You probably know her as the woman who could snap a Viking’s neck without breaking a sweat. Silje Torp—formerly Silje Torp Færavaag—has become something of a cult icon thanks to Netflix. If you’ve spent any time in the muddy, hilarious world of Norsemen (Vikingane), you know Frøya. She’s the shield-maiden who makes the actual men of Norheim look like trembling toddlers.
But here is the thing. Silje Torp isn't just a one-hit-wonder in a horned helmet. Her career actually spans over two decades of Norwegian prestige drama, weird indie films, and voice work that most people totally miss. Honestly, if you only know her from Norsemen, you're missing out on some of the best Scandinavian TV out there.
The Roles That Put Silje Torp on the Map
Before she was raiding English villages, Torp was a staple of Norwegian television. She has this specific gravity. She’s tall—about 5'10"—and has this intense, athletic presence that directors love to exploit. But she’s also a trained stonemason. No, seriously. Before the Norwegian National Academy of Theatre, she spent three years in Italy training to be a sculptor. You can see that physical discipline in every role she takes.
Frøya in Norsemen (2016–2020)
This is the big one. Norsemen is basically The Office meets Game of Thrones. Torp plays Frøya, the wife of the hopeless, "sensitive" Orm. While Orm wants to discuss art and "soft skills," Frøya just wants to go on a raid and kill people. It’s a masterclass in deadpan comedy. She plays it completely straight, which makes the absurdity of the dialogue even funnier. When she gets into a fight, she doesn't do "Hollywood fighting." She looks like she’s actually trying to end someone.
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Lilyhammer (2013)
If you haven't seen Lilyhammer, it was Netflix’s first-ever original series. It stars Steven Van Zandt as a mobster in witness protection in Norway. Torp joined in season two as Mette Hansen, a local sheriff. It’s a great counterpoint to her later roles. She’s tough, sure, but it’s a modern, grounded toughness. This was actually the role that got her into serious fitness training, which eventually led to her second career as a personal trainer and author.
A Career Beyond the Shield-Maiden
Most people don't realize how deep her filmography goes. She’s been in everything from dark comedies to voice-over roles for animated hits.
- Hawaii, Oslo (2004): An early career highlight. This is an ensemble piece about interconnected lives in Oslo during the hottest day of the year. She plays Milla. It’s a much more vulnerable, dramatic role than the "tough woman" archetype she’s known for now.
- Dag (2010–2015): This show is a masterpiece of dark humor. It follows a marriage counselor who hates people and thinks everyone should live alone. Torp played Marianne Refsnes. It’s cynical, biting, and very Norwegian.
- A Somewhat Gentle Man (2010): A dark comedy starring Stellan Skarsgård. Torp has a smaller role here, but the movie itself is a must-watch for anyone who likes "Nordic Noir" with a sense of humor.
- Rekyl (2018): A crime drama where she gets to lean back into that intense, physical presence.
She also does a ton of voice work. If you watch the Norwegian dubs of major animated films, you've probably heard her. She’s voiced characters in Titina (2022) and even worked on the Norwegian versions of things like SpongeBob SquarePants (as Squidward!) and Cinderella II.
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Why Everyone is Obsessed with Her Fitness
It’s not just about the acting anymore. Silje Torp has basically become the face of "strong is the new skinny" in Norway. After getting into shape for Lilyhammer, she didn't stop. She’s now a certified personal trainer and mental coach.
She wrote a book called Strong with Bands (Sterk med strikk) in 2019. It’s not your typical celebrity fitness fluff. It’s actually pretty practical. She leans heavily into the idea that physical strength builds mental resilience. If you follow her on social media, it’s less "red carpet" and more "kettlebell swings in the woods." That authenticity is why people gravitate toward her. She isn't playing a character when she looks like she can lift a house; she actually can.
The "Norsemen" Effect and What’s Next
When Norsemen ended after three seasons (and a prequel), there was a bit of a hole left in the international comedy scene. The show was unique because they filmed every scene twice—once in Norwegian and once in English. That meant the actors had to nail the comedic timing in two different languages.
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Torp's performance as Frøya was so iconic that it's hard for fans to see her as anyone else. However, she’s been branching out. She hosted the Norwegian version of Survivor (Robinsonekspedisjonen) in 2021, showing she can handle the "presenter" role just as well as the "shield-maiden" role.
Key Takeaways for Fans
- Watch the Norwegian versions: If you can find them, her performance in the original Norwegian Vikingane has a slightly different, even more dry energy than the English version.
- Check out her books: If you're into fitness, her approach to "raw power" is actually pretty refreshing.
- Don't skip the early stuff: Films like Hawaii, Oslo show a side of her acting range that isn't just "tough warrior."
If you’re looking to dive into the world of Silje Torp movies and TV shows, start with Norsemen for the laughs, then pivot to Lilyhammer for the drama. After that, find Dag. It’s the hidden gem of her career and probably the best example of why she’s one of Norway’s most versatile performers.
To keep up with her latest work, your best bet is following her Instagram. She’s much more active there than on any traditional PR site, and you’ll get a mix of behind-the-scenes acting clips and brutal workout routines that will make you want to hit the gym immediately.