandic version of www.hrafnseyri.is (in English on http://www.hrafnseyri.is/jonsig_e.phtml)
The following Independence Day speech: http://www.logberg.com/archives/oldarchives/hbenediktssonspeech.htm
The Icelandic documentary "Að byggja land", episode 1, first
aired on Icelandic State Television (RUV) in 1998.
Jonas Hallgrimsson (1807-1845)
Son of a minister and curate of the Rev. Jon Thorlaksson, Jonas was one of
Iceland's most famous poets. He lost his father when he was young and spent
a large part of his life in Denmark, away from his family and most of his
friends, but still managed to continually improve his skills in languages,
science and writing. Along with his friends, he published the magazine Fjolnir,
which was meant to change Iceland's poetry traditions to use the language
more beautifully. And it succeeded in the best way possible and got a lot
of people more interested in the Icelandic language as well. His political
opinions and his honesty in Fjolnir also earned him many enemies, though.
He also started working on pulling together all the information that existed
in Denmark on Iceland, as well as gathering some new information, to create
a text that would describe all of Iceland down to detail such as all of it's
flora and fauna and more. He was never able to finish that work.
During the research for that text in 1839, he got a severe case of pneumonia,
which left him with a weak lung and severe depression. Neither would ever
be healed.
Although he kept on working on the "Description of Iceland" (as
well as occasional other work at the same time) after that, he was by many
regarded lazy and unwelcome company, probably in part due to his depression
and the drinking that accompanied it. Another reason could also be that he
had taken on too big a task and endeavoured in enlarging it even further.
He did nonetheless retain much of his previous humour and happiness most of
the time and the stories of disgrace from that period are probably exaggerated
if not more.
In 1845 he fell prey to the powers that be after having lived for many years in bad health and finally breaking his leg, resulting in it becoming gangrenous enough to take his life in only 2 days.
For more information on Jonas Hallgrimsson, the website I used as my main source is very good and can be found at
http://www.library.wisc.edu/etext/Jonas/Biography/Biography.1.html
Judith Ingolfsson ()
With an Icelandic father, despite currently living in USA...won the gold medal
in 1998 at the International Violin Competition in Indianapolis as well as
a "Chamber Music America" award in 2001 and more - has played all
over the world
See her website at http://www.judithingolfsson.com/ a bio at http://www.concertartist.info/bio/ING001.html
buy her music at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/search-handle-url/index=classical&field-keywords=judith%20ingolfsson&search-type=ss&bq=1/104-4418196-9381516
Kari Stefansson (1949-)
Dr Kári Stefánsson, is a neurologist with an M.D. and Dr. Med.
from the University of Iceland's School of Medicine. Amongst his other achievements
is having "…trained in neurology and neuropathology at the University
of Chicago where he joined the faculty in 1983; when he left the University
in 1993 to join the faculty at Harvard, he was Professor of Neurology and
Pathology (Neuropathology) and a member of the Committees on Immunology and
Neurobiology." as well as having been "…Chief of the Division
of Neuropathology at Beth Israel Hospital in Boston." (source: http://www.pbs.org/safarchive/3_ask/archive/bio/83_kstefansson_bio.html)
Dr. Stefánsson started deCODE genetics, a biotech company in 1996,
with the help of colleagues and some veteran investors and now serves as the
CEO and president of the company. A company known as EnCode has also been
made a subsidiary of deCODE, as of November 2000.
DeCODE genetics has grown very fast since its inception, both in manpower
and money as well as in large international contracts (mainly with large pharmaceutical
companies).
The diseases deCODE works on, includes some you see everyday in life, meaning that a solution to them would have an amazing impact on the life around us (some of these diseases include "non insulin dependant diabetes, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's, schizophrenia, stroke, anxiety" and chronic lung disease, but that's only the tip of the iceberg).
A large part of DeCode genetics is its computer department. This is not only because they have a great belief in IT but also because a lot of things they are doing were just not possible before the time of computers and many of them would have taken a lifetime or two to complete. Their current main IT tool is the Data Miner that they recently signed a partnership with IBM on and "…allows researchers to connect genes and genetic variation to human disease and drug response, increasing research productivity and enhancing the value of internal resources and data.". This product is called Clinical Genome Miner Discovery and more information on it can be found here: http://www.decode.com/main/view.jsp?branch=3595
The IT tools used at deCODE are vital in gathering more information on diseases,
how and why they happen and how to prevent or get rid of them. This will not
only improve the quality of life, but should also dramatically decrease healthcare
costs.
Another product of theirs, Islendingabok (so named after the first book documenting
Icelanders and their relations to each other), uses to some extent the same
information as their data miner and is available free to any Icelander. Its
purpose is to trace the links between two people, so for example I can see
if and how I was related to Halldor Laxness (link), Jon Sigurdsson (link)
or Bjork (link). The good thing about Iceland, which is very important in
all of this, is that we are a rather small population that has been quite
isolated for most of the time we have lived there, as well as having a fixation,
or a compulsion if you will, for documenting who's who. A good example of
this is the Icelandic sagas, in which you will sometimes find genealogy information
as detailed and lengthy as in the Bible.
Dr. Stefansson's life has not all been as grand as it may seem from this text, as he continually faces an uphill struggle from a group of Icelandic physicians who try to undermine everything he does. At first one might have been somewhat attentive to those criticisms, but it has since then dawned that this group criticises not just something that they differ in opinion on, but go after anything and everything that Dr. Stefansson does, no matter what it is related to - it seems.
Further material:
A brief "Q and A" with Dr. Stefánsson can be found at the
PBS site here: http://www.pbs.org/safarchive/3_ask/archive/qna/3283_kstefansson.html
An interview by Alan Alda on PBS can be found here: http://www.pbs.org/saf/transcripts/transcript803.htm#3
A overview of Dr.Stefansson's biography can be found here:
http://www.pbs.org/safarchive/3_ask/archive/bio/83_kstefansson_bio.html
For some further material on genes, how they affect us and what the future
might bring, have a look at the following text (from 2001) on the PBS website:
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/transcripts/2809genome.html
For more information on deCODE genetics, see their website at www.decode.com
Sources:
A speech by Kari Stefansson at http://utanrikisraduneyti.is/interpro/utanr/utanrad.nsf/pages/wpp0249,
which is also, the location of the Healthcare Database quote.
http://www.pbs.org/safarchive/3_ask/archive/bio/83_kstefansson_bio.html
And the links provided in this text, as well as knowledge from myself and site contributors.
Kristinn Bjornsson ()
Icelandic Skier, best achievement was getting 2nd place in the 1997 World
Championship http://vestmannaeyjar.ismennt.is/vefir/comenius/people/kristinn.htm
Kristinn Ingvarsson()
Icelandic up and coming photographer Ingvarsson recently got a 6-page feature
in photographers magazine Forum. Ingvarsson studied photography in London's
Harrow College of Higher Education and the National Portrait Gallery in London
owns portraits from his final year project.
He currently works for Iceland's newspaper Morgunbladid.
See more here http://www.global-photos.com/GlobalPhotos/myndbanki.nsf/pages/eng_kristinn_ingvarsson.html
Kristinn Sigmundsson(1951-)
Icelandic bass baritone opera singer, Sigmundsson, has sung in many of the
world's greatest opera houses but is not nearly famous enough Internationally.
He is very well known in Iceland and an excellent talent.
Sigmundsson studied singing in Iceland, but only after having secured his
career as a teacher, with a Bachelors Degree in Biology. His awards include
the French "Diapasson d'or" and the German "Der Deutsche Schallplattenpreis"
for a recording of Don Giovanni. Unfortunately that particular recording is
not for sale at amazon.com, but another one he performed with the same group
they do have at
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B000004CY8/qid=1049026916/sr=8-1/ref=sr_8_1/104-4418196-9381516?v=glance&s=music&n=507846
Kristjan Eldjarn (1916-1982)
Former Icelandic President Kristjan Eldjarn (the 3rd president) was a great
scholar and an archaeologist and before being elected President he was curator
of the Icelandic National Museum. Kristjan had 2 children, Thorarinn (link)
and Olof. The works of Kristjan and his son can be found at amazon.com here:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/search-handle-url/index=books&field-keywords=Eldjarn&search-type=ss&bq=1/104-4418196-9381516
Kristjan died in 1982, 3 months before his 66th birthday, of heart problems.
Kristjan Johannsson(1949-)
Famous opera singer, currently living in Italy but starting a show directed
by Jose Cura in Hamburg, Germany - I Pagliacci. President of the International
Musical Academy in Italy, which bears his name. Originating from the North
of Iceland, he left his career as a blacksmith and started to use that very
good voice of his more.
See his website at: http://www.johannsson.it/
Landmat
An Icelandic software company providing technology solutions, mainly in the
communications sector. In that sector it is also joined by the Icelandic software
company OZ.
Larus Orri Sigurdsson (1973-)
West-Bromwich defender Larus Sigurdsson comes from the North of Iceland. He
is on Iceland's national team and before WBA he spent 5 years at Stoke City
FC, where he was once the player of the season.
As he has got quite a good website himself, I wont spend any more time telling
you what I know but rather refer you to his site, http://www.larussigurdsson.com/default.php
Leaves
Their singer, Arnar Gudjonsson, won the best singer award in the Icelandic
Music Awards 2003, their first single was "Breathe", first album
was "Catch" and the music press, world over, seems to love every
football playing one of them.
They signed up with DreamWorks in USA and B-Unique in the UK and we anxiously
await their next album.
Get their music at amazon.com here: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/stores/artist/glance/-/238495/ref=m_art_dp/104-4418196-9381516
You can find an interview from summer 2002 here: http://www.2-4-7-music.com/searches/intitem.asp?ArtistName=LEAVES&FeatureType=INTERVIEW
Or a longer interview here:
http://www.rockfeedback.com/leaves_interview.htm
See their website here:
http://www.leaves.tv/
Leifur Eiriksson()
found N-America..
Linda Petursdottir()
Iceland's second Miss World title came in 1988 through the beauty of Linda
Petursdottir. She comes from the East of Iceland and currently runs a women
only spa and a health and fitness facility in Iceland, as well as holding
the franchise for Miss World in Iceland. In addition to all this, she is a
founding member and director of the Association of Women Entrepreneurs in
Iceland and is part of the US embassy's mentoring programme.
http://www.missworld.org/beautyinoureyes/where_profile_1988.asp
has a few words about her and her health and fitness and spa facilities have
the following websites, who are all unfortunately in Icelandic:
http://www.badhusid.is/ http://www.sporthusid.is/ http://www.threkhusid.is/
Logi Gunnarsson (1981-)
Icelandic basketball player Gunnarsson (son of retired Icelandic basketball
player Gunnar Thorvardarson) is currently playing with German team Ratiopharm
ULM and doing very well. He has been practicing from the age of 8 and became
Iceland Champion with his team at the early age of 16.
See his profile here http://www.eurobasket.com/GERplayer.asp?PlayerID=7229
Logi Gunnarsson ()
Philosophy professor currently at Humboldt Universitat zu Berlin (H.U.B) as
well as being a Fellow at Princeton University. His profile at H.U.B. can
be seen here http://www2.rz.hu-berlin.de/ethik/elogi.htm and his book here
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0521780233/qid=1048474233/sr=8-1/ref=sr_8_1/104-3618844-9746322?v=glance&s=books&n=507846
Magnus Magnusson (1929-)
BBC Broadcaster Magnusson was the games master of TV show Mastermind for many
years. Although born in Iceland, he has been in the UK from an early age as
his father was the Icelandic consulate in Scotland. He has also got a Scottish
wife.
Although Mastermind may be where most people know him from, he has also been a journalist, written (as well as translated) several books, hosted other TV shows, been Rector of the University of Edinburgh, chairman of Scottish Natural Heritage and the Ancient Monuments Board for Scotland, has had various lectures and theatre appearances on archaeology, Vikings, history and more, as well as having been Master of Ceremonies for various events such as the Mind Sports Olympiad, various Burns Suppers and more.
Some of his books are available at amazon.com through this link http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/search-handle-url/index=books&field-keywords=Magnus%20Magnusson&search-type=ss&bq=1/104-4418196-9381516
And a biography of his is also available here: http://www.gcal.ac.uk/magnus/biography.html
Magnus Ver Magnusson (1963-)
World's strongest man 4 times. The first time was in 1991, in 1992 and 1993
he achieved 2nd place and in 1994-1996 he again achieved 1st place (3 years
in a row!). He is the second man to achieve both of these (4 titles in total
and 3 consecutive titles), the total of 4 only having been reached before
by another Icelander, Jon Pall Sigmarsson (profiles.html#JPSigmarsson) who
passed away in 1993 from a heart attach - alarmingly, Magnusson has also had
a heart attack, but recovered quickly. He has also got numerous other titles
and awards to his name and currently is a frequent referee and sometimes planner
of strong man contests.
He also currently owns - to the best of my knowledge - the gym founded and previously owned by Jon Pall Sigmarsson, Gym80 in Reykjavik.
Magnusson's website is here: http://www.magnusvermagnusson.com/
Magnus Scheving (1964-)
Icelandic Aerobics/fitness athlete, the man behind "Lazy Town" (play,
stories and product line for kids), main achievements include 2 time European
Aerobic Fitness Champion (1st place) in 1994 and 1995 and 2nd place in the
World Aerobics Championship in 1994.
http://vestmannaeyjar.ismennt.is/vefir/comenius/people/magnus.htm
Marel Baldvinsson (1980-)
Icelandic Striker Baldvinsson plays for Norwegian team Stabaek, along with
his fellow Icelander Tryggvi Gudmundsson (profiles.html#TGudmundsson). A bit
more on Baldvinsson can be found here: http://www.soccerbase.com/footballlive/?MIval=players_details&playerid=27766
Margeir Petursson(1960-)
Famous chess Grandmaster, lawyer and businessman.
He founded and is Chairman of the Board of MP Verdbref Ltd./MP Finance (http://www.mp.is/web/English)
"…a privately held authorized securities firm…" and has
also formed an investment company called MP BIO.
Not only that, but he has written a book on chess, which can be found here:
http://www.soccerbase.com/footballlive/?MIval=players_details&playerid=27766
Margret Vilhjalmsdottir(1966-)
Icelandic actress Vilhjalmsdottir should find it easy to work abroad, as her
language skills cover not only Icelandic, but also English and French. This
is quite common in Iceland as we have always been very aware of our isolation,
the limits of our language and the need for foreign language skills so as
not to further our isolation.
Vilhjalmsdottir has been in various Icelandic plays and musicals and her movie career spans many Icelandic films including "Falcons" (2002) and the award winning "the Seagull's laughter" (2001). Her career so far is only recently fully starting, but I'm sure we will see more of her in the future.
A small part of her profile can be seen here at IMDB.com:
http://us.imdb.com/Name?Vilhj%E1lmsd%F3ttir,+Margr%E9t
Maria Ellingsen (1964-)
Icelandic actress Ellingsen has lived in USA quite a big part of her life
and even has a degree from NYU. Her parts include a role in (167 episodes
of) American soap "Santa Barbara" in 1991-1992, a role in "D2:
The Mighty Ducks" (alongside Emilio Estevez and others) in 1994, "Agnes"
in 1995 and a few more Icelandic films.
Her other jobs include being a reporter with Iceland's main newspaper, but her first movie acting job came at only 17.
Some of her on screen appearances can be seen in her profile on IMDB.com:
http://us.imdb.com/Name?Ellingsen,+Maria
And a few of her movies can be bought on amazon.com on DVD: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/search-handle-url/index=dvd&field-keywords=maria%20ellingsen&search-type=ss&bq=1/104-4418196-9381516
And on Video: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/search-handle-url/index=vhs&field-keywords=maria%20ellingsen&search-type=ss&bq=1/104-4418196-9381516
Lastly, there is a short feature on her in relation to the film Agnes (on
1996 Prague film festival) to be found here: http://www.filmfestivals.com/prague/pnewse3.htm
Maria Markan (1905-1995)
Female Icelandic opera singer, lived in USA a large part of her life. 1941-1944
she had a fixed contract with the New York Metropolitan Opera. Just over ten
years later (1955) she moved back to Iceland (at the age of 50) and started
her own Singing School
Matthias Jochumson (1835-1920)
Icelandic minister, poet and playwright who wrote the Icelandic National Anthem
as well as hymns, novels and translated many foreign novels.
Maus
Icelandic band with a very interesting take on rock with almost a slight punk
effect, has released albums "allar kenningar heimsins... ...og ogn meira"
(1994 ), "ghostsongs" (1995), "lof mer ad falla ad thinu eyra"
(1997), "i thessi sekundubrot
sem eg flyt" (1999), "how far is to far?"(2000) and is due
to release an album in 2003 titled "musick".
All this information and more, on http://www.maus.is/en/
Mezzoforte
Icelandic band manned by Eythor Gunnarsson (b.1961), Gunnlaugur (Gulli) Briem
(b.1962), Fridrik Karlsson (b.1960) and Johann Asmundsson (b.1961), all award
winning musicians of an amazing calibre. They have also been joined by various
other artists in their touring and (as an example) saxophonist Kristinn Svavarsson
was a member for about 3 years - including their "Garden Party"
years. Their main International success time was probably about 15-20 years
ago, but currently they are touring in Scandinavia and have quite a bit of
success all over Europe as well as in various parts of Asia. Their most popular
song, I think it is safe to say, was "Garden Party" (UK singles
chart at 17 in '83), their last CD was "Monkey Fields" - excluding
the recently released "Very Best of Mezzoforte" and the 1999 released
best of CD "Garden Party Time" - but that looks likely to change
this summer when they plan to record a new album.
This renewed interest in their work will most likely result in re-releases
of their older works as well, as most of them are pretty much sold out all
over the world by now. Their music is a sort of Funk/Jazz Fusion influenced
pop/rock.
Amongst their other work Eythor Gunnarsson has toured with American musician Randy Crawford; Gulli Briem has played in Jazz Festivals all over the world, has played for/with artists such as Madonna, Gareth Gates and the British National (as well as the Icelandic) Symphony Orchestra and is definitely one of Iceland's best musicians (link a Gunnlaugur Briem Profile); Johann Asmundsson (http://www.johannasmundsson.com/) released an album called "So Low" (http://www.smooth-jazz.de/firstview/Asmundsson/SoLow.htm) in 2001 and is currently studying to become a music teacher; Fridrik Karlsson (link a profile) has worked with artists such as Madonna, Jamiroquai, Tom Jones, Boyzone and Jose Carreras as well as having been part of the music in the films Evita and Hercules and the musicals Jesus Christ Superstar, Saturday Night Fever and more. This should be more than enough to convince anyone that this is a band full of musical talent, but if your thirst has not yet been quenched please check out the profiles of Gulli Briem and Fridrik Karlsson (LINKS!!). You can also purchase some of their music at amazon.com here (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/search-handle-url/index=music&field-keywords=Mezzoforte&search-type=ss&bq=1/104-3618844-9746322 ) and read a somewhat more detailed description of their history at http://www.soulportal.dk/sections.php?op=printpage&artid=95
Lastly, the main source of this information and definitely a source of more information is www.mezzoforte.com the remaining information is mainly from myself, but my thanks also go to Gulli Briem for his assistance.
Minus
Hard-core rock band in the style of Limp Bizkit, Korn and such. They have
been featured in Kerrang magazine and gotten raving reviews all over the world.
They have had songs on the soundtracks for "101Reykjavik" (link)
and "Plan B", as well as appearing on the albums "Victory Style
5" and "Rock from the cold seas". They have released singles,
but their albums are "Hey Johnny" and the most recent "Jesus
Christ Bobby", which can be bought on amazon.com http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/stores/artist/glance/-/243067/ref=m_art_dp/103-5789960-3813409
To see most of their interviews and reviews and other information on Minus,
check out their website at http://www.dordingull.com/minus/index.html
There's also a good interview to be found at:
http://www.punkinternational.com/intminus.html
Mum
Band, has released albums: "Yesterday was dramatic - Today is ok"
(2000), "múm: remixed" (2001), "Please smile my noise
bleed" (2001) and "Loksins erum vid engin" (2002) also released
in an International version as "Finally we are no one".
They have also appeared on many compilation CD's and worked with artists such
as Sigur-ros, Emiliana Torrini (links) and Slag Boom Van Loon. They also released
a CD along with another artist, known as Flugmadur.
Their music can be bought at amazon.com http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/search-handle-url/index=music&field-keywords=mum&search-type=ss&bq=1/103-5789960-3813409
Olafur Johann Olafsson(1962-)
Short stories, novels, plays, investments, physics, Sony Playstation, CD's,
TimeWarner, Apple computers.
Not many people come to mind from these words, but Ólafur Jóhann
is one of them. He has written numerous short stories and novels all of which
have been very successful in various places around the world. In fact, he
is the most widely published author currently in Iceland, with the exception
of Halldor Laxness (link).
With Bjork, the pop singer, Olafsson is one of Iceland's few artistic exports. His high-brow literary style invites comparisons with Kazuo Ishiguro and Michael Ondaatje. "A book's life," opines Olafsson the author, "really begins once people read it. And if it means something to people - entertains them or enlightens them or makes them think of something they hadn't thought of before - you're pretty pleased." And Olafsson the business executive? "You just try to get through the day without screwing up."
From "The Times" - taken from website http://www.marsh-agency.co.uk/author.asp?author=OLAFO
"First book in English by this top-notch Nordic novelist, who may become that true rarity, an Icelandic Nobel Prize winner."
From "Forbes Magazine" - taken from website http://edda.is/english/categories.asp?cat_id=598
In 2002 one of his plays (also a book), "the feast of snails", was shown in one of London's theatres (the Lyric Theatre - cast included David Warner), and another novel of his, The Journey Home, has already had its' movie rights sold to producers in the USA. His writing has also received various nominations and awards (too many to mention) and frequently been highly recommended, by publications as widely read as the Economist and the New York Times. See more about his reviews at: (http://www.edda.is/frontpage.asp?cat_id=546&module_id=220&element_id=36 )
His studies of choice in University were not, as many people might believe,
business or literature, but physics. His writing skills are most likely derived
from his father, Ólafur Jóhann Sigurðsson (link), who IS/WAS
also a well-known writer. As for his business knowledge, I am not sure where
they come from, or whether he may also have done a degree in management or
business.
He has also sat on various important committees, for example for the Icelandic
government, on mainly business related matters.
His job career, apart from the writing, includes getting a job with Sony
America in 1985 (at the age of 23 - a year before his first book was published)
and staying there for 10 years. During that time he managed to work his way
up to becoming vice-president of Sony Corporation of America and president
of Sony Interactive Entertainment! His work there included management in the
early days of the CD as well as overseeing everything to do with the original
Sony Playstation.
He left Sony in 1995 and soon after that he lead the (multi-billion dollar)
financial company Advanta Partners, www.advanta.com , as their president.
In 1997 he was considered as one of the main candidates for the Apple Computers
CEO manhunt and in 1999 he was hired as one of two vice-presidents at Time
Warner Digital Media, which also included being one of the two main negotiators
for Time Warner's side in the Time Warner vs. AOL merger negotiations.
I believe his current job is still with AOL TimeWarner, but I have not had
this confirmed.
See more on the author at: http://edda.is/english/categories.asp?cat_id=598
An interview, reviews and more, related to his book "The Journey Home" can be found here: http://www.marsh-agency.co.uk/rights.asp?title=JOHOMO
Some of his books can be found here, at amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/search-handle-url/index=books&field-keywords=Olafur%20Johann%20Olafsson&search-type=ss&bq=1/102-2005110-9674530
Sources: http://klubbar.is/sub_cat_details.asp?cat_id=32&main_id=9 (in
Icelandic)
http://leikhusid.is/Forsida/Listamenn/Hofundar/Islenskir_hofundar/Olafur_Johann_Olafsson/view.aspx?.
(in Icelandic)
http://www.macobserver.com/archive/1997/august.shtml
and the links provided in the text, along with some knowledge from myself
and contributors.
Olafur Johann Sigurdsson ()
Icelandic author, father of Olafur Johann Olafsson
Olafur Ingi Skulason ()
Arsenal player Skulason is one of the many Icelanders in English football.
Olafur Stefansson ()
On Iceland's handball team as well as playing for
Olafur Stigsson()
Molde footballer
Orn Arnarson ()
Icelandic swimmer which reached 4th place in 200m Backstroke in the 2000 Sidney
Olympics.
Orn Clausen ()
Icelandic athlete Clausen holds records such as 2nd place in the Brussels
1950 European Championships in Decathlon, and in those years (1949-1951) he
was high up on the list of the world's best Decathlon athletes (3rd, 5th,
3rd)
Oskar Paul/Óskar Páll Sveinsson (1967-)
Icelandic Chief Producer, engineer, songwriter, programmer and musician Oskar
Paul is responsible for many of today's chart toppers.
Having worked for 5 years in Iceland's main studio, Oskar Paul grew weary
of Iceland's limited market, as he had already lent his skills to most of
Iceland's better artists (including Paul Oscar, Mezzoforte, Fridrik Karlsson,
Bubbi Morthens, the Beaten Bishops, Cigarette and many many more LINKA Á
ALLA)
He has also worked with artists such as Eric Zobler, S Club 7, Steps, David Charvet, Mike and the Mechanics, Marc Almond, Secret Garden, Depeche Mode, Seal, Hear'Say, Will Young, Gareth Gates, Nana Mouskouri's daughter and members of Five and Echo and the Bunnymen.
His workshop currently is the Roundhouse studio in London - where he has state of the art facilities - and his top charting singles include S Club 7's "Never had a dream" and Will Young's "Anything is possible". He is currently signed up with Sony Publishing UK and has recently started a collaboration with Jörgen Elofsson, which has also got many hits to his name, including ones with Boyzone, Britney Spears, Westlife and again Will Young. I suspect we will see a lot more hits coming from the two of them in the future.
Some of the music Oskar Paul has worked on can be seen here at amazon.com:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/search-handle-url/index=music&field-keywords=Never%20had%20a%20dream&search-type=ss&bq=1/104-4418196-9381516
(Never had a dream - ekki sýna html)
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00006309S/qid=1049075838/sr=1-10/ref=sr_1_10/104-4418196-9381516?v=glance&s=music
(Anything is Possible)
See more on Oskar Paul here: http://www.studioexpresso.com/profiles/OskarPaul.htm and an interview with him here: http://www.recordproduction.com/oskar_paul_interview.htm
OZ
An Icelandic software company that currently focuses mainly on communications
solutions. Oz was founded in the early 90's by a couple of friends, one of
which dropped out before graduating from college, as so much was happening
around their computer interests. Previously they had a great interest in 3D
designs and virtual reality (especially on the Internet) and did very well
in that field at the time, having backers such as IBM and more. Some of that
knowledge and experience went into a subsidiary known as CAOZ, which specialises
in 3D graphics and cartoon making. The rest went mainly into SmartVR, which
is still looking at ways of using virtual reality.
You can find more on OZ at www.oz.com
Pall Isolfsson (1893-1974)
Studied in Germany and France, was headmaster of the Reykjavik School of Music
from it's foundation in 1930 until 1957, he was also the musical director
of the State radio during that time as well as being a church organist for
one of the "most important" churches in Iceland. Amongst his other
achievements are an honorary doctorate at the University of Oslo and being
made a member of the Royal Swedish Music Academy.
He composed many works, mainly for piano, organ and choirs.
Some of his work can be bought at amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/search-handle-url/index=classical&field-keywords=Pall%20Isolfsson&search-type=ss&bq=1/104-4418196-9381516
Paul Oscar(1970-)
Openly gay pop artist Paul Oscar started out singing in college musicals,
he then moved on and released a solo album, XXXXXX????, after which the solo
albums seif, stud, deep inside, …. Followed along with the collaborations
with Casino, Milljonamaeringarnir, "hvad sem hun heitir nuna sidast"
Monika Abendroth, ef eg sofna ekki i nott. He has also represented Iceland
in the Eurovision Song Contest and is quite a popular DJ in Iceland as well.
He is now moving back into International waters with his new CD "Rendez-vous"
which contains a good selection of his material and is released in Europe.
He has also been quite popular in Iceland in some musicals, as a radio DJ,
with numerous radio shows, and as a sex/love life advice columnist known as
"Dr. Love"
His full name is Pall Oskar Hjalmtysson, known to Icelanders as Palli, and he is the brother of famous opera singer, Sigrun Hjalmtysdottir - and 1 of 7 siblings! He also loves artists like Dionne Warwick and Dusty Springfield as well as really trashy and splatter films.
I'm sitting on too much information on Paul so I'm going to stop right here
and possibly later add in a link here to a special page on him. In the meantime,
check out his own website at http://www.palloskar.is/index2.html
Eitthvað meira - sögur eitthvað spennó, sem aðrir
hafa ekki….og svo http://vestmannaeyjar.ismennt.is/vefir/comenius/people/pall.htm
Petur Gudmundsson (?)
Icelandic basketball player Gudmundsson played in the NBA (their first European
player, to the best of my knowledge) between 1981 and 1989. His teams were
L.A. Lakers, San Antonio Spurs, Portland Trailblazers and Boston Celtics.
Recently he has been the coach of Swedish team Kongsberg Penguins.
Petur Gudmundsson (1965-)
Icelandic athlete Gudmundsson holds records in Shot Put and in 1994 was nr.
10 in the all time world rankings for men's shot put. In 2002 he won the finals
in the Millenium Highland Games Grand Prix and has many other great achievements.
Outside the sports field his main achievement probably, is the degree he is
finishing in USA in Criminal Justice.
(http://www.trackandfieldnews.com/archive/rankings/men/spworldranking.pdf)
Petur Gunnarsson (1947-)
Award winning writer of novels, essays (including this one [link! http://ericae.net/ericdb/EJ448873.htm
] which "Examines the resilience of small languages in the face of larger
ones.") , poetry, lyrics, plays and scripts as well as being quite active
in translating foreign literature to Icelandic and doing various work for
television, radio, newspapers and magazines. Gunnarsson has also sat on various
important committees and his work is commonly used in Iceland's school and
college literary classes. As for his own studies, they include a French Masters
degree in Philosophy.
As regards his style, he is frequently associated with having an interesting
and entertaining view on life and the modern world, which is conveyed in his
work.
He is also an admirer of life and nature and a land and nature preservation
enthusiast.
Source: Icelandic literature web http://www.bokmenntir.is/bokmenntavefurinn.nsf/form/rithofundur.html?Openform&id=CD57C69FCB5D4CC500256C0600569747
(in Icelandic)
As well as my own knowledge and that of contributors.
Some of his work is available at amazon.com here:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/search-handle-url/index=books&field-keywords=Petur%20Gunnarsson&search-type=ss&bq=1/104-6628863-4972760
Petur Marteinsson (1973-)
Icelandic Stoke City (England) midfielder Marteinsson was previously with
Stabaek in Norway but has been with Stoke since 2001. He has of course also
played with various Icelandic teams in the past.
http://www.soccerbase.com/footballlive/?MIval=players_details&playerid=19991
Quarashi
Icelandic Hard-core Rock Rap band. Have toured in USA, China and Europe. Have
released the albums…. Just lost their main singer, as he wanted to stay
in Iceland and continue his University studies. Many people have been pegged
as the possible new front man, the latest one being Zack de la Rocha, the
former front man of Rage Against the machine. That would definitely be an
interesting collaboration/turn of events.
Rikhardur Dadason(1972-)
Lillestrom (Norway) striker Dadason arrived there in mid 2002 from the UK
team Stoke City, which he joined from another Norwegian team, Viking Stavanger.
His career in Iceland includes playing for the national team and various local
teams.
A great picture of him scoring past Fabian Barthez in a national game can
be found at http://www.mbl.is/mm/frettir/svipmyndir/img.html?batch=7&img=6
Robert Douglas(1973-)
Filmmaker behind the films A Man Like Me (2002) and The Icelandic Dream (2000)
and numerous Icelandic short films. Definitely an up and coming talent and
one to watch.
See http://us.imdb.com/Name?Douglas,+R%F3bert+I.
Runar Alexandersson (1977-)
Icelandic gymnast of Russian descent on Icelandic team Gerpla, located in
Kopavogur (a town in the capital area) but is currently practicing in Sweden.
He is also a part of Iceland's National Team and has been Iceland's athlete
of the year in past times.
Saga Film
Icelandic production company Saga Film, founded in 1978, not only produces
commercials and films, but also helps foreign filmmakers find the right location
for shooting in Iceland and assist with their whole process. Most recently,
this includes James Bond - Die Another Day.
More on Saga Film at www.sagafilm.is
Samson Holdings
A group of Icelandic entrepreneurs that bought a Russian brewery that was
on its knees and built it up to such strength that they recently sold it to
Heineken for a massive $500 million (a lot, on Icelandic standards). They
have now also bought almost 46% of Iceland's National Bank as part of the
Icelandic governments privatisation efforts, as well as having individually
invested in various companies and (for example) taken a rather small Icelandic
pharmaceutical company and converted it to an International company with extraordinary
market value (for an Icelandic company).
Sigrun Edvaldsdottir (1967-)
Icelandic violinist Edvaldsdottir has been studying violin playing from the
age of 5.
Sigrun Hjalmtysdottir (1955-)
Opera singer, sister of Paul Oscar. http://vestmannaeyjar.ismennt.is/vefir/comenius/people/diddu.htm
Sigurdur Demetz()
Recipient of the Icelandic Order of the Falcon in 2003. Has taught singing
in the Icelandic Reykjavik Music Conservatory to some of Iceland's greatest
singing talents.
Sigurdur Einarsson ()
A.k.a. Siggi Einarsson, was in 1989 regarded as the world's 3rd best Javelin
athlete.
Sigurdur Sveinsson ()
Handballer Sveinsson was the Top Scorer in the German Handball in 1984.
Sigurjon Kjartansson ()
actor, comedian, radio DJ, musician, composer,
Ham, Olympia, music on Paul Oscar albums, GusGus song...in film...,
http://us.imdb.com/Name?Kjartansson,%20Sigurj%F3n
Sigurjon "Sjonni" Sighvatsson ()
Hollywood producer/filmmaker owns a few islands around Iceland as well as
various properties,…., etc.
In addition to Twin Peaks, some of his main work is:
Arlington Rd.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0767836286/qid%3D1043420948/sr%3D11-1/ref%3Dsr%5F11%5F1/104-4086621-8634365
Lord of Illusions
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0792839706/qid=1043421001/sr=8-1/ref=sr_8_1/104-4086621-8634365?v=glance&s=dvd&n=507846
Kalifornia
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/search-handle-url/index=dvd&field-keywords=Kalifornia&search-type=ss&bq=1/104-4086621-8634365
Red Rock West
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00000K2SS/qid%3D1043421170/sr%3D11-1/ref%3Dsr%5F11%5F1/104-4086621-8634365
Madonna-Truth or Dare
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0784010501/qid=1043421297/sr=8-1/ref=sr_8_1/104-4086621-8634365?v=glance&s=dvd&n=507846
Wild at Heart
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/6303018351/qid=1043421353/sr=8-5/ref=sr_8_5/104-4086621-8634365?v=glance&s=video&n=507846
Sigur-ros
Band - toured with Radiohead, has songs in films such as Angels of the Universe,
Vanilla Sky, According to Time Magazine 2001 was voted one of the world's
10 best bands, highly recommended by New York Times especially due to their
2003 tour concert in Radio City Music Hall. There they are also likened to
bands such as Pink Floyd, and Jonsi's singing language commended as one that
seems especially made to make the music sound better. Their main upcoming
project is working with Radiohead in making music for the distinguished choreographer
Merce Cunningham.
Most recently, the band just won the "Best Video Award" at the 2003
MTV European Music Awards in Edinburgh.
More on:
http://www.sigur-ros.co.uk/band/index.html
Silt/Botnledja
Band - toured with Blur, has released albums "Folk er fifl" and
International album "In Line" - see http://www.botnledja.is
Singapore Sling
band
Sjon()
Snorri Sturluson ()
author/gatherer of many of the great Icelandic sagas
Stefan Islandi ()
Icelandic opera singer. Sang with the Danish Royal Opera in Copenhagen for
30 years, until he returned to Iceland in 1966.
Steinn Steinarr - Adalsteinn Kristmundsson (1908-1958)
Icelandic poet Steinarr not only release his work in Iceland, but was also
widely translated.
During the period of his life he was one of Iceland's 2 main poets. The other
one being David Stefansson (profiles.html#DStefansson) who was more of a romantic
poet than Steinarr.
Steinarr was born in Isafjordur, in the West Fjords of Iceland. He was a
poor man, whose hand was disabled. He couldn't do manual labour and couldn't
afford an education (other than the general one that the poet Johannes ur
Kotlum had given him at an early age).
His poetry frequently attacked the rule of Iceland as well as other countries
at the time, as well as going into areas of unemployment and misery and such
topics. Depression and inner emptiness also seemed to colour much of his writings
as well.
His poetry frequently seems abstract and surreal and was not only a stark contrast to his contemporary David Stefansson (LINK), but also a very great influence on Icelandic poetry from there on. The difference between Stefansson and Steinarr can easily be paralelled in the difference between Icelandic writers Halldor Laxness (LINK) and Thorbergur Thordarson (profile links!) as Laxness was often more into describing cold reality and misery, albeit in a very clever way so that you still enjoy it, whereas Thordarson painted more beautiful pictures in his writing and was always much more of a romantic writer.
Steinn Steinarr passed away at the age of 50, in 1958.
Thorarinn Eldjarn Kristjansson (1949-)
Son of Icelandic president Kristjan Eldjarn (profile link), Thorarinn is mainly
a poet but has also written children's books as well as child poetry, novels,
short stories, lyrics, plays and is also very active in translating foreign
literature to Icelandic.
Lastly, he had a popular radio show in Iceland a long time ago with two other
people. Those two people were Hrafn Gunnlaugsson, filmmaker, and David Oddsson
the current Prime Minister of Iceland.
Thorarinn's background consists mainly of University studies in Icelandic,
Philosophy and Literature, all of which is very useful for an author.
His most famous work is probably the novel Blue Tower, published 1996 in Iceland
and nominated for various awards.
His work, as well as that of his father - scholar and former President Kristjan
Eldjarn - can be found at amazon.com here:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/search-handle-url/index=books&field-keywords=Eldjarn&search-type=ss&bq=1/104-4418196-9381516
Thorbergur Thordarson
Icelandic author (writer?)
http://www.thorbergur.is/
Thordur Gudjonsson (1973-)
Icelandic Midfielder Gudjonsson is currently signed up at team Bochum, Germany.
His father is the Icelandic manager (previously of Stoke City) Gudjon Thordarson?
See more on http://www.playerwatch.co.uk/pw/player.asp?cid=2104 and http://www.soccerbase.com/footballlive/?MIval=players_details&playerid=19528
Thorey Edda Elisdottir (1977-)
A female Icelandic athlete, regarded as the 9th best in the world in Pole
Vault in 2001
For more info, check out her website at http://www.hi.is/~thee/
Thorkell Sigurbjornsson (1938-)
Thorkell is a composer of classical music. But that's not all, he was also
one of the two people to bring electronic music to Iceland and fought hard
to further push it into the Icelandic culture, he has been very active in
Iceland as a teacher, composer and musician and lastly his father was bishop
over Iceland - a position his brother, Karl, now holds.
The last point has obviously influenced a lot of his work and made it more
related the religion and church.
CD's with his work and more can be obtained from Amazon.com,
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/search-handle-url/index=classical&field-keywords=Thorkell%20Sigurbjornsson&search-type=ss&bq=1/104-2126641-4275938
Thorleifur Einarsson ()
Torfi Bryngeirsson ()
Icelandic Long Jumper Bryngeirsson achieved 1st place in the 1950 European
Championships in Brussels (http://www.athletix.org/Eurochamps/ec50men.htm)
and in 1951 was regarded as the 7th best Pole Vaulter in the world.
Trackwell Software
An Icelandic software company developing software for mobile communications,
focusing on location based applications.
www.trackwell.com
Tryggvi Gudmundsson (1974-)
Icelandic striker Tryggvi Gudmundsson has spent most of his career in Norway,
after emerging from Iceland's Westman Islands and deciding to seek fame, fortune
and fun abroad. A bit more on him can be found here:
http://www.soccerbase.com/footballlive/?MIval=players_details&playerid=19999
Vala Flosadottir (1978-)
Regarded as one of the world's best Pole Vaulter in 1996, '98, '99 and '00
(5th, 5th, 7th, 5th ), set an indoor Pole Vault World Record in 1998 and in
the 2000 Sidney Olympics won 3rd place. http://vestmannaeyjar.ismennt.is/vefir/comenius/people/vala.htm
Valdis Oskarsdottir (1950-)
Mrs. Oskarsdottir, mother of two, comes from the Westman Islands in Iceland,
and as so many other Icelanders, started her career in the fish industry.
She then went on to become an editor, starting by editing the news in Iceland's
State Television.
From there she went into editing movies, and her main achievements include
films such as Icelandic "Hafid" / "The Sea" (dir. Baltasar
Kormakur), Danish "Mifune"[ http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00004TWZJ/qid=1049073046/sr=2-1/ref=sr_2_1/104-4418196-9381516]
and "Skagerrak" (Soren Kragh-Jacobsen) and "Festen" /
"The Celebration" (Thomas Vinterberg)[ http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00004XMUA/ref=pd_sim_dv_1/104-4418196-9381516?v=glance&s=dvd]
, French/German "L'amour, L'argent, L'amour" (Philip Groning) and
American "Finding Forrester" (Gus Van Sant)[ http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00005ASOC/qid=1049073244/sr=8-1/ref=sr_8_1/104-4418196-9381516?v=glance&s=dvd&n=507846]
, "It's all about love" (Thomas Vinterberg) and "Eternal Sunshine
of the Spotless Mind" (Michael Gondry - by Charlie Kaufman). In other
words, Joaquin Phoenix, Claire Danes, Sean Penn, Sean Connery, Elijah Wood,
Kirsten Dunst, Jim Carrey, Kate Winslet, Chloe Sevigny and more may have had
to suffer (or be improved by) her scissors.
Despite being Icelandic, she has also lived in Denmark and currently resides in the USA. Clicking the above film names provides you with direct access to their amazon.com pages, where you can also buy them if you so wish. The following link to IMDB.com also provides information on most of her work:
http://us.imdb.com/Name?%D3skarsd%F3ttir,+Vald%EDs
Vernharð Þorleifsson (1973-)
A Judo athlete from Northern Iceland with numerous awards and honours to his
name.
Vesteinn Hafsteinsson (1960-)
One of Iceland's better multi talented Olympic competitors, having competed
(and gotten records) in, his main sport, Discus, as well as Spear, Javelin
and more.
Vigdis Finnbogadottir (1930-)
Iceland's fourth (and its' first female) president - from 1980-1996 - was
Vigdis Finnbogadottir, a French teacher, scholar and divorcee at the time.
She was not only Iceland's first female president, but also the first woman
to be a democratically elected Head of State, in the world.
Finnbogadottir's university studies cover Iceland, France, Denmark and Sweden
and after returning to Iceland, she established (and became director of) the
first Icelandic theatre group, established the first training courses for
tourist guides in Iceland, was a member and chair of the Advisory Committee
on Cultural Affairs in Nordic Countries and more.
After all this she was elected president and since leaving the presidency
has been the Chair of the Council of Women World Leaders at the John F. Kennedy
School of Government at Harvard University.
Vigdis has also received the United Nations FAO Ceres Award and is currently
the chairman of UNESCO's World Commission for Ethics in Scientific Knowledge
and Technology.
Vigdis Finnbogadottir did a lot for Iceland as a kind of cultural ambassador, and still does. She was always well liked as a president as can be seen from her 16 years as president, only leaving it on her own will.
Read more about Iceland's presidents at my source, http://www.fvi.is/comenius/Greinar/forsetar.html
Read about Finnbogadottir at the Women World Leaders website:
http://www.womenworldleaders.org/members/vigdis_finnbogadottir.htm
Or have a look at the Vigdis Finnbogadottir Institute of Foreign Languages:
http://www.vigdis.hi.is/?english
Vilhjalmur Einarsson ()
Olympic triple jump athlete and trainer, father of Einar Vilhjalmsson, athlete.
2nd in the 1956 Olympics in Melbourne, 3rd in the 1958 Stockholm, European
Championships and regarded as one of the world's top Triple Jumpers in 1956,
'57, '58 and '60 (2nd, 3rd, 5th, 4th)
The rest
Other known Icelanders include techno artists Thor, Biogen and Plasmic...in
addition to that the Icelandic Symphony Orchestra is getting some credit abroad
and even more the Hamrahlid Choir which regularly travels to countries all
over the world to showcase their talent. Also, brilliant guitar player Hilmar
Jensson (http://www.hilmarjensson.com/ )
In sports, other achievers that I can mention are for example (at random,
really) the rest that competed in the 1946 European Championships. These are
Stefan Sorensson (7th in the Men's Triple Jump), Oliver Steinn (8th in the
Men's Long Jump) and Finnbjorn Thorvaldsson (6th in the Men's 100m).
In horse sports, Icelandic people have achieved various things as well (the
best known probably being Sigurbjorn Bardarson) but as that is all on Icelandic
horses I decided not to mention them here.
Disabled Icelandic athletes have also been quite active, but unfortunately I do not have any information on that here. If you do have any, please let me know as I would really like to list at least some of them.
Also various famous people have resided in Iceland - more often than no