Alexej Manvelov: Biography, Languages, Movies, Personal Life

If you’ve caught the trailer for the new crime series Dept. Q, you might have spotted a compelling character named Akram Salim, played by Swedish actor Alexej Manvelov. Born in Moscow during the Soviet era, Manvelov moved to Sweden as a child and now speaks three languages fluently.

Born: 31 March 1982 · Birthplace: Moscow, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union · Nationality: Swedish · Known for: Akram Salim in Dept. Q (2025) · Languages spoken: Swedish, Russian, English · Notable role: Chernobyl (2019)

Ten key facts, one pattern: Manvelov’s public biography is well-documented on language and career but sparse on personal details.

How many languages does Alexej Manvelov speak?

What languages does he speak?

• Swedish (native, as a Swedish national)
• Russian (mother tongue from birth in Moscow)
• English (fluent, used in international productions)

According to Wikipedia, Manvelov speaks Swedish, Russian and English. The German-language biography confirms this tri-lingual ability, adding that he also has Swedish and Russian citizenship. Some sources speculate he may have picked up other languages for roles, but no verified information exists beyond these three. The implication: his multilingual background is a direct asset for a career that now spans Swedish, English, and Russian-language productions.

What is Alexej Manvelov’s ethnicity and where was he born?

Birthplace and early life

• Born in Moscow, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union on 31 March 1982 (Wikipedia)
• Moved with family from Russia to Sweden at age ten (German Wikipedia)
• Grew up in Ljungsbro and Linköping, Östergötland (German Wikipedia)

Family background

• Mother is Russian, father is Kurdish from Syria (Wikipedia)
• Described as a Swedish actor of Russian and Kurdish descent (Wikipedia)

Manvelov’s background is a blend of Soviet Russia and Kurdish heritage, but he has fully integrated into Swedish society. He holds both Swedish and Russian citizenship. The pattern: his identity reflects the multicultural roots that enable him to play diverse roles.

Is Alexej Manvelov married and does he have a wife?

Marital status

• Married (stated via Instagram post, no official confirmation from media or public records)
• Wife’s name and personal details are not publicly available (Wikipedia notes lack of personal life details)

Manvelov’s Instagram caption used the word “cosmopolitan” while referencing his work streaming on Netflix, but never named a spouse. There is no reliable source confirming the identity of his partner. The catch: what remains private is a deliberate choice, and Manvelov has kept his personal life largely out of the spotlight.

Where does Alexej Manvelov live?

Current residence

• Sweden – likely the Stockholm area, given his career base in Swedish film and television

No verified source explicitly states his current address, but his continued work on Swedish productions (Beck, Jordskott, Undercover) strongly suggests he resides in Sweden. A Portuguese Wikipedia page notes he is “based in Sweden.” The trade-off: for a public figure, complete privacy about residence is rare, but Manvelov appears to value it.

What is Alexej Manvelov’s religion?

Religious beliefs

• No publicly available information on religion.

The pattern: Manvelov keeps his personal beliefs private, consistent with his guarded personal life.

What movies and TV shows has Alexej Manvelov appeared in?

Chernobyl role

• Played a minor role in HBO’s critically acclaimed series Chernobyl (2019) (Wikipedia)

Dept. Q role

• Portrays Akram Salim, a suspect in the 2025 Scottish crime thriller series Dept. Q (Wikipedia)

Other notable projects

• A Day and a Half (2023) – played Artan (IMDb)
• Jack Ryan season 3 (2022) – unconfirmed role, but listed on Wikipedia
• Swedish series: Beck, Jordskott, Occupied, Undercover (French Wikipedia)

Manvelov’s filmography shows a steady climb from Swedish television to international co-productions. His role in Dept. Q marks his highest-profile English-language part to date. Why this matters: each new project expands his reach beyond Nordic borders, and his multilingual ability makes him a natural fit for globally distributed series.

Is Dept. Q Scottish or Irish and what nationality is Akram in Dept. Q?

Setting of Dept. Q

• Dept. Q is a Scottish crime thriller series set in Scotland.

Character nationality

• Akram Salim, played by Manvelov, is a suspect; his nationality is implied as an immigrant in Scotland.

The implication: Manvelov’s multicultural background lends authenticity to the role.

Despite the gaps in personal details, the available evidence paints a clear professional arc. For Swedish audiences, Manvelov represents a homegrown talent who has successfully crossed into English-language productions. For international viewers, he is a fresh face whose background mirrors the globalized nature of modern streaming. The choice for casting directors is now clear: Manvelov brings authenticity to roles that require a multilingual, multi-ethnic perspective.