Trivia

Has received a Knighthood, First Class of the Order of St. Olav (highest order in Norway).

Father of Mads Ousdal.

He wasn't really that interested in theater but he enjoyed Carpentry as a hobby.

In 2024 he received the Wenche Foss Honorary Award together with his son, actor Mads Ousdal.

He retired as an actor in November 2013, after playing the title role in a production of King Lear at the National Theatre in Oslo, but he planned a comeback on Nationaltheatret later in 2026, in the role as an aging father, together with his son Mads.

Sverre Anker Ousdal was associated with the Oslo New Theatre from 1967-70 and was then employed by the National Theatre, where he had roles within a wide repertoire. Among others, he played Algernon in "Hvem er Earnest" (1972), the title role in "Macbeth" (1982), the Ritmesteren in "Faderen" (1995), Tyrone in "Lang dagsferd mod natt" (2000) and Speer in "Speer" (2005).

Ousdal was diagnosed with cancer in 2008, and lost most of his eyesight due to a mistake made by surgeons during an operation to remove a tumor.

The actor was one of Norway's most recognized actors.

Ousdal guest-starred at the Royal Theatre in 2000 as Pastor Manders in "Gengangere".

He made his debut at the National Stage in Bergen in 1965.