About this episode
Dolph Lundgren is a renowned Swedish actor, director, producer, and now entrepreneur. He is celebrated for his iconic role as Ivan Drago in "Rocky IV" and has become synonymous with blockbuster action films like "The Expendables," "Aquaman," and "Creed." With a rare mix of intellectual rigor in chemical engineering and mastery in martial arts, Dolph’s path from academia to Hollywood is as remarkable as his screen presence. A true Hollywood heavyweight. A living legend. In this riveting episode, Dolph Lundgren opens up about both his legendary film career and his bold leap into entrepreneurship. Known worldwide for his role as Ivan Drago, he shares the remarkable journey from Sweden to global stardom and, ultimately, to founding Hard Cut Vodka. We dive into the lessons Dolph has learned while transitioning into the business world, revealing the strategies that have fueled his success both on-screen and in the entrepreneurial arena. This conversation unpacks Dolph’s evolution from the structured discipline of chemical engineering to the unpredictable world of Hollywood and business. He reflects on the risks of leaving a full scholarship at MIT to pursue acting, the highs and lows of life in film, and the resilience it takes to keep pushing forward. With themes of perseverance, passion, and reinvention, this episode offers a powerful look into Dolph’s life philosophy — and how it drives his entrepreneurial vision today. Key Takeaways: Dolph Lundgren's transition from engineering to acting highlights the courage needed to pursue one's true passion over a conventional, safe path. The journey to success is not linear; facing and overcoming challenges define growth and achievement in both film and business. Perseverance and adaptability are crucial traits, whether dealing with the high stakes of Hollywood or the intricacies of entrepreneurship. Dolph views life as an adventure, advocating for believing in oneself and constantly pushing forward through life's hurdles. Building a business, like filmmaking, requires a combination of creativity, motivation, and resilience amid regulatory and operational challenges. Notable Quotes: "It's a struggle. Every day is a struggle. You know, you have to get up in the morning and you have to face, you know, eight bad moments and then hopefully, you know, 10 great moments." "Life is short, and you have to get the most out of it... I wanted to follow my passion." "When the going gets really rough and you have no help, and it's up to yourself, and you think you're not going to make it, that's when you have to push through." "I think the perseverance, something I brought along, I think also working with people and trying to motivate people, being creative as well." "That's the gift I had—to be able to make people feel better or try to give them something and... enlighten their lives." Connect with Dolph Lundgren: Instagram IMDB HardCutVodka Connect with Rudy Mawer: LinkedIn Instagram Facebook Twitter