Belgian actors who were born in 1958
Here are 6 famous actors from Belgium were born in 1958:
Tom Lanoye
Tom Lanoye (August 27, 1958 Sint-Niklaas-) also known as Tom Emiel Gerardine Aloïs Lanoye is a Belgian writer and actor.
He is known for his diverse body of work, which includes plays, novels, poetry, columns, and essays. Lanoye's writing often engages with themes of identity, sexuality, and politics, with an emphasis on social critique and satire. Some of his most notable works include the novel "Kartonnen dozen" (1991), the play "Ten Oorlog" (1997), and the poetry collection "Heldere hemel" (2012). Lanoye is a recipient of numerous awards, including the Constantijn Huygens Prize for his entire oeuvre. Besides his work as a writer, he has also acted in several films and TV series.
Lanoye was born in the small town of Sint-Niklaas in Flanders, Belgium. He grew up in a Catholic family and attended a Jesuit school in Ghent, where he became interested in literature and theater. After completing his studies at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts, he began his writing career in the 1980s, publishing his first poetry collection, "In de piste" (In the Circus Ring), in 1982.
Lanoye quickly established himself as one of the leading writers of his generation, known for his irreverent style and biting humor. He gained wider recognition with the publication of his first novel, "Een slagerszoon met een brilletje" (A Butcher's Son with Glasses), in 1985. The book, which draws on his own experiences growing up in a family of butchers, was a critical and commercial success.
Throughout his career, Lanoye has continued to explore a wide range of themes and styles in his writing. In addition to his novels and plays, he has written essays and columns for newspapers and magazines, and has been active as a performer and commentator on social issues. He is also a regular contributor to the Dutch cultural magazine "De Groene Amsterdammer".
Over the years, Lanoye has received numerous awards and honors for his work. In addition to the Constantijn Huygens Prize, he has won the Gouden Uil (Golden Owl) and the Belgian State Prize for Literature, among others. He has also been recognized for his activism on behalf of civil rights and social justice, and has been an outspoken critic of populist movements and far-right politics.
Lanoye has also translated several literary works, including William Shakespeare's Hamlet, into Dutch. He is a prominent figure in Belgian and Dutch culture and has served as a cultural ambassador for Flanders, promoting the region's literature and arts internationally. In 2014, Lanoye was named an honorary citizen of his hometown of Sint-Niklaas, in recognition of his contributions to literature and the arts. Despite his success, Lanoye remains committed to his social and political activism, using his platform to advocate for human rights and social justice issues. He continues to write, perform, and engage with audiences across Europe and beyond.
In addition to his literary and acting career, Tom Lanoye is also a vocal advocate for LGBT rights. He publicly came out as gay in 1989 and has since been a prominent figure in the Belgian LGBT community. He has written extensively on issues of sexuality and has been active in campaigns to promote LGBT rights and combat discrimination. Lanoye has also been involved in political activism more broadly, speaking out against xenophobia and racism in Europe and advocating for a more inclusive and just society. He is fluent in Dutch, French, German, and English, and his works have been translated into numerous languages. Lanoye continues to be a major influence on contemporary Belgian and Dutch literature and culture, and his work remains widely read and performed today.
Frank Van Laecke
Frank Van Laecke (February 1, 1958 Ghent-) a.k.a. Frank is a Belgian film director, television director, screenwriter and actor.
Frank Van Laecke is best known for his work in theater and as a stage director. He has directed numerous plays in Belgium and abroad, including musicals, operas, and dramas. In addition to his work in theater, Van Laecke has also directed and written screenplays for films and television shows. Some of his notable work includes the film "Aanrijding in Moscou" (Moscow, Belgium), which won numerous awards at international film festivals, and the television series "Katarakt", which was critically acclaimed in Belgium. Van Laecke has also acted in several films and television shows, including "The Emperor's Wife" and "Finn". He has been recognized for his contributions to the arts with numerous awards and honors, including the Flemish Culture Award for Drama and the Belgian Order of Leopold II.
Van Laecke began his career in theater as an actor before eventually transitioning to directing and writing. He helped found the theater company "Blauwe Maandag Compagnie" in the 1980s, which quickly gained acclaim for their innovative and unconventional productions. As a director, Van Laecke has been known for his visually stunning and emotionally resonant productions that often challenge traditional notions of theater.
In recent years, Van Laecke has also ventured into the world of opera, directing productions for companies such as the Belgian Royal Opera and the Flemish Opera. He has also worked on large-scale musical productions, such as the 2012 Belgian production of "Les Misérables".
In addition to his work in the arts, Van Laecke has been involved in various social and political causes. He has been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and his productions often explore themes of identity and acceptance. Van Laecke has also been an advocate for environmental causes, and has worked with organizations such as Greenpeace to raise awareness about climate change.
Overall, Frank Van Laecke has made a significant impact on the world of theater, film, and television in Belgium and beyond. His innovative and thought-provoking productions have earned him a loyal following and critical acclaim in the arts community.
Van Laecke's interest in social and political causes has also led him to collaborate with organizations such as Amnesty International and UNICEF. In 2015, he directed the opening ceremony of the Special Olympics in Los Angeles, which was attended by over 6,000 athletes from around the world.
In addition to his directing and writing work, Van Laecke has also served as a professor at several universities and art schools in Belgium, including the Royal Conservatory of Ghent and the RITS School of Arts in Brussels. Through his teaching, he has mentored and inspired a new generation of artists and creatives.
Van Laecke's impact on Belgian culture has been recognized with numerous awards and honors, including the Flemish Culture Prize for Audiovisual Arts and the prestigious Knight of the Order of the Crown. His contributions to the arts have not only enriched the cultural landscape of Belgium but have also inspired audiences around the world. Van Laecke remains an influential figure in the arts community and a champion of social justice and environmental activism.
Van Laecke's interest in social and political causes has also led him to collaborate with organizations such as Amnesty International and UNICEF. In 2015, he directed the opening ceremony of the Special Olympics in Los Angeles, which was attended by over 6,000 athletes from around the world. In addition to his directing and writing work, Van Laecke has also served as a professor at several universities and art schools in Belgium, including the Royal Conservatory of Ghent and the RITS School of Arts in Brussels. Through his teaching, he has mentored and inspired a new generation of artists and creatives.
Van Laecke has also been recognized for his contributions to the Belgian community with several honorary titles, including the title of Cultural Ambassador of Flanders. He has also been awarded the prestigious doctorate honoris causa by the Vrije Universiteit Brussel, in recognition of his exceptional contributions to the arts and his advocacy for social justice and environmental causes.
Despite his many accomplishments, Van Laecke remains humble and deeply committed to his craft. He continues to work tirelessly on new projects and remains an inspiration to artists and activists around the world. Through his work, he has demonstrated the transformative power of art and the importance of using one's creativity to effect positive change in the world.
Marc Lauwrys
Marc Lauwrys (January 10, 1958 Lier, Belgium-) is a Belgian actor.
He is best known for his role as "Boma" in the popular Belgian sitcom, "F.C. De Kampioenen". Lauwrys began his acting career in the late 1970s and has since appeared in numerous films and television shows. In addition to his work as an actor, he is also a talented stage performer and has appeared in many productions with theater companies throughout Belgium. Lauwrys has won several awards for his acting, including the Flemish Culture Award for Performing Arts in 2015. Outside of acting, he is a big fan of football and has been known to coach the youth teams of his local club in his free time.
Marc Lauwrys was born and raised in Lier, Belgium. He attended drama school in Antwerp where he honed his performance skills. During his early years as an actor, he landed a few small roles in Belgian television shows and films before he was offered the role of "Boma" in "F.C. De Kampioenen". The show, which ran from 1990 to 2011, was immensely popular and made Lauwrys a household name in Belgium.
In addition to his work on screen, Lauwrys is also a seasoned stage performer. He has appeared in productions of plays by notable playwrights such as Shakespeare, Eugene O'Neill, and August Strindberg. One of his most memorable performances was in the play "Boeing Boeing" which was performed at the Fakkeltheater in Antwerp.
Lauwrys' talent as an actor has been recognized with several awards. In 2015, he was awarded the Flemish Culture Award for Performing Arts for his outstanding contribution to the arts. Additionally, he has been nominated for the Belgian Joseph Plateau Awards and the Flemish Film Awards for his work in film.
Outside of acting, Lauwrys is passionate about football. He has been a coach for the youth teams of the local football club in his hometown of Lier for many years. He also participates in celebrity football matches and has played alongside famous Belgian footballers such as Jan Ceulemans and Eric Gerets.
In recent years, Lauwrys has continued to work in both television and film, appearing in shows like "De Luizenmoeder" and "Ge Hadt Erbij Moeten Zijn" as well as films like "Zie Mij Graag" and "De Collega's 2.0". He is also in demand as a voice actor, lending his voice to animated films and television shows. In his personal life, Lauwrys is married and has two children. He is a supporter of several charities and frequently participates in fundraising events to support causes such as cancer research and education. Despite his success, Lauwrys remains humble and dedicated to his craft, always striving to improve his skills as an actor and performer.
In addition to his existing achievements, Marc Lauwrys has also made appearances as a guest actor in a number of popular Belgian television shows throughout his career. Some of these include "Wittekerke", "Gasthuisberg", and "Wolven". Outside of Belgium, he has also had roles in international films such as the French-Belgian comedy "Le Grand Soir" and the German-Belgian drama "In the Fade".
Lauwrys is also known for his charitable work. He is an ambassador for the charity organization "4SmilingFaces", which provides education and health care to underprivileged children in Cambodia. He has also been involved in fundraising efforts to support the Special Olympics and has participated in events such as the "Warmathon" to raise funds for Music for Life, an annual charity event in Belgium.
Despite his busy schedule, Lauwrys remains committed to his family and community. He is active in his local theater scene and often participates in productions with theater companies in Lier. He also enjoys spending time with his family and friends, particularly at football matches where he can root for his favorite team, Lierse SK.
Overall, Marc Lauwrys is a talented and respected figure in the world of Belgian entertainment. His career has spanned several decades, and his contributions to theater, film, and television have left an indelible mark on Belgian culture.
Ben Rottiers
Ben Rottiers (May 29, 1958 Ekeren-) is a Belgian actor. He has two children, Lorin Rottiers and Jade Rottiers.
Ben Rottiers is best known for his role as Pol De Tremmerie in the long-running Flemish television series "FC De Kampioenen." He has appeared in several other TV shows and films, including "Witse," "Flikken," and "Loslopend Wild."
Aside from his acting career, Rottiers is also a trained chef and has published several cookbooks featuring traditional Belgian cuisine. He is also an avid supporter of the Flemish Nationalist party and has been involved in political activism throughout his career.
In addition to his work in the entertainment industry, Rottiers is also an accomplished theater actor and has performed in numerous productions in Belgium and the Netherlands. He has received critical acclaim for his performances in plays such as "Pizza Boy" and "Harold and Maude."
In 2018, Ben Rottiers joined the cast of the reality show "Dancing with the Stars" in Belgium, partnering with professional dancer Lize Feryn. Despite having no dance experience prior to the show, Rottiers and Feryn made it to the fifth week of competition before being eliminated.
Rottiers is also actively involved in charitable causes, supporting organizations that focus on environmental conservation, animal welfare, and the fight against poverty. He is a patron of several nonprofit foundations, including 'De Schakel,' which works to provide opportunities and support to disadvantaged youth in Belgium.
Over the course of his career, Ben Rottiers has become a beloved figure in Belgium, known for his talent, humor, and dedication to his craft. He continues to work in television, film, and theater, and is widely regarded as one of the most iconic actors in the country.
Ben Rottiers was born in Ekeren, Belgium, and grew up in a working-class family. He began his acting career in the 1980s, appearing in small television roles before landing his breakthrough role as Pol De Tremmerie in "FC De Kampioenen" in 1990. The show ran for 21 seasons, making it one of the longest-running television series in Belgian history.
In addition to his television work, Rottiers has also appeared in several films, including "De Zevende Hemel" and "Allez, Eddy!" He has received numerous awards for his contributions to Belgian television, including a 'Lifetime Achievement Award' from the Flemish government in 2018.
Rottiers is also an accomplished author, having published several books on Belgian cuisine, including "Ben's Belgische Keuken" and "Koken Met Pol." He has also hosted several cooking programs on Belgian television.
Outside of his entertainment career, Rottiers has been a strong advocate for Flemish nationalism and has been involved in several political campaigns. He has also been a vocal supporter of environmental and animal welfare causes, often using his social media platform to raise awareness and funds for these issues.
Despite his busy schedule, Rottiers remains deeply committed to his family and often speaks fondly of his children and grandchildren in interviews. He currently resides in Antwerp, Belgium.
In addition to his work in the entertainment industry, Ben Rottiers is also known for his passion for sports. He is a big fan of football and supports the Belgian national team. Rottiers also enjoys cycling and has participated in several charity bike rides to raise money for various causes. In 2014, he completed a 1000 km bike ride from Antwerp to Barcelona to raise funds for the Belgian charity 'Kom op tegen Kanker'. Rottiers is also a lover of music and enjoys playing the guitar in his free time.
Peter De Graef
Peter De Graef (January 31, 1958 Merksem-) is a Belgian actor.
He is also a playwright, theater director, and screenwriter. De Graef studied at the Studio Herman Teirlinck in Antwerp before becoming a member of Het Toneelhuis, a theater company based in Antwerp. He has written several plays, which have been produced in Belgium and the Netherlands, and has also acted in numerous films and television shows. In addition to his work in theater and film, De Graef has appeared in several radio plays and has written and directed a short film. He has received numerous awards and nominations for his work, including the Flemish Culture Prize for Performing Arts in 2009. De Graef is widely regarded as one of the most influential and important figures in Belgian theater and is recognized for his ability to create complex and multi-layered characters with great depth and authenticity.
De Graef is known for his collaborations with the Belgian theater company Olympique Dramatique, which he co-founded in 1997. He has also worked with Ivo van Hove, a renowned Dutch theater director, on several productions including "The Miser" and "The Taming of the Shrew."
Aside from his work in theater and film, De Graef is also involved in social and political issues, and has been an advocate for artists' rights and freedom of expression. He has written articles and given speeches on the subject, and was instrumental in organizing a protest against proposed funding cuts to the arts in Flanders in 2016.
De Graef continues to be active in the Belgian cultural scene, and is currently working on several upcoming productions as an actor and director, as well as developing new works as a playwright.
One of De Graef's most well-known plays is "Maria e.a.", which has been performed in Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany. The play explores the relationship between a man and a woman who are both dealing with personal issues, and has been praised for its honesty and emotional depth. In addition to his work on stage and screen, De Graef has also published two books: "Vanop de Grond" and "Tijdgenoot", which are collections of his poetry and prose.
De Graef is also an accomplished musician and has released several albums of his own music. He often incorporates his music into his theater work, and has collaborated with other musicians on various projects. In 2017, he performed a concert inspired by the life and work of Jacques Brel, which was well-received by audiences and critics alike.
Despite his success and critical acclaim, De Graef has remained humble and grounded throughout his career. He is known for his generosity and dedication to his craft, and is highly respected by his colleagues and fans alike. His contributions to the arts in Belgium and beyond have greatly enriched the cultural landscape and inspired countless other artists to pursue their own creative endeavors.
In addition to his work in theater and film, Peter De Graef has also lent his voice to several animated films and television shows. He provided the voice for the character of Big Boss in the Belgian version of the animated film "The Gruffalo," and also voiced the character of Fender in the Dutch version of "Robots." Outside of his artistic pursuits, De Graef is also a devoted father and family man. He has three children with his wife, Anne Mie, who is also an actress and theater director. Together, they have worked on several productions, both as co-stars and co-directors. De Graef is committed to using his platform to promote causes he believes in and has been involved in various charitable organizations throughout his career. He is regarded as a true icon in Belgian culture and continues to inspire and entertain audiences with his unique talents and creative vision.
Ben Van Ostade
Ben Van Ostade (October 29, 1958-) is a Belgian actor.
He is known for his roles in both film and television, having appeared in numerous productions over the course of his career. Van Ostade has worked with well-known Belgian directors such as Stijn Coninx and Jan Verheyen, and has been nominated for several awards for his performances. In addition to his acting work, he has also directed a number of theater productions. Van Ostade is considered to be one of the most respected actors in Belgium, and has been praised for his ability to bring nuanced and complex characters to life on screen.
Born in Antwerp, Van Ostade started his acting career in the 1980s, appearing in various theater productions. He soon branched out into television and film, and in 1990, he landed a leading role in the hit television series "Ons Geluk". His role in the show catapulted him to fame in Belgium, and he became a household name.
Van Ostade is known for his versatility as an actor, and has played a wide range of roles throughout his career. He has starred in comedies such as "Max" (1994) and "Team Spirit" (2000), as well as dramas like "Team Spirit 2" (2003) and "The Alzheimer Case" (2003). He has also made appearances in Hollywood films, such as "The Hessen Affair" (2009) and "The Monuments Men" (2014).
In addition to his acting work, Van Ostade has directed a number of theater productions. His productions have been well-received by audiences and critics alike, and he has been praised for his skill as a director. He has also been involved in various charitable causes, including serving as an ambassador for SOS Children's Villages.
Van Ostade continues to be an active presence in Belgian film and television, and is widely regarded as one of the country's most talented actors. His work has earned him numerous accolades, and he remains a beloved figure in Belgium's entertainment industry.
Van Ostade has also been a teacher at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp, where he instructed aspiring actors on their craft. He has said that teaching has been a rewarding experience for him, as he enjoys passing on his knowledge and experience to the next generation of actors.Van Ostade is a versatile actor, and has also lent his voice to various animated films and television shows. He has been known to bring his unique style and energy to voice acting, and has been recognized for his contributions to the field.In his personal life, Van Ostade is married and has children. He is known for his sense of humor and down-to-earth demeanor, and is considered to be one of the most approachable celebrities in Belgium. He remains an active participant in the entertainment industry, and is constantly seeking out new challenges and opportunities to showcase his talent.
One of Van Ostade's most notable performances was in the film "Marina" (2013), in which he played the father of the main character. The film, which tells the story of a young girl who dreams of becoming a singer, was a critical and commercial success in Belgium, and Van Ostade's performance received widespread praise for its emotional depth and authenticity. He was nominated for a Magritte Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in the film.
In addition to his work in front of the camera, Van Ostade has also been involved in writing and producing. He co-wrote the screenplay for the film "Ad Fundum" (1993), and has served as a producer on several of his own projects. His production company, Vivi Film, has produced a number of successful films and television shows in Belgium.
Van Ostade is also a popular guest on talk shows and game shows, where he is known for his quick wit and sense of humor. He has been a regular presence on Belgian television for many years, and is a beloved figure among audiences of all ages.