Pernilla August embarked on her acting journey at a young age, participating in plays at Vårteater and her school. In 1979, she was accepted into the prestigious Statens scenskolato program, where she honed her craft and prepared for a professional acting career. Her early talent did not go unnoticed, as renowned director Ingmar Bergman took notice of her exceptional abilities and cast her as a nanny in his iconic film, Fanny and Alexander, released in 1982.
Following her breakthrough role, August married author Klas Östergren in 1982 and began working at the Folkteatern in Gävle, Sweden. She appeared in notable productions, including August Strindberg's A Dreamplay and Anton Chekhov's Three Sisters. After a few years, she returned to the Royal Dramatic Theatre in Stockholm, taking on roles in William Shakespeare's Hamlet and Henrik Ibsen's A Doll's House, where she portrayed the iconic character of Nora.
Prior to her success in television and film, August had limited experience in these mediums. However, Ingmar Bergman specifically requested her to play his mother in the biographical film, The Best Intentions, released in 1992. By this time, her marriage had ended, and she began a relationship with director Bille August, whom she married in 1991 and changed her name for the second time. August's husband offered her a role in his film, The House of the Spirits, in 1993; however, due to her pregnancy, the part went to Winona Ryder instead.
Throughout her illustrious career, August has admirably managed to balance her personal and professional life, despite having three daughters. She is widely recognized for her appearances in films such as Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999) and I Am Dina (2002).
