“Sense and Sensibility”’s Herbert Nordrum Drops Curse Word in First “Today” Show Interview: ‘Almost Worth the FCC Fine’

Herbert Nordrum, a rising star from Norway, made a noteworthy entrance into the world of English-language cinema on the morning show Today, which aired on October 9, 2026. The 39-year-old actor is set to play Colonel Brandon in the highly anticipated film adaptation of Jane Austen’s beloved novel, Sense and Sensibility. His arrival in New York City was not without its share of light-hearted fun, as he was greeted with classic local treats during a playful segment on the show.

As the cameras rolled, Nordrum shared his initial impressions of the city, noting the smoke drifting from the streets outside his hotel. In response, the show’s host, Craig Melvin, expressed the desire to properly welcome the newcomer to New York with more than just tales of less-than-pleasant sights. “We wanted to appropriately welcome you to New York City with more than just the smoke that emanates from our streets, and our subway system,” Melvin quipped, setting the tone for a jovial exchange.

Moments later, the show’s crew presented Nordrum with an assortment of iconic New York fare, including bagels and pizza. His enthusiasm was palpable as he replied, “Oh really? Oh! This is on my list.” The cheerful atmosphere continued as Melvin remarked that Central Park had sent over some “welcome goodies,” prompting a surprised and excited reaction from the actor.

This was Nordrum’s debut appearance on the Today show promoting his first English-speaking role, and he proved to be an engaging guest, even momentarily losing his grip on the live broadcast’s decorum. “Holy s—,” he exclaimed in delight upon seeing the food, prompting Melvin to declare, “You are a New Yorker.” Nordrum quickly apologised for the slip, adding, “I’m so sorry. This is great. This is so good.”

The light-hearted banter was characterised by Melvin’s cheeky comment about the potential for an FCC fine. “Well, you were almost worth the FCC fine,” he joked, as Nordrum expressed his delight in the local cuisine. His excitement about experiencing New York’s culinary staples reflected a personal agenda for his visit.

Nordrum’s appearance took place just days before the film’s scheduled release on October 16, 2026. Sense and Sensibility, which also features talents such as Daisy Edgar-Jones, Esmé Creed-Miles, and Caitríona Balfe, delves into the complexities of love and societal expectations as depicted in Austen’s 1811 novel. In the film, Nordrum’s character, Colonel Brandon, finds himself developing feelings for Marianne Dashwood, portrayed by Creed-Miles.

In discussing his preparation for the role, Nordrum candidly admitted the significant effort required to master his character’s British accent. “I had to work so hard, so hard,” he confessed to the Today hosts. His dedication to perfecting his accent involved the use of a unique technique involving a wine cork placed in his mouth while practicing his lines. “When you take the cork out, it suddenly becomes smooth,” he explained with a sense of humour about the somewhat unusual approach.

However, Nordrum was aware of how peculiar it looked on set, admitting, “I did look like a psychopath on sets with like different wine corks in my mouth all the time.” Despite the unusual methods, Nordrum expressed pride in the final product, noting, “I’m very happy. I’m very proud of what we did,” as he acknowledged the challenges of performing in a different language.

The actor’s casting also elicited excitement from his family, who are avid fans of Austen’s work. Nordrum recalled how his mother and sister had insisted he play Colonel Brandon during the auditioning process, urging him, “It has to be Colonel Brandon. It has to be Colonel Brandon,” which underscored the personal significance of his role.

This project marks an exciting chapter in Nordrum’s career; prior to this, he had gained recognition for his performance in the critically acclaimed Norwegian film The Worst Person in the World. His rising profile even attracted attention from pop star Olivia Rodrigo, who expressed her admiration for the film. During the Today interview, a clip of Rodrigo praising his performance was played, prompting a delighted response from Nordrum. “Very cool, very, very cool,” he remarked, having quickly shared her comments on social media.

As theatrical audiences eagerly await the release of Sense and Sensibility, Herbert Nordrum’s entry into English-language film has generated considerable buzz. His journey from Norway to the spotlight of New York City encapsulates both the challenges and triumphs of an actor finding his footing in a new industry, and his engaging personality is sure to win over audiences as he continues to make his mark on cinema.