Here are 5 famous actors from Belgium were born in 1954:
Erwin Provoost (January 12, 1954 Ghent-) is a Belgian film producer, actor and television producer.
He started his career in the film industry as a producer for several short films and documentaries. In the 1990s, he co-founded the production company MMG, which produced a number of successful films, including "The Alzheimer Case" and "De Zaak Alzheimer." Provoost also worked as an actor, appearing in films such as "The Memory of a Killer" and "The Alzheimer Case."
In addition to his work in film, Provoost has also worked in television production. He served as the head of drama at VTM, a Belgian commercial television station, and produced a number of popular television series, including "Aspe" and "Matroesjka's." Provoost has been recognized for his work in the film industry with several awards, including a Joseph Plateau Award for Best Belgian Film.
Provoost's contribution to the Belgian film industry is not just limited to producing and acting. He was also instrumental in securing funding for film projects in Flanders, serving as the executive director of the Flanders Audiovisual Fund from 2002 to 2012. During his tenure, he oversaw the financing of a number of successful films, including "Bullhead" and "The Broken Circle Breakdown," which were both nominated for the Best Foreign Language Film Oscar in 2012 and 2014 respectively.
Provoost's passion for film extends beyond production and funding. He has also been actively involved in film education, serving as a lecturer in film at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Ghent. He has also served as a board member of the European Film Academy and as a jury member for various film festivals.
In addition to his numerous accomplishments in the film industry, Provoost is also an accomplished musician. He has played saxophone in several jazz bands and has released two albums of his own compositions.
Provoost's dedication to the film industry has earned him recognition beyond Belgium. In 2011, he was awarded the Eurimages Co-production Award at the European Film Awards for his contribution to international co-productions. Provoost has also been a strong advocate for the promotion and support of European cinema. He served as the president of the European Producers Club from 2000 to 2004 and has been a member of the board of directors for the European Film Academy since 2006. Provoost continues to be an influential figure in the Belgian film industry and his diverse contributions to film education, production, and funding have made him a well-respected figure among his peers.
Provoost's love for the arts extends beyond film and music. He is also a collector of art and has a notable collection of contemporary Flemish art. In 2018, he donated a significant portion of his art collection to the Museum of Fine Arts in Ghent.Provoost's commitment to the arts and cultural industries has been recognized by the government of Belgium. He was awarded the title of Knight in the Order of Leopold II and was also presented with the Belgian National Order of the Crown. Provoost remains an active member of the film industry, serving as the chairman of the advisory board for the Film Fest Ghent and as a member of the board of directors for CineRegio, an organization that supports European regional film funds.
Luc Sante (May 25, 1954 Verviers-) is a Belgian writer, film director, critic and actor.
He is best known for his non-fiction works about cultural and historical topics, including "Low Life: Lures and Snares of Old New York," "The Factory of Facts," and "The Other Paris." His writing has been highly acclaimed for its lyrical and insightful approach to urban history and culture.
Sante has also directed several short films and documentaries, and has appeared in a number of films and television shows as an actor. He has been a regular contributor to The New York Review of Books and has also written for The New York Times Magazine, The Village Voice, and Harper's Magazine, among other publications.
Sante currently teaches writing and literature at Bard College in New York. He has received numerous awards for his writing, including a Whiting Writers' Award, a Literature Award from the American Academy of Arts and Letters, and a Guggenheim Fellowship.
Luc Sante was born in Verviers, Belgium in 1954. He spent his childhood in both Belgium and the United States before settling in New York City in the early 1980s. Sante began his career as a writer, publishing his first book "Low Life: Lures and Snares of Old New York" in 1991. The book explored the underbelly of New York during the 19th and early 20th centuries and was highly praised for its vivid description and historical accuracy.
In addition to his writing, Sante has directed several short films and documentaries, including "The Appointments of Dennis Jennings" which won an Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film in 1989. He has also acted in a number of films and television shows, including "Smoke" and "The Sopranos."
Sante's work has earned him numerous awards and honors, including a Literature Award from the American Academy of Arts and Letters, a Guggenheim Fellowship, and the Infinity Award for Writing from the International Center of Photography. He has been a regular contributor to The New York Review of Books since 1981 and has written for a wide range of publications throughout his career.
Today, Sante is a professor of writing and literature at Bard College in New York. He continues to write and publish works that explore the cultural and historical significance of urban life.
One interesting fact about Luc Sante is that he was heavily influenced by the works of French author Blaise Cendrars, particularly his book "Paris, the Sky and the Earth." Sante has cited Cendrars as a major inspiration for his own writing, which often focuses on the gritty, complex realities of city life. Additionally, Sante is a fluent speaker of French and has translated several works from the language into English, including books by Guy Debord and Georges Perec. His ability to work in both languages has allowed him to explore a wide range of cultural and literary traditions in his writing.
Luc Sante is known for his unique style of writing that combines storytelling with detailed historical research. He has explored a variety of topics, from the cultural significance of photography to the history of the underground in New York City. Sante's writing has been praised for its ability to capture a sense of time and place that is both evocative and informative.
Sante has also been an influential figure in the world of photography, particularly in the field of vernacular photography—the type of photography that is created by ordinary people, rather than professional photographers. He has curated a number of exhibitions on the subject, including "Evidence," which was shown at the International Center of Photography in New York in 1997.
In addition to his work as a writer and educator, Sante is also an avid collector of vintage objects and ephemera. His personal collection includes antique postcards, photographs, and other items that offer a glimpse into the cultural history of the United States.
Overall, Luc Sante's work has had a significant impact on the way we think about history, culture, and the urban experience. Through his books, films, and other creative endeavors, he has shown us that the world around us is full of stories waiting to be told.
Erik Goris (November 11, 1954 Antwerp-) is a Belgian actor.
He is best known for his roles in the Flemish television series "Windkracht 10" and "Flikken". Goris has had a successful career in both film and television, winning critical acclaim for his performances in the films "Komt een vrouw bij de dokter" and "De helaasheid der dingen". In addition to his work in acting, Goris has also worked as a director for various television programs in Belgium. He has been praised for his versatility as an actor, able to take on a wide range of character roles with ease. Goris has also been active in social and political causes, advocating for LGBT rights and environmental protection.
Goris was born and raised in Antwerp, Belgium. He studied acting at the Royal Conservatory of Brussels and made his acting debut in the late 1970s. He gained popularity in the 1990s with his role as Tom in the television series "Windkracht 10" and later as Yannick in "Flikken". Goris has also appeared in several Dutch and French films, showcasing his multilingual abilities.
In recent years, Goris has continued to deliver outstanding performances, including in the films "The Broken Circle Breakdown" and "Zagros". He has also lent his voice to several animated films and TV shows.
Apart from his acting career, Goris is actively involved in various social and environmental causes. He is a strong advocate for animal rights and has been a vocal supporter of organizations working towards animal welfare. Goris is also known for his work with LGBT organizations, serving as a representative and spokesperson for their causes.
Goris has been recognized for his contributions to the arts and society with several honors and awards throughout his career. He continues to inspire and entertain audiences with his talent and commitment to making a positive impact in the world.
In addition to his successful acting and directing career, Erik Goris has also been involved in teaching and mentoring young actors. He has served as a guest lecturer at several acting schools and has been a mentor to up-and-coming talent in Belgium's film and television industry.
Goris has also been recognized for his philanthropic work. He has been actively involved in environmental protection efforts, serving as a spokesperson for various organizations and participating in campaigns to raise awareness about issues such as climate change and deforestation.
Despite facing challenges such as discrimination and prejudice due to his sexual orientation, Goris has remained a vocal advocate for LGBT rights. He has spoken openly about his experiences and has worked to promote acceptance and equality for the LGBT community.
Overall, Erik Goris is a highly respected and versatile actor, director, and philanthropist who has made significant contributions to the arts and society in Belgium and beyond.
He has also performed in theater productions, including works by well-known playwrights such as William Shakespeare and Anton Chekhov. Goris has been praised for his stage presence, delivering captivating performances in both comedic and dramatic roles. He has also been involved in producing and co-producing theater productions, working to support the country's thriving theater scene.
Goris has been recognized for his talent and dedication with numerous awards and nominations, including the Flemish Culture Prize for Film, the Ensor Award for Best Supporting Actor, and the coveted Prix Italia for his work as a director. Despite his success and accolades, he remains down-to-earth and committed to giving back to his community.
In his spare time, Goris enjoys traveling, reading, and spending time with his family and pets. He has been married to his partner, a well-known journalist, for over two decades and they have two children together. Goris continues to be a beloved and respected figure in the Belgian arts and culture scene, inspiring others with his talent, passion, and generosity.
Claude Semal (March 6, 1954 Brussels-) also known as Semal, Claude is a Belgian actor.
He is not only an actor, but also a musician and a songwriter. He has been active in the Belgian music scene since the 1970s, and has released over a dozen albums. In addition to his music career, he has acted in numerous Belgian films and TV series, including "Les Enfants de l'amour" and "La Trêve". Semal is also known for his political activism, and has been involved in left-wing causes and environmental advocacy over the course of his career.
Semal began his music career in the 1970s as a member of the band "Pôle Nord". After the band disbanded, he started a solo career and began releasing albums with his own songs. Some of his most popular songs include "Les Rues de Bruxelles" and "Compagnon de Route".
Aside from his music and acting careers, Semal is also an advocate for the French language in Belgium. He has been involved with the organization "Mouvement Francophone" and has spoken out against what he views as the marginalization of the French language in the country.
Semal has received several awards for his work, including the "Grand Prix de la Chanson française" in 1990 and the "Prix Georges Brassens" in 2010. He continues to be an active and influential figure in the Belgian entertainment industry and political landscape.
In addition to his work as an actor, musician, and activist, Semal is also a writer. He has published several books, including a collection of short stories and a novel titled "Le Mur de Planck". Semal's writing often addresses social and political themes, such as immigration, poverty, and the impact of globalization on local communities.
Semal is also known for his collaborations with other artists, both in music and film. He has worked with renowned Belgian directors such as the Dardenne brothers, and has collaborated with musicians from a variety of genres and nationalities.
Despite his success and acclaim, Semal remains committed to using his platform to raise awareness about issues he cares about. He has spoken out about the need for greater support for independent artists, as well as the need to reduce economic inequality and provide better opportunities for marginalized communities.
Semal's passion for political activism also extends to environmental advocacy. He has been involved with several organizations that aim to combat climate change and promote sustainable living. In 2018, he released an album titled "Survivre", which explores themes of environmentalism and social justice.
Throughout his career, Semal has also been a champion for the LGBTQ+ community. He has been outspoken in his support for same-sex marriage and adoption rights, and has performed at numerous pride events across Belgium.
Semal's contributions to Belgian culture and society were recognized in 2017, when he was awarded the title of "Chevalier de l'ordre des Arts et des Lettres" by the French government. This prestigious honor is awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to the arts and literature.
Despite his many talents and accomplishments, Semal remains humble and dedicated to his craft. He continues to tour and perform music, and has expressed a desire to continue acting and writing in the years to come.
Philippe Geluck (May 7, 1954 Brussels-) is a Belgian comedian, cartoonist and actor. He has two children, Antoine Geluck and Lila Geluck.
Geluck is best known for his comic book series, "Le Chat" (translated as "The Cat"). The series, which features a sardonic cat character engaging in philosophical musings and dry humor, has been popular in Belgium and France since its debut in 1983. Geluck has also worked as a stand-up comedian and has acted in films and television shows. In addition to his artistic endeavors, Geluck is an advocate for animal rights and has been involved in several campaigns promoting animal welfare.
Geluck began his career as a cartoonist at the age of 16, publishing his first comic strip in the Belgian daily, "La Wallonie". After completing his studies in art, he worked as an illustrator for various publications before achieving widespread success with "Le Chat". The series has been translated into over a dozen languages, including English, and has sold millions of copies around the world. Geluck has also published a number of other comic books and illustrated albums, some of which explore political and social themes.
In addition to his work as a cartoonist, Geluck has appeared in dozens of films and TV shows, both in Belgium and internationally. He has also performed as a stand-up comedian, and his shows regularly sell out venues across Europe. Geluck has won a number of prestigious awards for his work, including the Grand Prix de la ville d'Angoulême, one of the most prestigious prizes in the world of comic books.
Despite his success, Geluck has remained committed to his social and political causes, particularly animal rights. He serves on the board of the Belgian branch of the World Wildlife Fund and has worked with a number of other animal rights organizations over the years. Geluck is also an ambassador for the Brussels Philharmonic and has worked to promote classical music to a wider audience.
Geluck's work has been exhibited in galleries and museums around the world, including the Louvre in Paris and the National Library of France. He has also collaborated with several luxury brands, creating artwork for products such as watches and champagne bottles. Geluck is known for his wit and humor, often using his work to comment on social and political issues. He has been a guest on numerous television and radio shows, and his commentary is often sought out by journalists and news outlets. In recent years, Geluck has become increasingly involved in charitable work, particularly with organizations focused on education and healthcare. He has been honored for his contributions to the arts and society, receiving awards such as the Legion of Honor from the French government and the Order of the Crown from the Belgian government. Geluck continues to work on new projects and is considered one of the most influential figures in European comics and culture.
Geluck's interest in animal rights and welfare began at a young age, and he has often incorporated his love of animals into his work. He has created several pieces highlighting the issue of animal cruelty and worked with organizations such as Gaia and Animaux en Péril to raise awareness and advocate for change. Geluck has also been involved in several campaigns promoting education and literacy, particularly for young people. He has served as an ambassador for several organizations and has created artwork and other materials to support their efforts. In 2013, Geluck even created a giant sculpture of his character, "Le Chat," to raise funds for a new pediatric hospital in Brussels.
In addition to his creative pursuits, Geluck is also a trained pilot and has been flying since the age of 18. He has flown a variety of planes, including gliders and helicopters, and often uses his love of flying as inspiration for his artwork. Geluck has also used his platform to advocate for environmental causes, particularly related to reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable practices.
Despite his many accomplishments, Geluck remains humble and grounded, often remarking on the importance of staying connected to one's roots and community. He continues to live in Brussels and remains an active participant in the cultural and social life of the city.