Dolph Lundgren, 68, Fires Back At Critics Over 39-Year Age Gap With Wife And Says It Shouldn't Matter

Dolph Lundgren has addressed criticism surrounding his marriage to Emma Krokdal, whom he married in 2023 and who is 39 years younger than him.

High-profile relationships with large age gaps are not unusual in Hollywood, especially among older stars, with Dick Van Dyke and his wife Arlene Silver often cited as another example.

Even so, couples in these relationships still tend to attract attention and judgment. Lundgren has made it clear that the outside noise does not affect him, and he has previously spoken about what he believes keeps a marriage strong.

The Swedish actor’s marriage to Krokdal is his second, following his nearly 20-year marriage to Anette Qviberg.

Speaking to Fox News about ignoring criticism, the Rocky IV star said: "You always get haters and people say negative things about you if you're in the public eye. To me, age is just a number. It doesn't really matter. I mean we're all gonna be dead a hundred years from now — most of us anyway — and nothing will matter."

The 68-year-old added: "All that matters is that you enjoy your life, you enjoy your partner."

Dolph Lundgren is blocking out the haters Daniele Venturelli/Daniele Venturelli/Getty Images

"And I think the choice of partner is one of the most important choices you can make in life. I've realized that. And I think Emma is the best choice for me, and I don't care what people say."

While Lundgren and Krokdal have only been married for a short time, the actor has already shared what he believes helps keep their relationship positive and connected.

"I have this new thing, I have to give her a hug, a nice big hug, 10 times a day," he told Fox News.

"I try to get a few before lunch," Lundgren continued. "So I still have some in the bank [throughout the day]. It sounds simple and a little goofy, but doing that neutralizes a lot of disagreements and misunderstandings. And it makes us both feel good. That's my new recipe now."

He acknowledged that disagreements do happen, but said the focus should always be on making your partner feel supported and valued.

The pair married in 2023 Daniele Venturelli/Getty Images

"That phrase ['happy wife, happy life'] is true. You have to respect each other. You have to compliment each other," Lundgren concluded.

The actor has also spoken publicly about serious health challenges over the past decade after being diagnosed with kidney cancer in 2015, which led to surgery to remove a tumor.

Doctors later found signs of cancer in his liver and kidneys in 2020, but after seeking a second opinion, Lundgren revealed he was told he was cancer free in 2024.