Stieg Larsson

Date of Birth: August 15, 1954

Zodiac Sign: Leo

Date of Death: November 9, 2004

Biography

Karl Stig-Erland “Stieg” Larsson was a Swedish journalist and writer born on August 15, 1954, in Skelleftehamn, Sweden. He is best known for his posthumously published Millennium series, which includes the internationally acclaimed “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo,” “The Girl Who Played with Fire,” and “The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets’ Nest.” Larsson’s career began in journalism, where he was a dedicated anti-fascist activist and worked for the Swedish news agency Tidningarnas Telegrambyrå (TT). He was the co-founder of the anti-racist magazine Expo in 1995, which focused on exposing right-wing extremism and xenophobia in Sweden. His commitment to these causes garnered him both respect and numerous death threats throughout his life. Larsson’s Millennium series became a global phenomenon, selling millions of copies worldwide and being adapted into successful films. Tragically, he did not live to see their success, as he passed away from a heart attack on November 9, 2004, at the age of 50.

5 Interesting Facts about Stieg Larsson

1. Stieg Larsson wrote the entire Millennium trilogy before seeking a publisher.

2. He was a heavy smoker and worked long hours, which contributed to his untimely death.

3. His partner, Eva Gabrielsson, with whom he was together for over 30 years, was not entitled to his literary estate due to Swedish inheritance laws.

4. Larsson’s Millennium series has sold over 80 million copies worldwide.

5. He was inspired by Astrid Lindgren’s character Pippi Longstocking when creating Lisbeth Salander, the protagonist of his series.