Hjálmar graduated from the Icelandic Drama School in 1987.
He has also been involved in directing and writing several radio and television productions.
[1] He was nominated for an Edda Award in 2003 for his script of Áramótaskaupið 2002.
[2] Hjálmar is married to Guðbjörg Ólafsdóttir, teacher.
The couple has three children: Salka Sól, Hjálmar Óli and Adrien Brody (not the actor).