Belgian actors who were born in 1956
Here are 8 famous actors from Belgium were born in 1956:
Patrick Descamps
Patrick Descamps (July 13, 1956 Mons-) is a Belgian actor and voice actor.
He has appeared in numerous Belgian and French films, as well as on stage in theater productions. Descamps has also lent his voice to dubbing for foreign films and television shows, including the French version of the animated series "The Simpsons" and the video game "Assassin's Creed". In addition to his acting career, Descamps has also taught theater at the Institut National Supérieur des Arts du Spectacle et des Techniques de Diffusion in Belgium.
He began his career in theater in the early 1980s, performing in various local productions before making his feature film debut in 1985. He has since appeared in over 40 films, including "La Promesse" (1996), "The Ninth Gate" (1999), and "Les Visiteurs: La Révolution" (2016). Descamps has received critical acclaim for his performances and has been nominated for several awards, including a Magritte Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in "It Must Be Heaven" (2019). In addition to his acting and teaching career, Descamps is also an accomplished singer and has released several albums.
In 2004, Patrick Descamps formed his own theater company called Théâtre des Rues, which specializes in street theater and outdoor performances. The company has performed all over the world, including in Belgium, France, Spain, and Canada. Descamps has also written and directed several plays for the company, including "Les Fables de la Fontaine" and "Le Jardin Intérieur".
Outside of his acting and theater work, Descamps is also a strong advocate for social and political causes. He has been a vocal supporter of the LGBTQ+ community and has participated in several events and campaigns to raise awareness for this community. He has also been a supporter of environmental causes and has worked with organizations to promote sustainability and reduce carbon emissions.
Despite his success in the entertainment industry and his philanthropic work, Descamps remains humble and grounded. He is known for his kind and generous nature, and is highly respected by his colleagues and fans alike.
Karel Deruwe
Karel Deruwe (March 19, 1956 Bruges-) is a Belgian actor. His children are called Poppe Louis and Emilia Lemona.
Karel Deruwe is best known for his role as "Boma" in the long-running Flemish television series "FC De Kampioenen". He started his acting career at the age of 23, and has since appeared in many Flemish television shows and films. Deruwe has also worked as a director and writer on various theater productions. In addition to his acting career, Deruwe is also a visual artist, with his own art studio in Bruges. He has exhibited his works in galleries and art centers in Belgium and other European countries. Deruwe is a respected figure in Flemish culture and is widely regarded as one of the most talented actors of his generation.
Deruwe began his acting career in the theater, where he worked extensively in the 1980s and 1990s, appearing in both classical and contemporary productions. He also made several appearances in Belgian films, including "Daens" (1992) and "Koko Flanel" (1990). In addition to his work as an actor, director, and writer, Deruwe is also a trained painter, having studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Bruges.
Deruwe is known for his dedication to his craft, often taking on challenging and complex roles that require intense preparation and research. He has won numerous awards for his performances, including the Flemish Culture Prize for Performing Arts in 2012. Despite his success, Deruwe maintains a low profile and has remained devoted to the theater, which he sees as a more challenging and rewarding medium than television or film.
In recent years, Deruwe has continued to act in both television and film, while also pursuing his artistic career. He has exhibited his paintings and sculptures in galleries throughout Belgium, and has also published several collections of poetry. Despite his many achievements, Deruwe remains humble and dedicated to his craft, and continues to inspire generations of actors and artists in Belgium and beyond.
After studying painting at the Academy of Fine Arts in Bruges, Karel Deruwe turned to acting for a career. He quickly found success, especially when he landed the role of "Boma" in "FC De Kampioenen", which he played for more than a decade. Deruwe also lent his talent to other popular television series as well as feature films. In the theater, Deruwe continued to work as both an actor and director, with several of his productions earning favorable reviews.
Alongside his acting work, Deruwe has been actively involved in the arts community. In addition to his visual art exhibits, he has published several poetry collections, one of which was nominated for the Herman de Coninck Prize. As a result of his contributions to Flemish culture, the government of Belgium awarded him the Order of the Crown in 2011.
In recent years, Deruwe has taken on new challenges, such as serving as the artistic director of the cultural festival "Bruges 2002" and participating in the television series "Vermist". He has also made cameo appearances in films by other Belgian artists and contributed to the development of new theater productions.
Gene Bervoets
Gene Bervoets (March 26, 1956 Antwerp-) a.k.a. Eugène Bervoets, Eugene Bervoets, Gène Bervoets or Eugène Joanna Alfons Bervoets is a Belgian actor and voice actor. He has four children, Anais Bervoets, Kaena Bervoets, Tadzio Bervoets and Ayumi Bervoets.
Bervoets started his acting career in the theatre and made his film debut in 1982 with the movie "Het Beest" directed by Paul Collet and Pierre Drouot. He gained international recognition in 1992, playing the lead role of Vincent in "Daens," which was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. Some of his other notable film appearances include "Madame Bovary" (1991), "The Eighth Day" (1996), and "Ben X" (2007).
In addition to his film work, Bervoets has also appeared in several TV series and has provided the Dutch-language dubbing for many foreign films. He won the Best Actor Award at the 1992 Brussels International Film Festival for his performance in "Daens" and was also nominated for the Ensor Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for "The Broken Circle Breakdown" (2012). Bervoets is also a board member of the Belgian Actors' Guild.
Bervoets was born in Antwerp, Belgium and studied acting at the Koninklijk Conservatorium Antwerpen before beginning his career in theatre. He has performed in numerous stage productions, including works by Shakespeare, Beckett, and Ionesco. In addition to his acting, Bervoets is also a trained dancer and has performed with the Royal Ballet of Flanders. He has also worked as a director and translator for theatre productions.
Throughout his career, Bervoets has been praised for his versatility as an actor and for his ability to convey complex emotions and characters on screen. He has been called one of the leading actors of his generation in Belgium and has worked with some of the country's most prominent directors, including Stijn Coninx and the Dardenne brothers.
In his personal life, Bervoets is known for his activism and political engagement. He has spoken out on a variety of social and political issues, including environmentalism and workers' rights. He has also supported organizations that promote social justice and human rights.
Bervoets has also been involved in various humanitarian efforts, including campaigning for the rights of refugees and advocating for the inclusion of people with disabilities. In 2015, he participated in a campaign to raise awareness for the refugee crisis in Europe and in 2017, he took part in a bike ride to support a center for people with disabilities.
In addition to his work in theatre, film, and television, Bervoets has also lent his voice to several video games, including "Assassin's Creed: Unity" and "Deponia Doomsday". He has also narrated several documentaries and audiobooks.
Bervoets continues to work in the Belgian film industry and is considered one of the country's most prominent actors. He has been honored with various awards throughout his career, including a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Ostend Film Festival in 2016.
Harry Cleven
Harry Cleven (August 19, 1956 Liège-) is a Belgian actor, film director and screenwriter.
Harry Cleven began his career in the film industry as an assistant director on several French films in the 1980s. He made his directorial debut with the 1990 film "Taxi Kebab". Since then, he has directed and written several critically acclaimed films, including "Une Affaire de Goût" (A Matter of Taste) and "Les enfants du siècle" (Children of the Century).
In addition to his work behind the camera, Cleven has also appeared in a number of films as an actor, including "Le Pacte des loups" (Brotherhood of the Wolf) and "Va, vis et deviens" (Live and Become).
Cleven is known for his stylistic approach to filmmaking, often utilizing atmospheric lighting and unique camera angles to create a sense of tension and unease. He has been awarded several prizes for his work, including the César Award for Best First Feature Film in 1991 for "Taxi Kebab".
Cleven is a graduate of INSAS (National Institute of Performing Arts and Broadcasting Techniques) in Brussels. He has also served as a jury member for several film festivals, including the Cannes Film Festival in 1994. In addition to his work in the film industry, Cleven has also worked extensively in theater, both as an actor and as a director. He has directed several plays, including "A Midsummer Night's Dream" and "The Tempest" by William Shakespeare. He is known for his ability to bring out the best in his actors, and for his dedication to the art of storytelling. Cleven continues to inspire and influence filmmakers and artists around the world with his unique vision and passion for storytelling.
Harry Cleven's films are known for their explorations of psychological and societal themes. One of his most notable films, "A Matter of Taste," explores the relationship between a wealthy businessman and his personal chef, delving into themes of power dynamics and class struggle. Cleven's film "Children of the Century," which tells the story of French writers George Sand and Alfred de Musset, highlights themes of love, passion, and creativity.
In 2007, Cleven was honored with a prestigious Chevalier of the Legion of Honor, an award bestowed by the French government for outstanding contributions to the arts and culture. Cleven has also been a vocal advocate for the preservation of film history and has served as the director of the Cinémathèque Royale de Belgique, a film archive dedicated to preserving and promoting Belgian film culture.
In addition to his work in film and theater, Cleven is also a professor of film studies and has taught at several institutions, including INSAS in Brussels and New York University's Tisch School of the Arts. He continues to inspire and mentor generations of filmmakers with his passion and innovative approach to storytelling.
Daniel Cooperbey
Daniel Cooperbey (February 13, 1956 Leigh-) is a Belgian actor and film director.
Daniel Cooperbey was born in Leigh, England to a Belgian mother and an English father. He was raised bilingual and started acting in local theater productions as a teenager. After studying at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, he moved to Brussels, Belgium where he began his career in the theater.
Cooperbey made his film debut in 1982 with "The Hairdresser's Husband," which he also starred in. He continued to act in French and Belgian films throughout the 1980s and 1990s, earning critical acclaim for his performances.
In 2001, Cooperbey made his directorial debut with the film "Carnival of Lost Souls," a surrealist exploration of death and the afterlife. The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and was praised for its visual style and Cooperbey's bold directorial choices.
Throughout his career, Cooperbey has also been actively involved in the theater world, directing and acting in productions in both Belgium and France. He is considered one of the most talented and innovative theater directors in Europe.
Cooperbey's successful career as an actor and director has earned him numerous accolades, including the Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres from the French Ministry of Culture in 1995 and the Order of the Crown from the Belgian government in 2010. In addition to his work in film and theater, Cooperbey is also a recognized voice actor, lending his voice to numerous documentaries, animated films, and video games. He is known for his distinctive voice and has been called upon to narrate many high-profile projects. Cooperbey is also an accomplished author, having published several novels and collections of short stories over the course of his career. Despite his success, he remains humble and dedicated to his craft, saying that he is always striving to improve and to find new and interesting ways to tell stories through film, theater, and literature.
Cooperbey's talent and dedication to his craft have led him to become one of the most respected figures in the world of film and theater. He has served as a jury member for several international film festivals, including the Cannes Film Festival, and has also been a guest lecturer at universities and cultural institutions around the world. Cooperbey is known for his willingness to push the boundaries of artistic expression, and his films and theatrical productions have been praised for their innovative storytelling and unconventional approach. In addition to his creative endeavors, Cooperbey is also committed to giving back to his community, and is actively involved in several charitable organizations. He is a vocal advocate for environmental conservation and has used his platform to raise awareness about a range of social and political issues. With his unique perspective and boundless creativity, Daniel Cooperbey continues to inspire and challenge audiences around the world.
Ludo Busschots
Ludo Busschots (April 2, 1956 Mortsel-) is a Belgian actor and television producer.
Starting out as an actor in the early 1980s, Ludo Busschots quickly became a natural on stage, performing in numerous plays in Belgium and the Netherlands. In the late 1990s, he shifted his focus to television production, working as a producer on several popular Belgian TV shows, including "Thuis" and "Flikken". Busschots is also renowned for his work as a voiceover artist, lending his voice to a number of animated films and TV series. In addition to his creative pursuits, Busschots is also an advocate for environmental awareness and animal rights.
He has used his public platform to speak out about the importance of preserving the planet and protecting animal habitats, and has often participated in environmental demonstrations and campaigns. Busschots is also recognized for his philanthropic efforts, having volunteered his time and resources to a number of charitable organizations over the years. Despite his numerous accomplishments, Busschots remains down to earth, and is known for his warm and approachable demeanor. He continues to work in the entertainment industry, and is highly regarded for his contributions to both the stage and screen.
Busschots was born on April 2, 1956, in Mortsel, a city located in the Belgian province of Antwerp. Even as a young child, he showed a keen interest in the arts, particularly theater and film. He went on to study drama at the Royal Conservatory in Brussels, where he honed his skills as an actor.
After graduating from drama school, Busschots began his career as a stage actor, performing in a variety of plays in Belgium and the Netherlands. His talent quickly garnered attention, and he became known for his ability to bring depth and sincerity to his performances.
In the late 1990s, Busschots began to focus on television production, and he quickly made a name for himself as one of Belgium's top producers. He worked on a number of popular shows, including "Thuis" and "Flikken", and played a key role in bringing these programs to the screen. Busschots was particularly skilled at working with actors, and he was beloved by many in the industry for his guidance and support.
Throughout his career, Busschots has remained committed to his passion for animal rights and environmental awareness. He has advocated for a number of causes, including animal rescue and habitat conservation, and has worked tirelessly to promote sustainable living and environmental stewardship.
Despite his many accomplishments, Busschots remains humble and grounded, and is beloved by his colleagues and fans for his warmth and approachable nature. He continues to work in the entertainment industry, and is widely recognized as one of Belgium's most respected and accomplished creative professionals.
Johan van Assche
Johan van Assche (January 4, 1956 Sint-Agatha-Berchem-) is a Belgian actor.
He graduated from the Royal Conservatory of Brussels and started his acting career in various Flemish theater productions. In the late 1980s, he transitioned to TV and film roles and has since appeared in numerous Belgian and international productions. Some of his notable film appearances include "The Vanishing" (1988), "The Alzheimer Case" (2003), and "The Broken Circle Breakdown" (2012). He has also had recurring roles on popular Belgian TV series such as "Flikken" and "Salamander". In addition to acting, van Assche has directed several stage productions and teaches at the Royal Conservatory of Brussels.
He is also recognized for his voice over work in documentaries, commercials, and animation films. One of his most notable voice roles was 'Raymond' in the Flemish version of the popular animation film "Finding Nemo" (2003). Van Assche has received numerous accolades for his acting work, including a Best Actor award at the 1990 Belgian Film Critics Association Awards for his performance in "Blueberry Hill" (1989). In 2004, he was awarded the title of Knight in the Order of Leopold II for his contributions to Belgian culture. In his free time, van Assche enjoys riding his motorcycle and practicing martial arts.
Johan van Assche is also known for his role in the popular Belgian film "The Memory of a Killer" (2003) directed by Erik Van Looy. He played the character of Eric Vincke in the film adaptation of the popular detective novels by Jef Geeraerts. In addition to his successful acting and directing career, van Assche is a well-respected voice coach and has collaborated with various theater groups in order to provide assistance with vocal training. Van Assche also served as the Artistic Director of the Royal Flemish Theater in Brussels from 2014 to 2018, where he directed numerous productions. His contributions to Belgian culture have not gone unnoticed and he is considered to be a highly influential figure in the Belgian entertainment industry.
Hugo Matthysen
Hugo Matthysen (January 30, 1956 Ekeren-) also known as Hugo Matthijsen or Clement Peerens is a Belgian singer, guitarist, columnist, writer, philosopher and actor.
He rose to fame in the late 1970s as a member of the humoristic trio "Droge Worst" before starting a successful solo career. Matthysen is known for his humorous and creative approach to music and writing, and has won multiple awards for his work. He has released several albums and wrote the popular children's book series "Tony Tornado". Additionally, Matthysen has hosted several television and radio shows and has worked as a voice actor for animated films. He is often seen as a cultural icon in his home country of Belgium.
Matthysen's creative pursuits have led him to explore various genres and mediums. In addition to his music and writing, he has also written and directed several plays, including the successful stage production "De Legende". He has also contributed to numerous newspapers, magazines and television programs as a columnist and commentator. His unique blend of humor and social commentary has made him a beloved figure in Belgian culture. Matthysen has also collaborated with various artists throughout his career, including the band "The Clement Peerens Explosition" and the artist Kamagurka. Despite his success, Matthysen remains humble and is known for his down-to-earth personality. He continues to inspire and entertain audiences with his imaginative and thought-provoking work.
Matthysen is highly regarded for his contributions to Belgian culture, specifically his efforts to promote the use of the Dutch language in the Flemish region. He is an advocate for the preservation of the Dutch language and has written several pieces advocating for its continued use.
Matthysen's success as a humorous writer and commentator led to his appointment as a member of the Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium for Science and the Arts in 2018.
In addition to his creative pursuits, Matthysen is also a licensed pilot and has used his passion for flying to promote environmental causes. He is an ambassador for clean skies and has participated in several initiatives aimed at reducing carbon emissions in the aviation industry.
Throughout his career, Matthysen has remained committed to his unique artistic vision and has inspired generations of Belgian artists and creatives.