Goran Višnjić

Born

1972-09-09

Birthplace

Sibenik, Yugoslavia [now Croatia]

Biography

Goran Višnjić (born September 9, 1972) is a Croatian-born American actor who has appeared in American and British films and TV. He is best known for his role as Dr. Luka Kovač on the hit television series ER. He's also known for his roles as Erik the Red on the Netflix series Vikings: Valhalla, Garcia Flynn on NBC's Timeless, John Woods on CBS's Extant, Marco Costanteon NBC's Crossing Lines, Nicholae Schiller on ABC's Red Widow, Dragan Armansky in The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011), voice of Soto in Ice Age, Jimmy Angelo in Practical Magic, and Bazta Sergeant in The Peacemaker. He grew up in Sibenik, Croatia (then Yugoslavia), a port town on the Adriatic Sea, where he decided at an early age that he wanted to be an actor. He first performed in local theater groups and then entered the Academy of Dramatic Arts in Zagreb. Goran gained popularity in Croatia when, at the age of 21, he was cast as Hamlet in the prestigious Dubrovnik Summer Festival’s staging of Shakespeare’s play. His performance earned him three national Best Actor awards, including an Orlando (the Croatian equivalent of a Tony). He made his American motion-picture debut in the "Welcome to Sarajevo," drama, directed by Michael Winterbottom. In his leisure time, he enjoys fencing, swimming and diving. He lives in Los Angeles with his wife, Eva, and their three children.