Trueblood on HBO

While more than a few Americans might have a hard time finding Sweden on a map, the same cannot be said for recognizing the face of one of its most talented exports. The son of another acclaimed actor who managed to make it big States-side after conquering his native land, Alexander Skarsgard is the sort of actor who women want to be with, and men simply want to be. Talented, well-spoken, and classically handsome, he has managed to make his way up in the world of States-side entertainment. While most people know him as Eric Northman, vampire sheriff, from "True Blood," Alexander Skarsgard has actually appeared in another acclaimed HBO program, the mini-series "Generation Kill." However, those who spend time watching "Zoolander" over and over again on satellite TV will remember him as one of Ben Stiller's roommates who dies in the freak gasoline fight accident.

But Alexander Skarsgard has definitely come a long way from shouting the title of Starbucks drinks and dancing to Wham! in a Jeep. His performance in "Generation Kill," which was one of the most watched mini-series in HBO history, managed to bring him onto the radar screens of those who might not have been as well acquainted with his art-house and Swedish fare. And as a former Swedish military man himself, Alexander Skarsgard was an excellent pick for the role of a Seargent who is a whole lot more intelligent than his military organization might have bargained for. Viewers from New York to Texas have something that they can relate to in this performance, most definitely.

To go from playing a stoic and serious yet genuinely good guy to a slightly over-the-top campy vampire might be difficult for some, but this is one actor who does well with switching genres. After all, satellite TV viewers might not be familiar with his roles in serious Swedish TV series or dramatic films, but they might remember seeing him decked out in military gear on HBO. Now that he's traded the fatigues for fangs, Skarsgard has skyrocketed in popularity. While "True Blood" itself is drawing rave reviews and high numbers in its third season, a whole lot of people are just focused on the talent and looks of Alexander Skarsgard. And his chance to play a potentially wicked sheriff who manages to charm ladies time and time again is definitely the sort of role that will likely land him in the public eye more and more frequently.

If you've been looking for a fabulous new actor with a promising career worth following who likely hasn't been used to his full potential in American roles yet, then it definitely makes sense to follow Alexander Skarsgard. You're not likely to catch any of his early Swedish roles on satellite TV anytime soon, but chances are that you're going to be seeing him in more and more places. As long as he continues to pick excellent characters who allow him to be as wickedly funny as he is handsome and talented, he is definitely on the road to a serious level of success. And it's the sort of fame that appears to be well-deserved; after all, he deserves to be recognized for something other than appearing in an early Lady Gaga video.