April Blog

Just got a letter from TV3 in Sweden asking me if I could recommend some Swedish women in North America for the popular Swedish Hollywood Wives series. I have never seen it, but have, of course, heard lots about it. The docu-show, that is now in its third season (SwPr Oct09), has, above all, really exposed the difference in values between Sweden and Beverly Hills.

The outspoken Swedish wife of crooner Paul Anka created a big controversy when she listed the number of people working in her household and talked about the advantages of "the service-minded US society" compared to Sweden where people “come home and sulk and have to clean and iron".

"Swedish dads are tragic with all their diaper-changing and equality nonsense ... Sexually it is the woman's responsibility to ensure that the man is satisfied, if she does not then she only has herself to blame if he is unfaithful," were some of the other words of wisdom from Anna Anka, who has since been separated from her husband.

This kind of political incorrectness did not go over well with Swedes but the ensuing debate rendered the television programme even more publicity.

Meter Film & Television, that produces Svenska Hollywoodfruar, now wants to find "thrilling and inspiring women with strong personalities" beyond Hollywood. They want to "widen their scope".

I can come up with a lot of admirable Swedish women in North America with "that get go spirit", that the producers are looking for, and who "grab opportunities and are willing to share”. But when I take a look at the current crop I wonder if my candidates would make it, as the programme is so clearly just looking for rich, beautiful and glamorous women.

I just don’t know any women who have two identical Rolls Royces (in case one needs to go for repairs), live next door to Kiefer Sutherland and Al Pacino or in a mansion that seats 500 at dinner, have their drinks mixed by Bill Clinton and sing snaps songs with Prince Charles.

My choices are different and would probably not cause the same level of "royal Swedish envy," which perhaps is the secret behind the success of Svenska Hollywoodfruar.