Alexander Richard Ludwig, a Canadian actor and country musician, was born on May 7, 1992, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. His early career started as a child actor. He gained recognition as a teenager for starring in films like The Seeker: The Dark Is Rising (2007) and Race to Witch Mountain (2009). Notably, he also starred as Cato in The Hunger Games (2012). Ludwig's supporting roles include Shane Patton in Lone Survivor (2013), and Dorn in Bad Boys for Life (2020) and Bad Boys: Ride or Die (2024). He achieved fame as legendary Viking Björn Ironside in the History Channel series Vikings (2014–2020) and had a lead role in the Starz drama series Heels (2021–2023).

As a country musician, Ludwig released his debut album Highway 99 via BBR Music Group on August 26, 2022. His acting career journey started at the age of nine with a Harry Potter toy commercial, which helped him sign with an agent and gain more commercial work. Balancing his acting aspirations with regular school was a challenge, yet it was an integral part of his life. His career spans various roles in film and television, including his lead roles in The Seeker: The Dark Is Rising and Race to Witch Mountain. In 2012's The Hunger Games, he played the ruthless Cato from District 2, a role that won him accolades. His music journey began with the release of his first single Liv It Up (Teenage Wasteland) on March 1, 2012. He carved a niche in the music industry signing with the country music label BBR Music Group/BMG in May 2021. Ludwig also made appearances in music videos like Nicki Minaj's Super Freaky Girl.