Dolph Lundgren: Overcoming an abusive father | Forward Progress
Dolph Lundgren: Overcoming an abusive father | Forward Progress  
Podcast: In Depth With Graham Bensinger
Published On: Thu Nov 27 2025
Description: Swedish actor, filmmaker and martial artist Dolph Lundgren addresses his physically tough childhood, including facing bullies as a child and facing his physically abusive father, Karl. Dolph says there wasn’t a hotline available to call back then in Sweden and explains how his mother also fell victim to Karl’s physical abuse. Later, Dolph reflects on how his troubling upbringing sparked a desire to train in karate, plus, why he never challenged his father in adulthood.