Emma Wiklund built a career that most people only dream about. She went from a small town in Sweden to the biggest runways in Paris, then jumped into acting and landed a role that made her a household name across Europe. Today, her net worth sits at an impressive $20 million, the result of three decades in fashion, film, and television.
In this article, we break down exactly how Emma Wiklund earned her fortune, what her career highlights look like, and what makes her story worth knowing.
Emma Wiklund: Quick Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Net Worth | $20 Million |
| Born | September 13, 1968 |
| Birthplace | Stockholm, Sweden |
| Age | 57 years old |
| Height | 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m) |
| Profession | Fashion Model, Actress |
| Nationality | Swedish |
| Known For | Petra in the Taxi film series |
Who Is Emma Wiklund?
Emma Wiklund was born in Stockholm, Sweden, in September 1968. Many fans still know her by her birth name, Emma Sjöberg, from her early modeling days. She later took the surname Wiklund after her marriage.
Wiklund’s rise began in the fashion world. She signed with Elite Model Management, one of the most respected modeling agencies in the world, and quickly started walking for top designers. Her runway resume includes shows for Christian Lacroix, Thierry Mugler, and Lanvin — three names that shaped high fashion in the 1990s.
Her modeling career also crossed into music. Wiklund appeared alongside supermodel Linda Evangelista in George Michael’s iconic 1992 music video for “Too Funky,” a role that introduced her to a much wider audience beyond the fashion industry.
How Emma Wiklund Built Her Acting Career
Modeling opened the door, but acting is what turned Emma Wiklund into a star.
She made her first appearance on screen in the 1992 TV movie Inferno, a project that was later reworked into a full feature film in 1995. It was a small start, but it set the stage for a much bigger opportunity a few years later.
The Role That Changed Everything: Petra in Taxi
In 1998, Wiklund landed the role that would define her acting career: Petra in the French action-comedy Taxi, directed by Luc Besson. The film was a massive hit in Europe, and Wiklund’s performance helped launch a franchise that lasted nearly a decade.
Here is a quick look at her Taxi film timeline:
- Taxi (1998) — Her breakout role as Petra
- Taxi 2 (2000) — The franchise’s most successful sequel
- Taxi 3 (2003) — Continued her role as Petra
- Taxi 4 (2007) — Her final appearance in the series
Between these films, Wiklund kept busy with other acting projects. She starred in the 1999 film Simon Sex, appeared in the 2000 short film Petite Copine, and took on the role of Sonja in the 2004 film Big Kiss.
Life Beyond the Screen
Emma Wiklund didn’t stop at modeling and acting. She became a familiar face on Swedish television, hosting several TV shows over the years and cementing her status as one of Sweden’s most recognizable fashion icons.
In 2007, she took her fashion expertise into the boardroom, joining the board of Lindex, a major Swedish fashion retailer. This move showed a different side of her career — one focused on the business side of the fashion industry rather than just the runway.
Emma Wiklund’s Personal Life
Emma Wiklund married Hans Wiklund, a Swedish journalist and television personality, in 2003. The couple has two children together, and it’s this marriage that gave her the surname most fans know her by today.
Before her marriage, Wiklund was in a long-term relationship with Ulf Ekberg, a member of the Swedish pop group Ace of Base. The couple dated from 1994 to 2000, a relationship that drew plenty of media attention given both of their public profiles at the time.
How Did Emma Wiklund Make Her $20 Million Net Worth?
Emma Wiklund’s fortune comes from several income streams built up over a 30-plus year career:
- Runway and campaign modeling — Years of high-fashion work with elite designers and brands
- Film acting — A leading role across four Taxi films plus other film and TV credits
- Television hosting — Regular appearances hosting shows in Sweden
- Business ventures — Her board position with Lindex added a corporate income stream on top of her entertainment earnings
This mix of modeling, acting, and business is a common path for successful models who want their careers — and their income — to outlast their runway years.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Emma Wiklund best known for?
She is best known for playing Petra in the Taxi film franchise (1998–2007), alongside a modeling career that included runway work for Christian Lacroix, Thierry Mugler, and Lanvin.
Is Emma Wiklund married?
Yes. She married Hans Wiklund in 2003, and the couple has two children.
What was Emma Wiklund’s birth name?
She was born Emma Sjöberg, and took the name Wiklund after her marriage.
Final Thoughts
Emma Wiklund’s journey from a Stockholm-born model to an international acting star shows how a strong foundation in one industry can open doors in another. Her $20 million net worth reflects decades of consistent work across modeling, film, television, and business — proof that a well-rounded career can pay off long after the runway lights dim.
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