Belgian actors who were born in 1935

Here are 5 famous actors from Belgium were born in 1935:

Jef Demedts

Jef Demedts (October 19, 1935 Sint-Denijs-Westrem-) otherwise known as Jozef Demedts is a Belgian actor and film director.

He has been a prominent figure in the Flemish cultural scene for over five decades. Demedts was one of the founding members of the theatre group NTGent, where he served as an actor, director, and artistic director. Throughout his career, he has appeared in numerous stage productions, and has worked with renowned directors such as André Delvaux and Johan Simons.

In addition to his work in theatre, Demedts has also appeared in several films and television series. He starred in the critically acclaimed film "The Pointsman" (1979), which won several awards at international film festivals. He also appeared in the popular TV series "Witse" (2004-2012), which was a huge success in Belgium.

Demedts has received several awards for his contributions to the arts. In 2005, he was awarded the Flemish Culture Prize for Theatre, and in 2007, he was made an honorary citizen of his hometown of Deinze. He continues to be active in the arts, and is regarded as one of the most respected actors and directors in Belgium.

Apart from his successful career in theatre, film, and television, Jef Demedts is also known for his literary works. He has published several books, including his autobiography "Meer dan een leven" ("More than one life"), where he shares his experiences as an actor and director. Moreover, Demedts has also been involved in various social and cultural organizations. He served as the president of the Flemish Actors' Association from 1983 to 1989 and was a member of the Flemish Council for Culture from 1996 to 2000. Demedts has also been a vocal advocate for the promotion of the Dutch language and culture in Flanders. His contributions to the arts and culture have earned him numerous accolades and made him an esteemed figure among his peers and fans.

Jef Demedts began his career in the performing arts in the late 1950s, after studying at the Higher Institute of Dramatic Art in Brussels. He quickly became known for his exceptional talent and dedication to his craft. In addition to his work with NTGent, Demedts has also worked with other prominent theatre companies in Belgium, including KVS and De Tijd.

Throughout his career, Demedts has collaborated with many of the leading artists of his time. He has appeared in productions by playwrights such as August Strindberg, Samuel Beckett, and Harold Pinter. He has also worked with noted composers and musicians, including Wim Mertens and Walter Hus.

Demedts' film career began in the 1970s, when he appeared in the films "Rubens, schilder en diplomaat" (1977) and "A Belgian Treat" (1978). His performance in "The Pointsman" (1979) earned him critical acclaim and helped establish him as a prominent film actor. Demedts' other notable film roles include "Martha" (1978), "Dood van een non" (1980), and "Benvenuta" (1983).

In addition to his artistic pursuits, Demedts has been active in various social and political causes. He has been a vocal supporter of the Flemish movement, which seeks greater autonomy for the Dutch-speaking region of Belgium. He has also been involved in efforts to promote cultural diversity and preserve the country's rich cultural heritage.

Despite his many achievements, Jef Demedts remained humble and dedicated to his craft. He continued to perform and direct well into his seventies, and his contributions to the arts continue to be celebrated in Belgium and beyond.

Demedts' legacy as an actor and director in the Flemish cultural scene has been recognized with numerous honors and awards. In 2012, he received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Ensors, the annual awards ceremony of the Flemish film industry. In 2015, NTGent dedicated a production of "King Lear" to Demedts in honor of his seventieth year in the theatre.He was also known for his philanthropic and humanitarian work. He was a patron of the Deinze-based charity Soenaert Autistic Adults, which provides support and assistance to adults with autism. Demedts' commitment to this cause was deeply personal, as his son had autism.In spite of his busy career, Demedts remained committed to his family life. He was married to fellow actress Joanna Geldof, with whom he had two children. His son, Tom Demedts, followed in his father's footsteps and pursued a career as an actor.Jef Demedts passed away in March 2020, at the age of 84. His passing was mourned by many in the arts community, who remembered him as a passionate and talented artist, a mentor, and a friend.

Leo Haelterman

Leo Haelterman (July 16, 1935 Wilrijk-March 30, 1984 Wilrijk) was a Belgian actor.

He was best known for his work in Flemish cinema, having starred in numerous Flemish language films during his career. Haelterman made his film debut in 1964 with the film "Hudslavut", and went on to appear in a number of other Flemish films such as "Mira", "De Witte van Sichem", and "Rubens". In addition to his work in film, Haelterman was also a respected stage actor, and performed in numerous productions at the Royal Flemish Theatre. Despite his untimely death in 1984, Leo Haelterman left behind a lasting legacy as one of the most talented and beloved actors of his generation in Belgium.

Throughout his career, Haelterman was known for his versatility and ability to play a wide range of characters. He was equally adept at playing serious dramatic roles as well as comedic ones, and his performances were always praised for their nuance and authenticity. In addition to his work as an actor, Haelterman was also a talented painter and writer, and was known for his sharp wit and insightful commentary on the arts. Although he passed away at the age of only 48, Leo Haelterman remains a beloved figure in the world of Belgian cinema and theater, and his contributions to Belgian culture continue to be celebrated to this day.

Leo Haelterman was born in Wilrijk, Belgium on July 16, 1935, and grew up in a family that was passionate about the arts. His father was a painter and his mother was a musician, so it was no surprise that Haelterman developed an early interest in the arts as well. He began studying acting at a young age, and after completing his education, he started performing in local theater productions.

In the 1960s, Haelterman began to gain more recognition for his work in Flemish cinema, and his career took off. He quickly became known for his dynamic presence on screen and his ability to bring complex characters to life. His performances in films like "Mira" and "De Witte van Sichem" were particularly acclaimed, and he soon became one of the most sought-after actors in the industry.

Despite his success in film, Haelterman continued to devote much of his time to theater. He was a regular performer at the Royal Flemish Theatre, and he starred in numerous productions throughout his career. His performances were always memorable, and he had an incredible ability to connect with audiences and bring them into the world of the characters he portrayed.

In addition to his work as an actor, Haelterman was also a talented painter and writer. His paintings were exhibited in galleries throughout Belgium, and he published several books of poetry and essays. He was a passionate advocate for the arts, and he believed that art had the power to inspire and transform people's lives.

Tragically, Haelterman passed away on March 30, 1984, at the age of only 48. His death was a great loss to the world of Belgian culture, and he is still remembered today as one of the most gifted and respected artists of his generation. Despite his untimely death, Leo Haelterman's legacy continues to live on through his unforgettable performances, his paintings, and his writings.

His legacy also lives on through an award that was established in his honor. The Leo Haelterman Award recognizes outstanding contributions to Flemish theater and is presented annually to individuals who have made significant contributions to the Flemish theater community. Leo Haelterman's impact on the world of Belgian culture cannot be overstated, and his legacy continues to inspire new generations of artists to this day.

Ivan Govar

Ivan Govar (August 24, 1935 Uccle-February 14, 1988 Brussels) also known as Yvan Govar or Yvan Govaerts was a Belgian film director, film producer, screenwriter and actor.

He was born in Uccle, which is a municipality located in Brussels. Govar initially started out as a journalist and worked for several newspapers in Belgium in the 1950s. However, he eventually ventured into the film industry and made his directorial debut with the 1968 film, "La pomme ou l'histoire d'une histoire" (The apple or the story of a story).

Throughout his career, Govar directed and produced various films and documentaries, including "Au pays de Molière" (In the land of Molière), "Qui êtes-vous Monsieur Sorge?" (Who are you, Mr. Sorge?), and "Le rire de Caïn" (The laughter of Cain). He was known for his politically engaged films, which often addressed themes of social injustice and inequality.

Govar also acted in several of his own films, as well as in some other films such as "Le Parrain" (The Godfather) and "Monsieur Klein" (Mr. Klein). He was also a member of the Belgian royal academy of French language and literature.

Sadly, Govar passed away on February 14, 1988, at the age of 52, in Brussels. He left behind a legacy of socially conscious films that continue to inspire and inform audiences today.

In addition to his work in the film industry, Govar was also a professor of cinema at the Institut National Supérieur des Arts du Spectacle (INSAS) in Brussels. He was known for his passion for teaching and for inspiring his students to be politically engaged in their work. Govar was a prominent figure in the Belgian film world and was regarded as one of the pioneers of the country's modern cinema. He was awarded the "Prix de l'Etat" for his contributions to Belgian culture in 1986. Despite his untimely passing, Govar's impact on the film industry and on Belgian society as a whole has continued to be felt in the years since his death.

Aside from his career as a filmmaker and actor, Ivan Govar was also known for his activism and involvement in social and political causes. He was a member of the Belgian Communist Party and was an advocate for workers' rights and socialism. His films often reflected his political beliefs and were instrumental in raising awareness about social issues in Belgium and around the world. Moreover, Govar was a strong supporter of the feminist movement and produced several films that highlighted the struggles and challenges faced by women in society. Despite facing criticism from conservative groups, Govar remained committed to his beliefs and continued to use his platform to promote social justice until the end of his life. Today, he is remembered as a trailblazing filmmaker and a fearless voice for the oppressed and marginalized.

In addition to his work as a filmmaker and activist, Ivan Govar was also a published author. He wrote several books, including "Le Cinéma," which explored the history and future of cinema, and "Le Rouleau compresseur et le violon," which was a political and social commentary on contemporary Belgium. He was also a regular contributor to various Belgian publications, including "Le Peuple" and "La Wallonie."Govar's work has been recognized with numerous awards and accolades, both during his lifetime and posthumously. In 2003, the Belgian film archive Cinematek hosted a retrospective of his work, highlighting his contributions to Belgian cinema. His films have been screened at festivals around the world, and he is regarded as one of the most influential filmmakers in Belgian history. Despite his success, Govar remained humble and dedicated to his craft, always striving to push the boundaries of cinema and use his art to effect positive change.

Jacques Careuil

Jacques Careuil (August 8, 1935 Sint-Agatha-Berchem-) also known as Guy Neulinger is a Belgian actor.

He is best known for his work in Belgian theatre, film and television. In his early career, Careuil acted primarily in French-language films such as "Le dos au mur" and "La Bataille de Waterloo". He eventually transitioned to work in Belgian television, appearing in popular shows such as "De Kolderbrigade" and "Witse".

Throughout his career, Careuil has won several awards for his acting, including the Silver Lion at the Venice Film Festival for his role in the film "Un soir, un train". He is also a respected theatre actor, having performed on stage at theaters across Belgium for many years.

Aside from his work in acting, Careuil has also worked as a director and producer, and has served as the director of the Théâtre de Poche in Brussels. He remains an important figure in Belgian cultural life to this day.

In addition to his impressive career, Jacques Careuil is also a trained psychologist. He obtained his degree in psychology from the Université libre de Bruxelles and has used his knowledge in his acting and directing work. Careuil has also been involved in social causes, including advocating for the rights of people with disabilities. He has worked closely with Theater Stap, a theater group made up of actors with mental disabilities, and has directed several of their productions. Careuil has been recognized for his contributions to the arts and to society as a whole, receiving honors such as the Order of Leopold and the Order of the Crown from the Belgian government.

Jacques Careuil was born as Guy Neulinger in Sint-Agatha-Berchem, Brussels, Belgium on August 8, 1935. He took the stage name Jacques Careuil in honor of his mother's maiden name. He started his acting career in the 1950s and appeared in numerous French-language films. Careuil became a household name in Belgium for his work on television and theater, with his performances earning critical acclaim. He is known for his ability to portray both dramatic and comedic characters in his various roles.

Aside from acting, Careuil has also directed and produced plays, and even authored a few books. He has also served on the jury of film festivals such as the Brussels Film Festival and the Ostend Film Festival.

On a personal level, Careuil has been married twice and has two children. He is also an avid art collector and has a large collection of paintings, sculptures, and other works. Careuil's love for art is evident in his work, and he has incorporated elements of art and culture into many of his productions.

Despite being in his 80s, Jacques Careuil continues to work in the entertainment industry and remains a prominent figure in Belgian arts and culture. His contributions to the field of acting, as well as his philanthropic work, have made him a revered figure in his home country and beyond.

Jacques Careuil began his acting career in the 1950s after completing his degree in psychology from the Université libre de Bruxelles. He appeared in several French-language films such as "Le dos au mur" and "La Bataille de Waterloo" before transitioning to work in Belgian television. Careuil's most notable performances on Belgian television include his work in popular shows such as "De Kolderbrigade" and "Witse". In addition to his work in film and television, Careuil also performed on stage at theaters across Belgium for many years.

Careuil's success as an actor led to several awards and recognitions in the field of acting. He won the Silver Lion at the Venice Film Festival for his role in the film "Un soir, un train", and has received several other awards and honors throughout his career. Apart from his work in acting, Careuil also served as the director of the Théâtre de Poche in Brussels and directed several productions for the theater group, Theater Stap.

Despite his age, Jacques Careuil remains active in the entertainment industry and continues to work in the field of acting. In addition to his acting work, Careuil is an avid art collector and author who has written several books. He has also served on the jury of various film festivals, including the Brussels Film Festival and the Ostend Film Festival. Careuil's contributions to the arts and society as a whole have made him a well-respected figure in Belgian cultural life.

Serge Thiriet

Serge Thiriet (September 3, 1935 Liège-) is a Belgian actor.

He studied at the Royal Conservatory of Brussels and started his career in the 1960s as a stage actor. He performed in various theaters, including the National Theatre of Brussels and the Royal Flemish Theatre. Thiriet is well known for his versatility and has appeared in a wide variety of films, TV shows and plays. He has also worked as a director and writer for several productions. Thiriet won the Best Supporting Actor award at the 1987 Joseph Plateau Awards for his role in the film "Toubib" and received the Order of the Crown, a Belgian honor, in 2007 in recognition of his contributions to Belgian culture.

In addition to his work as an actor, Thiriet has also been involved in teaching drama. He was a professor at the Brussels School of Theatre from 1986-2000 and has mentored several young actors throughout his career. Thiriet is also a polyglot and is fluent in French, Dutch, English, and German, which has allowed him to work on productions in multiple languages. He has worked with several famous Belgian directors, including the Dardenne brothers, and has appeared in several of their acclaimed films. Despite being in his eighties, Thiriet continues to work in the industry and remains an influential figure in Belgian theatre and film.

Thiriet's passion for acting and cinema started at a young age. He was heavily influenced by French and Italian cinema and would often skip school to watch movies. His parents were against his interest in acting, but Thiriet persevered and pursued his dreams. In the 1960s, he became involved in the experimental theatre scene in Brussels and quickly found success. His breakthrough role came in 1971 when he played the lead in the play "The White Plague" by René Kalisky.

Thiriet's film career began with small roles in the 1960s but it wasn't until the 1980s that he gained wider recognition for his talent. He appeared in several films directed by the legendary Belgian filmmaker, André Delvaux, including "Benvenuta" and "L'Œuvre au noir." Thiriet's other notable films include "Cache-Cache pastoral," "Menuet," and "La Promesse." He also starred in the popular Belgian TV series, "Windkracht 10."

Besides his work in drama, Thiriet has worked in voice acting and has provided the French voice for several foreign films. He has also written plays, including "Cartons" and "La Plongée."

Thiriet's passion for theatre and cinema is matched only by his commitment to social causes. He has been involved in several charities and has worked tirelessly to promote French-speaking culture. He is also an advocate for the rights of refugees and has been vocal about the need for more inclusive policies in Europe.

Thiriet's career has spanned over 50 years and his impact on Belgian culture cannot be overstated. He has inspired several generations of actors and filmmakers and has left an indelible mark on the industry.

In addition to his accolades, Serge Thiriet also received the Grand Prix de la Presse at the Cannes Film Festival for his role in the film "Le Maître de Musique" in 1989. He has also been recognized by the Académie royale des sciences, des lettres et des beaux-arts de Belgique for his contributions to Belgian culture. Thiriet continues to be an active member of the industry, frequently appearing in films, TV shows, and theatre productions. He is also a member of the Belgian Film Academy and the European Film Academy. Despite his success and fame, Thiriet maintains a humble and down-to-earth demeanor and is known for his kindness and generosity towards his colleagues and fans. He remains a beloved figure in Belgian culture and an inspiration to aspiring artists.

Related articles