Sign up for the editor's
weekly newsletter
- Sweden edition
- Change edition:
- France |
- Germany |
- Norway |
- Switzerland
Reader Offer
February 14, 2012
Introducing... Anna Anka
Published: 2 Feb 10 15:10 CET | Double click on a word to get a translation
Online: http://www.thelocal.se/24742/20100202/
Introducing... is The Local's guide to the Swedish celebrity. In this week's installment Malin Nyberg profiles Anna Anka, the conservative trophy wife Sweden loves to hate.
- Donald scores landslide victory in Christmas 'duck' battle (29 Dec 09)
- Anna Anka faces split with Hollywood husband after latest row (7 Dec 09)
- Hollywood wife lays in to Swedish men (17 Sep 09)
The outspoken 38-year-old was born in a small village in the south of Sweden. In 1994 she won Miss Hawaiian Tropic and moved to the US full time, where she worked as a fitness instructor and actress, including a brief cameo in Dumb and Dumber. In 2008 she married Canadian singer Paul Anka, warbler of hit songs like Diana and Put Your Head on My Shoulder.
But isn’t he, um… old?
Hey, age ain’t nothing but a number. But yes, he is 30 years older than her.
And rich I take it… So, is she just famous for being his wife?
First of all, she may not be his wife for much longer by all accounts. Secondly, she never had much of a career as an actress. Only recently has she shot to infamy.
OK, do continue.
In the autumn of 2009, TV3 started showing Swedish Hollywood Wives (Svenska Hollywoodfruar), a reality show about three Swedish women living a life of luxury in LA. Anna Anka was one of them and created massive headlines after saying some stuff considered shocking back in Sweden.
Such as?
Well, there are some quotes that kick-started her career within Swedish TV…
How about: "As a housewife you should support your man in every way, you should always be attractive and well-dressed." And the classic: "If your husband wants a blow job every morning, that’s what you should give him. 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.”
Goodness, she's quite old-fashioned isn't she?
She certainly is, and she has nothing but disdain for family life Swedish-style. She believes it’s the man’s responsibility to bring money to the family while the wife has, well, other responsibilities.
Oh dear, that can't have won her many admirers in Sweden?
No, but TV3 couldn’t be happier. Rating for the Hollywood Wives show went up quicker than she went down.
So does anybody agree with her views?
Absolutely, just check the fan groups on Facebook.
No thanks. You mentioned trouble in Paul Anka paradise?
Yes, he filed for divorce not so long ago. According to Anna, he wasn't able to handle her Swedish TV success.
Hang on a second, it seems she has made a career out of being against women working?
Yeah, it’s a bit of a contradiction.
Indeed. So is she OK financially now without a hubby to bring home the bacon?
Oh, she's happy as a pig in the proverbial. If you'll permit me to mix meats for a moment, TV3 seems to have a lot of faith in its outspoken cash cow. In Anna’s own words: “The Swedish people would kill themselves if they knew how much I’m getting.”
Or maybe they wouldn't.
No, probably not.
What do you think? Leave your comment below.
Fark It!
Digg This
Share everywhere
Send to a friend
Printable version
Twitter ThisToday's headlines
GOTHENBURG SCHOOL STABBING
Man held for stabbing Swedish 10-year-old
A 28-year-old man suspected of stabbing a young girl in the throat at the beginning of February, has been apprehended and is being held in another country pending Sweden's extradition demand. READ »
Swedish man lay 'dead for weeks' in Lund flat
A man in Lund, southern Sweden, lay dead in his house for weeks before his body was discovered, as visiting care staff had left after the man failed to answer his door. READ (1 COMMENT) »
Sweden expels foreign official: report
The Swedish government said on Tuesday it has expelled a foreign diplomat, but spokespeople were unwilling to confirm international reports that it was a high level official from Rwanda. READ »
THE LOCAL LIST
Sweden's seven 'sexiest' places explored
On Valentine's Day, The Local invites you on a journey of seduction through Sweden, a country which may be worth probing further when it comes to matters of love. READ (2 COMMENTS) »
Valentine's day in Sweden - readers' sweet tweets and love stories
With Valentine's day upon us again, The Local called for messages from the star-crossed lovers of Sweden, who sent us their loving letters and sweet tweets in a celebration of love in Sweden. READ (2 COMMENTS) »
Swedish tourist halted for having 'terrorist name'
A Swedish man set to take off on his "dream holiday" to Mexico was turned away before boarding, as flight officials claimed he shared the name of a wanted terrorist. READ (17 COMMENTS) »
Swedish man suspected of 'kidnapping himself'
A 29-year-old man in northern Sweden has been remanded into custody together with an accomplice after trying to extort money from his parents by pretending he had been kidnapped. READ (4 COMMENTS) »
Sweden at ’real risk’ of terror: government
The Swedish Government has penned a new terror strategy, upgrading Sweden’s risk status since the last plan four years ago, calling for an ‘inter-agency cooperation’ in the fight to counter terror in Sweden. READ (11 COMMENTS) »
More Lifestyle
- 09/02 Seven Swedish designs that will blow your mind (8 comments) »
- 09/02 What's On in Sweden (22 comments) »
- 07/02 'The Office' breeds with Swedish sitcom in world's first 'spin-make' (14 comments) »
- 06/02 A YouTube salute to Sami National Day (9 comments) »
- 03/02 Five Swedish songs that never made Eurovision (3 comments) »
- 02/02 Swedes gear up for Melodifestivalen mania (5 comments) »
- 02/02 Q&A with Swenglish comedy star Ben Kersley (2 comments) »
- 01/02 How Millennium films tap deep into Swedish angst »
- 26/01 Al Pitcher: using English to make Swedes laugh (7 comments) »
- 25/01 Indonesian-born twins reunite in Sweden after 30 years (13 comments) »
20 things to know before moving to Sweden
As diverse as Sweden is, there are a few societal norms that are distinctly Swedish. Understanding a handful of them will hopefully prepare you culturally before you relocate. When you're invited home to a Swede, you better be on time and take your shoes off, writes expat Lola Akinmade-Åkerström. Read more »
How far can English take you in Sweden?
Sweden is a country where almost everyone can speak English. So why bother to learn Swedish? Edina Varnagy from Hungary managed with English for a whole year but then found that Swedish could open doors – to a job, a social life and greater understanding. Read more »
Blog Update: Julie's Nordic Island
"The ice dripped in the winter sun. It was the first day when the light had been intense enough to cause dripping in the sunlight. To hear it was an extraordinary wakeup call. The cycle was happening again as it always does, always will (or so we think). I imagined that on my summer island, the bees..." READ »
- 11/2 09:27 Fika Quiz (The Swedish Teacher)
- 10/2 10:47 Reefer Madness (110% LAGOM)
- 07/2 12:55 Queen of Diamonds (The Diplomatic Dispatch)
Did you know that...
... The professional trombone player, Nils Landgren, has been involved in many different big band sessions in jazz, rock, soul and hip hop and at least 500 albums including such internationals stars as ABBA, Eddie Harris, Wyclef Jean and Herbie Hancock.
Highlights
|
|
Swedish word of the day
fin
adjective
Fin means anyhting from sweet to proper. When someone says, Du är så fin it's quite a compliment.
Latest news from The Local in Germany
- 14/02 Merkel pledges more EU sanctions against Syria »
- 14/02 Six little pigs find new mum - a bulldog »
More news from Germany at thelocal.de
Latest news from The Local in Switzerland
- 14/02 Swiss stick with Swedish jets to replace fleet »
- 14/02 Geneva rents: World's 7th most expensive city »
More news from Switzerland at thelocal.ch
Latest news from The Local in France
- 14/02 Record year for French wine and spirits exports »
- 14/02 Police turn to France, Facebook in Norway gunman probe »
More news from France at thelocal.fr
Latest news from The Local in Norway
- 14/02 Norway killer and Dutch MP in fictional meeting »
- 14/02 Facebook and France in focus in Breivik probe »
More news from Norway at thelocal.no
Blog
New book about Sweden – get to know the country
Sweden – Up North, Down to Earth is a book about Sweden today. A country of natural beauty and open space, and a society focused on equality, human rights and sustainability. Meet regular and astonishing Swedes, supercars and indie rock bands, vampires and royalties.
Buy your copy of Sweden – Up North, Down to Earth from Sweden Bookshop
In cooperation with DoToday
Register
Register now for:
> Free use of noticeboard
> Special discounts
> Weekly news roundup
> Unlimited use of discuss
Jobs in Sweden, in English
521 jobs available
248 new jobs this week
42 new jobs today
- Software Engineer - Online
- Data Warehouse Developer for DONG Energy IT
- Build Master
- Line Manager
- Software Engineer - Gameplay/Audio
- Univar recruits Accounting Manager/Financial Controller to be based in Malmö
- Purchasing Program Manager
- Sales Representative Nordic
- Nordic Site IT Delivery Manager
- Software Engineer (.NET) - Limited Contract
Noticeboard
- 13/02 Looking for a long term appartment
- 13/02 Babysitter
- 13/02 flat or room available
- 13/02 Party Photographer
- 13/02 Apartment Near Arlanda
- 13/02 Apartment Needed Immediately
Discuss
- 19:02 SFI - personal number loop...
- 18:36 Upper abdominal pain
- 18:20 Need to replace windows
- 18:05 Women drivers & safety
- 17:52 Where do you live?
- 17:39 Big Fat Gypsy weddings
- 16:58 Volunteering in Sweden
- 16:01 What is death?
- 15:43 Tax deductible for rented property
- 15:32 A question answered!
Get on the Tennis Court with www.babolatshop.se
The new Online Tennis Store with the largest selection of Babolat Products in Sweden
http://www.babolatshop.se
The new Online Tennis Store with the largest selection of Babolat Products in Sweden
http://www.babolatshop.se
Turning Point Counseling
Turning Point Counselling centre offers the international community of Stockholm a safe space for personal development, counselling and coaching.
http://www.turning-point.se/show.asp
Turning Point Counselling centre offers the international community of Stockholm a safe space for personal development, counselling and coaching.
http://www.turning-point.se/show.asp
Swedish Down Town
Swedish Down Town PR Consulting and Productions is an innovative business company which provides valuable assistance with Public Relations and Communications in the swedish and the international market.
www.swedishdowntown.com
Swedish Down Town PR Consulting and Productions is an innovative business company which provides valuable assistance with Public Relations and Communications in the swedish and the international market.
www.swedishdowntown.com
The Local's new Marketplace
Find products and services that are specifically focused on English speakers living in Sweden!
FULL DETAILS
Find products and services that are specifically focused on English speakers living in Sweden!
FULL DETAILS
English Speaking Therapist Stockholm
British-Australian Male Counsellor. Counselling Therapy for Depression, Mental Health, Sex, Relationship & Expat Issues
08-559 22 636 or CLICK HERE
British-Australian Male Counsellor. Counselling Therapy for Depression, Mental Health, Sex, Relationship & Expat Issues
08-559 22 636 or CLICK HERE
Counseling in English
Individuals & Couples - Stockholm Beth Rogerson PhD - Clinical, Marriage & Family Therapist
Click or call 08-5580 1266 now
Individuals & Couples - Stockholm Beth Rogerson PhD - Clinical, Marriage & Family Therapist
Click or call 08-5580 1266 now
Doctor of Psychology
Therapy in English in Stockholm Trained in California Individuals & Couples (08) 93 81 48 FREE phone consultation
Visit anxiousorblue.se
Therapy in English in Stockholm Trained in California Individuals & Couples (08) 93 81 48 FREE phone consultation
Visit anxiousorblue.se
Your comments about this article:
The comments below have not been moderated in advance and are not produced by The Local unless clearly stated. Readers are responsible for the content of their own comments. Comments that breach our terms and conditions will be removed.
Yeah, that proves that she's not a "real Swede" after all.:-)
Yeah, if anybody ever says anything against the "Swedish model" then they can't possibly be a real Swede.
I don't agree with anything she says, and its also just as embarrassing that Anka is a Canuk, but its so typically Swedish to find a way to discredit her by calling her Polish instead of Swedish despite the fact she was raised in Sweden since as a small child.
"Yeah, if anybody ever says anything against the "Swedish model" then they can't possibly be a real Swede.
I don't agree with anything she says, and its also just as embarrassing that Anka is a Canuk, but its so typically Swedish to find a way to discredit her by calling her Polish instead of Swedish despite the fact she was raised in Sweden since as a small child"
Kinda like Canada after the Ben Johnson doping scandal in the 1988 Olympics?
When he beat Carl Lewis in the 100 meter final he was Canadian and oh so "benfastic".
Once he was busted for steroids he was a " disgraced Jamaican immigrant" to Canada.
Glass houses and all:-)
"Canada had an annoying trend of fast tracking some foreign Olympic athletes through the immigration process if they seem like potential winners"
Johnson immigrated to Canada in 1976 at age 14. How exactly is that "fast tracking" the immigration process? Have you seen how quickly one can become a Swede?
And just how can one be "culturally more Jamaican than Canadian"? What exactly is Canada's culture? Is it the Acadians in New Brunswick, the French in Quebec, the English/Irish/Scots and Welsh, the Ukrainians and Scandinavians of Manitoba, the Chinese of British Columbia, or the aboriginal peoples? Or is it a mix of the whole lot?
Oh wait, your last line is very telling. Never mind.
But this has nothing to do with Anna.
"But this has nothing to do with Anna. "
You're right. What it does have to do with is your comment that this denial of her citizenship is "typically Swedish". Let's take one of your comments about Anna and a couple of changes and we get this:
"its so typically Canadian to find a way to discredit him by calling him Jamaican instead of Canadian despite the fact he was raised in Canada since as a small child"
Stop being such a dipstick and give it a break.
Canada and Sweden aren't so far apart, are they?
You are so annoying. Why do you keep comparing Canada to Sweden? What Greg from Canada said is still true, even if Canada did the same thing.
Anna, a former model/personal trainer who was married to Anka for more than a year, obtained a temporary restraining order last week, claiming she fears for her life. She alleged that Anka, 68, who split in December, had pulled a gun on her and threatened her and her nanny, Emma Singhoffer. The couple have a son, Ethan, 4.
The Swedish stunner, three decades Anka's junior, also claimed the singer/songwriter showed up at their home in Thousand Oaks, Calif., three days in a row.
Paul Anka and Fiancee Anna Aberg"I'm scared for my life," she told Page Six.
But Anka, 68, who wrote "She's a Lady" and "Lonely Boy," says Anna is lying. "She needs medical help," he told us.
Anka says he never pulled a gun on Anna. According to a defamation suit he filed against her the day before Anna got the restraining order, the two had an argument Dec. 3 when Anna tried to fire their housekeeper, Cecilia Orozco. During the argument, Anna called 911 and alleged Anka had pulled a gun on her the day before.
Orozco backs up the entertainer's ac- count, telling Page Six that Anka didn't have a gun. And Anka says the 24-hour delay in calling the cops makes no sense.
"Why not call 911 when the guy has a gun to your head? I would assume that anyone without a lobotomy would have called 911 when the incident happened, not the day after," Anka said.
He said he went to the house last week to pick up personal belongings, including his gold records, artwork and two lamps.
Last October, Anna was thrown out of an Upper East Side Equinox gym after conducting a personal training session with a friend allegedly in violation of gym rules. The gym said she repeatedly used profanities against the gym staff. Anna denies both claims.
Read more: http://www.nypost.com/p/pagesix/anka_shoots_down_gun_claim_bz3VqJjJz2r21CsLj35dOP#ixzz0fB1W8C76