Asbjorn Riis is a renowned Danish professional wrestler, actor, and television personality, best known globally for his iconic portrayal of Halga the Wise, the 10th warrior, in the 1999 film The 13th Warrior, alongside Antonio Banderas.
In the early 1990s, Riis gained recognition for his uncanny resemblance to Hulk Hogan, presenting World Wrestling Federation (WWF) and World Championship Wrestling (WCW) on Denmark's TV3 television channel.
Riis created his signature character, "The Great Dane Bear," in 1991, which has remained his persona to this day. Since 1994, he has been operating a professional wrestling school in Denmark, producing numerous local house shows across the country. Despite being 51 years old, Riis continues to actively participate in wrestling shows, primarily catering to children and maintaining his remarkable physical fitness.
Originally from the small island of Mors, Riis's distinct accent and local dialect have made him an instant fan favorite, inspiring numerous parodies by Danish comedians and entertainers. Moreover, Riis dedicates a significant amount of his time and energy to promoting physical fitness and well-being, encouraging people across Denmark, including those on the island of Mors, to adopt a healthier lifestyle.
In the Danish wrestling scene, Riis's wrestling school is the sole institution in Denmark where individuals can learn the art of professional wrestling, focusing on maintaining optimal physical shape, weight training, coordination, acrobatics, and various wrestling styles.
Riis is a proud father of four sons, including Klaus Myren Riis, who is also a wrestler and bodybuilder, trained by his father. Klaus has established himself as a successful bodybuilding and fashion model.
