Actor Rebecca Ferguson covers the June 2024 issue of Vogue Scandinavia [IG], taking time to revisit her Swedish roots and explore her past with a self-reflective frame of mind.

Maria Barsoum styles Ferguson in modern minimalism heavy on coats, posing for photographer Marcus Ohlsson [IG]. / Makeup by Emma Lovell; hair by Jillian Halouska

If Cartier paid for the cover, having the Trinity bangles hanging from the net — so they are seen — would have made more sense. And then ‘The Big Catch’ is about more than the actor.

Ferguson found herself so enjoying this trip into her Scandinavian past that her response made headlines:

“I f*ing love this place”**

Ferguson gained critical acclaim in her former role as M16 agent Ilsa Faust the female lead in the fifth Mission: Impossible film, ‘Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation’.

When AOC covered the actor in Vogue Hong Kong’s June 2023 issue, we paid homage both to Ilsa Faust and Ferguson’s mastering of her own stunt scenes in the film, while pregnant.

The actor knows when to walk away, and she did leave the Mission Impossible franchise after her three-films contract was up.

The End of Her Mission

"Ilsa was becoming a team player,” Ferguson explained. “And we can all want different things, but for me, Ilsa was rogue. Ilsa was naughty. Ilsa was unpredictable. There was a lot of characters coming in, not leaving enough space for what she had been."

To expand the chorus of actors whose top job was to make Tom Cruise look good, Ferguson wasn’t keen on the submission of Ilsa’s character — and her own talent — to an increasingly minor role.

One assumes the decision is additionally complex when the audience loves both you and your bad-ass character.

Ferguson’s British-Swedish Heritage

Born Rebecca Louisa Ferguson Sundström in Stockholm, Sweden, on October 19, 1983, the actor was immersed in the rich cultural tapestry of her native country from an early age. Her mother, Rosemary Ferguson, is British, Scottish and Northern Irish descent; she moved to Sweden at the age of 25.

Sweden's deep appreciation for the arts undoubtedly influenced Ferguson's career choices. The nation's strong emphasis on education and cultural enrichment provided her with ample opportunities to explore her creative side.

Ferguson grew up in the vibrant and culturally-rich neighborhood of Vasastan. This multicultural environment played a significant role in shaping her worldview and fostering her interest in the arts.

Adolf Fredrik's Music School in Stockholm, known for its rigorous focus on choral music and performing arts, became her home for a time, exposing her to a broad spectrum of artistic expressions to hone her skills and ignite her passion for acting.

The mother of a son and daughter took ballet lessons at the Royal Swedish Ballet School and explored various dance forms such as jazz and street funk. Ferguson’s early immersion into diverse artistic disciplines laid a robust foundation for what has become a storied, highly-praised and eclectic career.

Ferguson remains deeply connected to her Scandinavian roots. The values instilled by her Swedish upbringing—such as resilience, modesty, and a strong work ethic—continue to influence both her personal life and professional career choices.

Today, Rebecca Ferguson is married to businessman Rory St. Clair Gainer for five years. They share a daughter Sage and also Ferguson’s son Isac, from her prior relationship with Ludwig Hallberg.