Ari Behn, a renowned Norwegian author, painter, and playwright, made a significant impact in the literary and artistic world. Born in Aarhus, Denmark, he embarked on a journey with his family, eventually settling in South Norway. Graduating from the University of Oslo in the 1990s, Ari’s talent shone through with the publication of his first collection of short stories, “Sad as Hell,” in 1999. This marked the beginning of his illustrious career as an author, where he went on to write numerous novels, plays, and short-story collections, including notable works like “From Heart to Heart,” “The Training Hour,” “Tiger in the Garden,” and “Inferno.” Ari’s artistic endeavors extended beyond writing, as he also ventured into television shows, films, and even established the artists’ group, The New Wine. In his later years, he embraced neo-expressionism and showcased his paintings in various international exhibitions. However, Ari’s life was not without its struggles, as he bravely opened up about his experience of being groped by Kevin Spacey at a Nobel Peace Prize after-party in 2007, sparking controversy. Tragically, Ari’s battle with mental health issues ultimately led to his untimely death by suicide in 2019. Despite the challenges he faced, Ari’s legacy as a talented artist and writer continues to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide.
Quick Facts
- Also Known As: Ari Mikael Behn, Bjørshol
- Died At Age: 47
- Family:
- Spouse/Ex-: Princess Märtha Louise of Norway (m. 2002–2017)
- Father: Olav Bjørshol
- Mother: Marianne Rafaela Solberg
- Children: Emma Tallulah Behn, Leah Isadora Behn, Maud Angelica Behn
- Born Country: Denmark
- Norwegian Men
- Libra Writers
- Died on: December 25, 2019
- Place of Death: Lommedalen, Norway
- City: Aarhus, Denmark
- Cause of Death: Suicide
- Notable Alumni: University Of Oslo
- Education: University of Oslo
Childhood & Early Life
Ari Behn, originally named Ari Mikael Bjørshol, was born on September 30, 1972, in Aarhus, Denmark. His parents, Olav Bjørshol and Marianne Rafaela Solberg Behn, were Norwegian. Ari grew up with two siblings, his younger sister Anja Sabrina and his younger brother Espen. Both of his parents were teachers and got married in 1973. The family initially lived in Aarhus and then moved to Plymouth, England, where Ari’s father worked as a photographer. They later moved to Tennevoll in Northern Norway, where Ari’s mother worked as a school teacher. In 1978, the family moved to Moss in South Norway. Ari attended the Waldorf School in Moss and later joined the University of Oslo, where he received a BA degree in history and religion. In 1996, he changed his name to Ari Behn, adding his maternal grandmother’s maiden name to his own.
Career as a Writer
Ari Behn gained fame in Norway in 1999 with the publication of his first anthology of short stories, “Trist som faen” (Sad as Hell), which sold over 100,000 copies. He went on to publish several more books, including “Fra hjerte til hjerte” (From Heart to Heart) in 2002, which he co-wrote with his wife Märtha. He also wrote “Bakgård” (Backyard) in 2003, “Entusiasme og raseri” (Enthusiasm and Rage) in 2006, and “Vivian Seving etc.” in 2009. In addition to his books, Ari wrote for various magazines and newspapers as a freelance writer. He also wrote the play “Treningstimen” (The Training Hour), which received critical acclaim. Ari had completed a script for a children’s book with his eldest daughter, Maud, before his death, but it has not yet been published.
Other Pursuits
Ari Behn was one of the founding members of the artists’ group Den Nye Vinen (The New Wine) in 1993. He also designed a china set named “Peacock” for Magnor Glassverk and modeled for an apparel brand. Ari created TV documentaries, including one about the Afghanistan War. He also appeared in comedy films and TV shows. From 2013 until his death in 2019, Ari focused on his career as a neo-expressionist painter, drawing inspiration from Jean-Michel Basquiat. His paintings were exhibited internationally, and he collaborated with other Scandinavian painters on various projects.
Awards
Ari Behn received several national honors, including medals from the Norwegian royal family and the Grand Honorary Cross with Star of the Order of the Crown from the Netherlands. He was recognized for his contributions to the arts and culture.
Controversies
In 2017, Ari Behn made a controversial statement on a radio station, claiming that actor Kevin Spacey had groped him at a party in 2007. However, he later clarified that he had made the comment as a joke and did not feel offended by the incident.
Personal Life
On May 24, 2002, Ari Behn married Princess Märtha Louise of Norway, the daughter of King Harald V. They had three daughters together. The couple divorced in 2017 but maintained joint custody of their children.
Death
Ari Behn struggled with mental health issues and alcoholism for many years. On December 25, 2019, he was found dead at his home in Lommedalen, Norway. His death was ruled as suicide. He was 47 years old at the time of his death.
Popular Culture
A documentary series about Ari Behn’s struggles with his divorce, titled “Ari Behn og halve kongeriket” (Ari and the Half Kingdom), was aired in 2018. Despite objections from Ari’s family, the series was broadcasted. However, it was taken down from the network’s website a day before Ari’s funeral.