Belgian actors who were born in 1940
Here are 7 famous actors from Belgium were born in 1940:
José van Dam
José van Dam (August 25, 1940 Brussels-) also known as Jose van Dam, Joseph van Damme or Joseph, Baron van Damme is a Belgian opera singer and actor.
He is renowned for his powerful bass-baritone voice, wide range, and extraordinary vocal technique. José van Dam was born in Brussels, Belgium, and grew up in a musical family. He started singing in a children's choir at the age of nine and went on to become one of the most acclaimed opera singers of his generation. He has performed in the world's leading opera houses and worked with many of the greatest conductors and directors of the 20th century.
Apart from his successful career in opera, Van Dam has also made a name for himself as an actor. He has appeared in several films, including "Un Coeur en Hiver" and "The Music Teacher", and in various TV shows and theater productions. In recognition of his contributions to the arts, Van Dam has received numerous awards, including the title of "Commandeur des Arts et des Lettres" from the French government, and the Grammy Award for Best Classical Vocal Solo.
José van Dam's repertoire includes over 100 roles, ranging from Mozart to Wagner, and his voice has been described as both commanding and sensitive. He has made many recordings, including complete operas, solo albums, and collaborations with other artists. In addition to his performing career, Van Dam has also been a teacher and mentor to many young singers, passing along his experience and expertise to the next generation. He has been a guest professor at several music schools and universities, and in 1993 he founded the Queen Elisabeth Musical Chapel, a training program for young singers and musicians based in Waterloo, Belgium. Van Dam was made a baron by the Belgian king in 1998, in recognition of his artistic achievements and service to the country. Despite facing health challenges in recent years, he continues to be active in the music world, performing and mentoring as he has for over five decades.
Harry Kümel
Harry Kümel (January 27, 1940 Antwerp-) a.k.a. Harry Kumel or Harrie Kümel is a Belgian film director, screenwriter, cinematographer, television director and actor.
Kümel is best known for his horror and erotic films, including "Daughters of Darkness" (1971) and "Malpertuis" (1971). He began his career working in documentary film before transitioning into feature films. Kümel's films often explore themes of sexuality, gender roles, and power dynamics. He has received numerous awards for his work, including the Grand Prix at the Venice Film Festival for his film "Les Lèvres Rouges" (Daughters of Darkness). Kümel has also taught film at the INSAS film school in Brussels and has served as a member of the board of directors at the Belgian film archive.
Kümel was born in Antwerp, Belgium during World War II. He went on to study at the Institut des Arts de Diffusion (IAD) in Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium where he began his foray into filmmaking. After completing his studies, Kümel began working in documentary filmmaking and later transitioned into feature films. His feature film debut was "Les Apprentis Sorciers" (The Beguiled), a film about a group of students who attempt to make a film but end up with disastrous results.
Kümel's filmography is diverse and includes works such as "Malpertuis" (1971), a film adaptation of the novel by Jean Ray, and "The Witches' Mountain" (1972), a film about a group of characters who try to solve a mystery in a remote mountain village. He is also known for his work in television, particularly his adaptation of "Les Misérables" (1978).
Kümel's films often examine the darker aspects of human nature and frequently delve into taboo subjects. His films have been described as sensual, erotic, and visually stunning. He has been praised for his use of symbolism and his ability to create suspense and tension.
In addition to his work as a filmmaker, Kümel has also worked as an actor and cinematographer. He has taught film at the INSAS film school in Brussels and has served as a member of the board of directors at the Belgian film archive. Kümel continues to work in the film industry and is considered a respected figure in European cinema.
Jacques Faber
Jacques Faber (April 1, 1940 Brussels-) is a Belgian actor.
He began his acting career in the 1960s and has starred in films such as "The Enemy," "Camping Cosmos," and "The Eighth Day." Faber has also appeared on stage, including performances at the Royal Flemish Theatre in Brussels. In addition to his acting career, Faber has also worked as a director and screenwriter. He has been awarded the Order of the Crown, one of Belgium's highest honors for his contributions to the arts.
Faber came from a family of performers; his father was a theater director and his mother was a film actress. He attended the Royal Conservatory of Brussels, where he studied drama and began his acting career shortly thereafter. In addition to his work on stage and screen, Faber has also lent his voice to several animated films and television shows. He is known for his versatile acting skills, with the ability to portray both comedic and serious roles. Despite his success, Faber remains humble and committed to his craft. He continues to work in the entertainment industry, taking on new projects and inspiring younger generations of actors.
Jaak Van Assche
Jaak Van Assche (July 13, 1940 Londerzeel-) also known as Jacques Van Assche is a Belgian actor and teacher. He has one child, Raf Van Assche.
Jaak Van Assche has appeared in numerous Belgian television shows and movies throughout his career. He is best known for his role as Fernand Costermans in the Flemish sitcom "F.C. De Kampioenen," which aired from 1990 to 2011. Van Assche also appeared in the films "A Fish Called Wanda" and "Madame Edouard."
In addition to his acting career, Van Assche has worked as a teacher at the Royal Conservatory of Antwerp, where he has taught drama since 1970. He has also written and directed several plays and won the Prix de la Critique for his play "Bertrand."
Van Assche is widely regarded as one of the most talented and respected actors in Belgium. He continues to act and teach today.
Van Assche started his acting career in the late 1960s, appearing in various stage productions such as "Brigade of the Horse," which won several awards. He then transitioned to television in the early 1970s, where he landed recurring roles in popular Belgian shows such as "De Paradijsvogels" and "Kapitein Zeppos." Van Assche's talent and versatility as an actor stand out in his ability to portray a wide range of characters, from comedic to serious.
Apart from his work in the performing arts, Van Assche is also a philanthropist and has been actively involved in charitable causes. He is an ambassador for the Belgian Red Cross and has contributed significantly to the organization's humanitarian efforts.
In recognition of his contributions to Belgian culture, Van Assche was awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Antwerp in 2012. He is also the recipient of several national awards, such as the Golden Globe, and has been recognized internationally for his contributions to the arts.
Roger van Hool
Roger van Hool (September 27, 1940 Antwerp-) also known as Roger Van Hoel is a Belgian actor.
He started his acting career in the 1960s, and was part of the international wave of new cinema. Van Hool played leading roles in films by directors such as Jean-Pierre Mocky, Chantal Akerman, and Andrzej Żuławski. He was nominated for the César Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for his performance in 'Merry-Go-Round' by Jacques Rivette in 1981.
In addition to his film work, Van Hool also worked as a stage actor, performing in productions of works by Samuel Beckett, Eugène Ionesco, and more. He was awarded the title of Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres in France for his work in the arts. Van Hool has continued to act in films and on stage into the 21st century.
In 1996, Roger van Hool won the Best Actor Award in the Namur International Festival of French-Speaking Film for his role in "The Eighth Day" directed by Jaco Van Dormael. He also appeared in several well-known Belgian television series such as "Salamander" and "Code 37". Van Hool was a founding member of the Belgian Actors Union and served as its president from 1991 to 2000. He was also a professor at the Royal Conservatory of Brussels, teaching acting to young aspiring actors. In addition, Van Hool has directed several plays, including "The Lesson" by Ionesco, which he also starred in. He continues to be recognized as one of Belgium's most talented and respected actors.
Walter Moeremans
Walter Moeremans (January 18, 1940 Mechelen-) is a Belgian actor. His children are called Karen Moeremans and Ingrid Moeremans.
Walter Moeremans began his acting career in the 1960s, appearing in a number of Flemish and Dutch films. He quickly gained recognition as a talented actor and went on to become a household name in Belgium. Moeremans has also worked extensively in theater, both in Belgium and abroad. He is particularly known for his work with the Flanders Theatre Company and has received critical acclaim for his performances in productions of works by Shakespeare, Chekov, and Brecht, among others. In addition to his work on stage, Moeremans has also appeared in numerous television series and has lent his voice to a number of Flemish and Dutch animated films. He is widely regarded as one of Belgium's finest actors and has received many honors throughout his career, including the Flemish Culture Prize for Performing Arts.
Moeremans started his acting career at the age of 19, after studying at the Studio Herman Teirlinck in Antwerp. Over the years, he has appeared in over 100 films, including "Mira" (1971), "Lijmen/Het Been" (2000), and "The Misfortunates" (2009). He has also acted in international films such as "The Little Drummer Girl" (1984) and "The Quarry" (1998).
In addition to his successful acting career, Moeremans has also worked as a director and drama teacher. He directed his first production in 1982 and has gone on to direct several plays, operas, and musicals. Moeremans has also taught drama at the Lemmens Institute in Leuven and at the Royal Conservatory of Antwerp.
Moeremans has been honored with several awards and recognitions in his career, including the Order of the Crown in 2000 and the title of Knight in the Order of Leopold in 2006. He continues to act in films, television series, and theater productions and remains a beloved figure in Belgian culture.
András Szigeti
András Szigeti (August 31, 1940 Liège-March 28, 1998 Nyíregyháza) a.k.a. Schwetz András or András Schwetz was a Belgian actor and voice actor.
He was born to Hungarian parents and grew up bilingual speaking both French and Hungarian. He studied acting at the Royal Conservatory of Liège and later relocated to Budapest where he continued his craft. Throughout his career, he appeared in numerous Hungarian and Belgian films, TV series, and stage productions. Some of his notable works include "The Witness" (1969), "The Real End of the Great War" (1975), "Village Educator" (1985), and "The Wounds of Hunger" (1986). He was also known for his distinctive voice and lent his talents to dubbing foreign films and TV shows into Hungarian.
One of András Szigeti's most well-known voice acting roles was as the Hungarian voice of Darth Vader in the original "Star Wars" trilogy. He also provided the Hungarian voice for numerous other iconic characters, including Scar from "The Lion King", Jafar from "Aladdin", and Rasputin from "Anastasia". In addition to his work as an actor and voice actor, Szigeti was also a respected acting coach, teaching at the Theatre Academy Budapest and the Hungarian Radio and Television. Despite his success, Szigeti struggled with depression and substance abuse throughout his life. He died in 1998 at the age of 57 in Hungary.