Here are 11 famous actors from Belgium were born in 1938:
Patrick Bauchau (December 6, 1938 Brussels-) otherwise known as Patrick Nicolas Jean Sixte Ghislain Bauchau is a Belgian actor. He has one child, Camille Bauchau.
Bauchau began his acting career in theatre before transitioning to film and television. He has appeared in over 80 films and numerous TV shows in both Europe and Hollywood. He is best known for his roles in "The Pretender" as Sydney and "The Rapture" as Michael. Bauchau is also an accomplished poet, having published several collections of his work. He has received numerous awards for his contributions to French and Belgian culture, including the Commander in the Order of the Crown and the Officer of the Order of Arts and Letters. In addition to his acting and writing, Bauchau has also worked as a model, artist, and photographer.
Bauchau was born into a family of artists- his mother was a composer and his father was a writer. He grew up in Belgium and studied modern languages, philosophy, and psychology at the University of Louvain. Bauchau also served in the Belgian Army before pursuing his passion for acting. In the 1970s, he moved to Paris and began to make a name for himself in French cinema, working with influential directors such as Robert Bresson and Eric Rohmer.
Bauchau later made the jump to Hollywood, where he appeared in films such as "Clear and Present Danger", "Panic Room", and "Boy Culture". He also acted in international hits such as "The Unbearable Lightness of Being" and "Get Out Your Handkerchiefs". Despite his success in Hollywood, Bauchau has always maintained close ties to his native Belgium and continues to be involved in the country's arts scene.
In addition to his film and poetry work, Bauchau has also been a vocal advocate for environmental causes and has been involved in several conservation initiatives. He divides his time between homes in Europe and California, and is a fluent speaker of several languages, including French, English, and Spanish.
Severin Wunderman (November 19, 1938 Brussels-June 25, 2008 Nice) was a Belgian actor and manufacturer. He had one child, Michael Wunderman.
Severin Wunderman was famous for his contributions to the watch-making industry, having founded the luxury watch brand, Corum. He started his career in the industry at a young age, working for his uncle's watch company, Ryser-Kentfield. He later went to the United States and became the president of Corum's US subsidiary before eventually acquiring the entire brand in 1999.
Aside from his successful career in watch-making, Wunderman was also an avid art collector and philanthropist. He owned a vast collection of Salvador Dali's artworks, and even established the Severin Wunderman Museum in Irvine, California, to showcase his collection. He also supported various charities, including the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Wunderman continued to work until his death in 2008, and his impact on the watch-making industry can still be seen today through the enduring legacy of Corum.
Wunderman's passion for watches was evident not only in his business ventures but also in his personal life. He was known to always wear a watch on each wrist, a habit he started in order to keep track of time in different time zones. In addition to Corum, he also founded other watch brands like the eponymous Severin Montres and the Swiss Military watch brand. He was posthumously inducted into the Horological Academy of Independent Creators (AHCI) in recognition of his contributions to the watch-making industry.
Aside from his love for watches and art, Wunderman was also an accomplished author, having written several books including his autobiography, "Swiss Made: The Untold Story Behind Switzerland’s Success", and "The Magic of Watches", a comprehensive guide to the history and craftsmanship of watches.
Wunderman's legacy extends beyond his professional achievements and philanthropic endeavors. He was known for his larger-than-life personality and his ability to inspire others, something he often attributed to his lifelong struggle with dyslexia. He believed that his learning disability taught him the value of perseverance and creativity, qualities that served him well throughout his life.
Raymond Bossaerts (June 23, 1938 Brasschaat-) also known as Ray Bossaert is a Belgian actor.
He started his acting career in theater productions in the 1960s and 1970s before transitioning to film and television work. Bossaerts has appeared in numerous Belgian and international productions, including the films "Daens" (1992) and "Frits en Freddy" (2010), as well as the television series "Het Peulengaleis" (1982-1983) and "Flikken" (1999-2009). In addition to his acting career, Bossaerts is also a theater director and has taught acting at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp.
Bossaerts is a versatile actor who is known for his ability to play a wide range of roles, including dramatic and comedic roles. He has been awarded several prizes for his work, including the Flemish Culture Award in 1997 and the Variety Club Award in 2009. Bossaerts is also a prolific voice actor and has lent his voice to characters in various animated films and TV series, including the Dutch version of the popular children's show "Sesame Street". He is considered one of the most respected actors in Belgium and has had a significant impact on the country's film and television industry.
Daniel Dury (August 18, 1938 Verviers-) also known as Fernand Ely Victor Henri Gurdal or D. Dury is a Belgian actor and voice actor.
He began his acting career in the mid-1950s and became a popular performer in French-speaking Belgium. Dury is best known for his roles in the films "Et la tendresse?.. Bordel!" (1979), "Le Bal Masqué" (1965), and "Stella" (1983). He has also provided voices for various animated films and television shows, such as "The Smurfs" and "Asterix and the Vikings". In addition to his acting career, Dury has written several plays and novels, and is also a songwriter and singer. He continues to be active in the entertainment industry today.
Dury's versatile acting skills allowed him to work in different genres, including comedy, drama, and action films. He won critical acclaim for his performances in "The Man Who Knew Too Much" (1956) and "The Stranger" (1967). In the 1980s, he starred in the popular television series "Vivement Lundi!", which earned him a dedicated fan base.
Apart from his acting career, Dury was a prolific writer. He wrote several plays, including "La nuit à l'envers" and "La vie secrète des jouets". He was also the author of several novels, including "La chambre de l'absent", "L'éblouissant échiquier", and "La route d'Ustica". In addition, he was a talented songwriter and singer, and released several albums throughout his career.
Dury was recognized for his contributions to the arts in 2008 when he was awarded the title of chevalier (knight) of the Order of Arts and Letters by the French government. Despite his success, Dury remained a down-to-earth and humble person, known for his generosity and sense of humor. He continues to inspire younger generations of artists in Belgium and beyond with his work.
François Beukelaers (February 2, 1938 Vilvoorde-) otherwise known as Frans Beukelaers or Frank Montezuma is a Belgian actor, film director and television director.
He began his career in the late 1950s and early 1960s as a theatre actor, and later transitioned to film and television. Beukelaers is best known for his role as Inspector De Kee in the popular Belgian TV series "Witse" and for his directorial work on the film "De Witte van Sichem". He was also a prominent member of the the Flemish cultural organization "Zuidpool". In addition to his acting and directing work, Beukelaers also served as a drama teacher at the Studio Herman Teirlinck in Antwerp.
Beukelaers was born in Vilvoorde, Belgium. He studied acting at the Royal Conservatory in Brussels before making his professional debut in 1959. He quickly became a respected theatre actor, appearing in numerous productions throughout Belgium and the Netherlands.
Beukelaers made his film debut in 1961 in the Belgian film "De Overval". He went on to have a successful career in both film and television, appearing in a wide range of productions.
In addition to his work in the entertainment industry, Beukelaers was also active in the Flemish cultural scene. He was a member of "Zuidpool", a cultural organization dedicated to promoting Flemish theatre, film, and television.
Beukelaers was also a drama teacher at the Studio Herman Teirlinck in Antwerp, where he trained many aspiring actors and directors. He was known for his passion and dedication to his craft, and was highly respected throughout the Belgian theatre and film communities.
Beukelaers retired from acting in 2011, but continued to work as a director and drama teacher. He was awarded the title of Knight in the Order of the Crown in 1995 for his contributions to Belgian culture.
Bernard Verheyden (November 20, 1938 Antwerp-) is a Belgian actor.
He has appeared in numerous films, television shows, and stage productions throughout his career. Verheyden began his acting career in the late 1950s, and has since become a well-respected figure in the Belgian entertainment industry. Some of his notable roles include appearing in the films "Benvenuta", "The Weight of Water", and "The Promise", as well as the television series "Wittekerke" and "Thuis". Verheyden has also received recognition for his work as a stage actor, performing in productions of Shakespeare's "Macbeth" and "A Midsummer Night's Dream", among others. In addition to his acting career, Verheyden has taught drama at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp.
Verheyden was born in Antwerp and grew up in a family with a love for the arts. His interest in acting began at a young age, and he pursued his passion by studying drama at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp. After completing his education, Verheyden began his acting career on stage.
Verheyden's talent and dedication quickly drew the attention of the film and television industry, and he soon found himself with a long list of credits to his name. Over the course of his career, Verheyden has worked alongside some of the most well-respected actors and directors in the industry, earning a reputation for his professionalism and versatility.
In addition to his work as an actor and teacher, Verheyden has also been involved in the promotion and preservation of Belgian cinema. He has served as a member of the Belgian Film Critics Association, as well as on the board of the Flemish Audiovisual Fund, which supports the production of Dutch language films in Belgium.
Despite his long and successful career, Verheyden remains humble and dedicated to his craft. He continues to challenge himself as an actor, taking on new and exciting roles that push him to explore new depths of his talent.
Jean-Claude Drouot (December 17, 1938 Lessines-) otherwise known as Jean-Claude Constant Nestor Gustave Drouot is a Belgian actor.
He started his acting career in the theatre, performing in several productions in Belgium and France. Drouot then transitioned to television and film, gaining international recognition for his role as Philippe in the 1967 war film "The War is Over." He also starred in the popular French TV series "Les Enquêtes du commissaire Maigret" (Maigret) in the 1990s. In addition to his acting career, Drouot is also a talented filmmaker, having directed and written several films throughout his career. Aside from his work in entertainment, Drouot is also an avid collector of Ottoman ceramics and has written several books on the subject.
Drouot was born in the small town of Lessines, Belgium, and grew up in a family of artists. His father was a painter and his mother was a ballet dancer. He was educated at the École nationale supérieure des arts visuels de La Cambre in Brussels before pursuing his acting career. In the 1960s, Drouot became a well-known figure in French cinema, appearing in films such as "Angelique, Marquise des Anges" and "Weekend at Dunkirk."
Drouot's career continued into the 1980s and 1990s, during which he worked on several television series, including "Les Cinq Dernières Minutes" and "Le Château des oliviers." He received critical acclaim for his performance in the TV series "Les Enquêtes du commissaire Maigret," which was based on the detective novels of Georges Simenon. Drouot played the role of Inspector Maigret's trusted ally, Inspector Lucas.
In addition to his acting and directing pursuits, Drouot is an expert on Ottoman ceramics. He has authored several books on the subject, including "Céramiques de Turquie" and "D'Iznik à Kutahya : céramiques ottomanes du XV au XIXe siècle." He is also a renowned collector of Ottoman art and has exhibited pieces from his collection in various museums across Europe.
Today, Drouot continues to live in Brussels and remains active in the entertainment industry. He has been recognized for his contributions to Belgian cinema and was awarded the title of Knight in the Order of the Crown by the Belgian government in 2002.
Ivo Pauwels (August 18, 1938 Antwerp-) is a Belgian actor. He has one child, Ann Pauwels.
Ivo Pauwels began acting in the late 1950s and went on to star in numerous films, television shows, and stage productions throughout his career. He is perhaps best known for his roles in the Belgian television series "Wittekerke" and "Flikken". Pauwels has also worked as a voice actor, lending his voice to a number of animated films and TV shows. In addition to his work in entertainment, he has also been involved in politics, serving as a member of the Flemish Parliament from 1995 to 2003. Pauwels was awarded the prestigious Flemish Culture Prize for Performing Arts in 1999. Despite being retired, he still makes occasional appearances on screen and on stage.
In addition to his successful career as an actor in Belgium, Ivo Pauwels has also acted in films and television shows in the Netherlands and France. He has performed in productions such as "De Witte van Sichem", "Diamant", and "Bompa". Pauwels is known for his versatility as an actor, able to seamlessly transition between dramatic and comedic roles. He has also been praised for his talent as a voice actor, particularly for his portrayal of the character Jacques in the animated film "Asterix and Cleopatra".
Outside of his career, Pauwels is an avid lover of nature and the outdoors. He enjoys spending time gardening and has even written a book on the subject, titled "Mijn groene Paradijs" (My Green Paradise). Pauwels is also a philanthropist and has been involved in various charitable organizations throughout his life. He has worked with organizations such as UNICEF and the Belgian Red Cross, among others. Despite his many accomplishments over the years, Pauwels has remained humble and grounded, always putting his family and community first.
Rocco Granata (August 16, 1938 Figline Vegliaturo-) also known as Granata, Rocco is a Belgian singer, actor, songwriter and accordionist.
Born to Italian parents in Figline Vegliaturo, Calabria, Italy, Granata and his family moved to Belgium when he was 10 years old. He started playing the accordion in his teenage years and eventually formed a band. In 1959, at the age of 21, he wrote and recorded his biggest hit "Marina" which became a worldwide sensation and sold over 5 million copies. Granata continued to record and perform throughout his career, and collaborated with various artists including Luciano Pavarotti and Dalida. In addition to music, he also appeared in several films and television shows, and was awarded the title of Knight of the Order of Leopold in 2004 for his contributions to Belgian culture.
Granata's success with "Marina" led him to tour extensively throughout Europe and Latin America. He released multiple albums throughout the 1960s and 1970s and continued to perform into the 21st century. In addition to his own music, Granata was also an accomplished songwriter, penning hits for other artists such as Claudio Villa and Johnny Dorelli. He was also involved in various philanthropic efforts, including organizing benefit concerts for earthquake victims in Italy. Granata remains a beloved figure in both the Belgian and Italian music scenes, and his influence can be heard in the work of numerous contemporary musicians.
Jean-Marie Buchet (February 24, 1938 Jemappes-) is a Belgian author, actor, screenwriter, film director and film editor.
Buchet began his career as an actor in the early 1960s and later transitioned to writing and directing. He is best known for his work in the French New Wave movement, particularly for his lyrical and visually stunning films. Some of his most notable films include "Le Vent dans les branches de Sassafras" (1971) and "Petit Joseph" (1977). Buchet has also written several novels and plays, and has been recognized with numerous awards for his contributions to the arts. In addition to his creative work, he has served as a professor of cinema at several universities in Belgium and France.
Buchet's interest in film developed early in life, as he spent much of his childhood developing his skills as a filmmaker through experimenting with home movie equipment. After completing his studies in philosophy and letters, Buchet began writing for various film publications, including Cahiers du Cinéma. It was through his work as a film critic that he became involved in the French New Wave movement, which sought to redefine cinema as an art form.
Buchet's films often explore themes of memory and nostalgia, and are characterized by their intricate use of music and poetic visual language. In addition to his work as a director, Buchet has earned acclaim as a film editor, collaborating with fellow New Wave filmmakers such as Jean-Luc Godard and Agnès Varda.
Beyond his work in film, Buchet has also been recognized for his contributions to literature, winning the Grand Prix des Écrivains Belges Francophones in 2005 for his novel "Le Soleil de Satin." In recent years, he has continued to be involved in the film industry, serving as a member of various juries at international film festivals.
Paul-Emile Van Royen (December 27, 1938 Olen, Belgium-February 17, 2012 Lier, Belgium) also known as Paul-Emile Van Rooyen, Paul Emile Van Royen or Paul-Emiel Van Royen was a Belgian actor.
He began his acting career in the 1960s and went on to appear in numerous films and television shows, both in Belgium and internationally. Some of his notable film roles include "Max Havelaar" (1976), "The Mask" (1988), and "The 13th Warrior" (1999).
Outside of acting, Van Royen was also a renowned puppeteer and founded his own puppet theater company, "Theater Taptoe." He was recognized for his contributions to the arts in Belgium and was awarded the "Order of the Crown" by the Belgian government.
Van Royen passed away in 2012 at the age of 73, leaving behind a legacy as one of Belgium's most talented actors and puppeteers.
Van Royen was born on December 27, 1938 in Olen, Belgium. He grew up in a family of artists and performers and was drawn to the world of theater from a young age. He studied drama at the Royal Conservatory of Antwerp and began his career in the 1960s on stage and in television productions.
In addition to his prolific career in film and television, Van Royen was also a respected theater director and puppeteer. He founded Theater Taptoe in 1964, which became one of Belgium's premier puppet theater companies. Van Royen was known for his innovative and creative use of puppetry, often incorporating it into his live theater performances.
Throughout his career, Van Royen received many awards and accolades for his contributions to Belgian arts and culture. In addition to the Order of the Crown, he was also a recipient of the prestigious Flemish Culture Prize.
Van Royen is remembered not only for his talents as an actor and puppeteer, but also for his kindness and generosity towards his colleagues and fellow artists. His legacy lives on through his many contributions to Belgian theater and film.