Dutch actors who were born in 1938
Here are 14 famous actors from Netherlands were born in 1938:
Aart Staartjes
Aart Staartjes (March 1, 1938 Amsterdam-) also known as De Stratemaker is a Dutch actor, television director, presenter and writer. He has one child, Paul Staartjes.
Aart Staartjes became a household name in the Netherlands for his role as Mr. Aart in the children's television program Sesamstraat (Dutch version of Sesame Street) which aired from 1984 to 2019. He also had a successful acting career in films and TV shows, including the Dutch drama series De Stratemakeropzeeshow which brought him his nickname, De Stratemaker (The Streetmaker). In addition to his on-screen work, Staartjes was also a television director and presenter, and wrote several children's books. He was awarded the Order of Orange-Nassau in 2002 for his contributions to Dutch culture and society. Staartjes passed away on January 12, 2020 at the age of 81 after a fatal collision with a car while riding his bike.
Throughout his career, Aart Staartjes was a prominent figure in Dutch entertainment and his impact on children's television was particularly significant. He co-wrote and directed many episodes of Sesamstraat and was known for his ability to engage children in educational and entertaining content. He was also a frequent guest on other popular Dutch television programs, including the talk show De Wereld Draait Door. Outside of entertainment, Staartjes was a committed social activist and was outspoken about issues such as animal rights and environmental protection. In recognition of his activism, he was awarded the Animal Protection Award in 2015. Staartjes' legacy continues to be celebrated by Dutch audiences, and his contributions to Dutch culture will long be remembered.
Staartjes began his career on stage as a member of the renowned theater company 'Nieuwe Komedie'. He went on to act in several films, including the critically acclaimed movie 'Ciske de Rat' (1984). In addition to his work in the entertainment industry, Staartjes was a trained teacher and worked as a teacher for several years. He was also a lecturer at the Academy for Theatre and Dance in Amsterdam, where he taught acting.
Staartjes' impact on Dutch culture extended beyond his work in entertainment and education. He was a passionate advocate for Dutch language and culture and was involved in several initiatives to promote it. He also worked with various organizations that focused on improving the lives of children in developing countries.
Staartjes' death was met with widespread mourning in the Netherlands, and many people took to social media to pay tribute to him. His longtime colleague, Sesamstraat co-host Wim T. Schippers, described Staartjes as a "national treasure." Staartjes' son, Paul Staartjes, also works in the entertainment industry and has continued his father's legacy by writing and directing children's television programs.
In recognition of his impact on Dutch culture and society, Aart Staartjes was posthumously awarded the Silver Medallion for Fine Arts by the Dutch government in 2020.
Hero Muller
Hero Muller (June 9, 1938 Groningen-) also known as Hero Jurgen Vincentius Muller is a Dutch voice actor and actor. He has one child, Peter Paul Muller.
Hero Muller started his career as a stage actor in the Netherlands in the 1960s. He then went on to become a prolific voice actor, lending his voice to many cartoon characters including Bugs Bunny and Yosemite Sam in the Dutch version of Looney Tunes. Muller is also well known for providing the voice for Optimus Prime in the Dutch dub of the Transformers film series.
Apart from his voice acting roles, Muller has also appeared in various Dutch films and TV series. He has worked with renowned directors such as Paul Verhoeven and Martin Koolhoven. Some of his notable film credits include "Soldier of Orange" (1977), "De Aanslag" (1986) and "Black Book" (2006).
In addition to his acting and voice work, Muller has also been involved with dubbing international films and TV shows into Dutch. He has received numerous accolades for his work, including a Golden Calf award for Best Actor in 1993.
Muller continues to work in the entertainment industry in the Netherlands and is considered a highly respected figure in Dutch cinema and television.
Aside from his successful career in acting, voice acting, and dubbing, Hero Muller is also recognized as an accomplished writer. He published his first poetry collection, "De Menagerie van Bedrog" in 1991, which was followed by several other poetry collections such as "Familiesprookjes" (1995) and "In Beste Goede Harten" (2002). Moreover, Muller is an avid collector of music boxes and has a vast collection that has been featured in several museum exhibitions. His passions for writing and collecting music boxes have provided the public with an insight into his multi-talented personality. Muller has also been a speaker at various events, sharing his experiences and wisdom on his diverse interests. He remains an inspiration to many aspiring actors, voice actors, and writers in the industry.
In addition to his successful career in acting, voice acting, dubbing, and writing, Hero Muller has also been actively involved in promoting education in Tanzania. He founded the Hero Muller School in the rural village of Msitu Wa Tembo in Tanzania, with the aim of providing education and opportunities for the children living in poverty in the remote region. The school provides basic education as well as vocational training to help equip the students with the necessary skills to improve their standard of living. Muller has also collaborated with various charitable organizations and has been instrumental in raising funds and awareness for various causes.Muller's contributions to the entertainment industry and to social causes have earned him widespread recognition and respect. He has been honored with multiple awards and has been appointed as a Knight of the Order of Orange-Nassau, a prestigious honor in the Netherlands, for his exceptional achievements in the field of arts and culture.
Frans Weisz
Frans Weisz (July 23, 1938 Amsterdam-) is a Dutch film director, screenwriter, actor and television director. He has one child, Geza Weisz.
Frans Weisz is known for his contributions to the Dutch film industry. He studied at the Dutch Film Academy in Amsterdam, and in 1962, he directed his first film, "Een zondag op het eiland van Grande Jatte". Weisz has directed numerous films, including "Leedvermaak" (1989), "The Discovery of Heaven" (2001), and "Een film met 1000 gezichten" (2016). He has also directed many television programs, such as the series "Zonder Ernst" (1992-1994) and "Vrouwenvleugel" (1993-1995). Weisz has won several awards throughout his career, including the Golden Calf for Best Director at the Netherlands Film Festival in 2001 for "The Discovery of Heaven".
Weisz's career has spanned several decades, and his work has been highly regarded both in the Netherlands and internationally. He is known for his storytelling abilities and his ability to explore complex themes in his films. In addition to his work as a director, Weisz has also acted in several films, including "Max Havelaar" (1976) and "Twee vorstinnen en een vorst" (1981).
Weisz's son, Geza Weisz, has also followed in his father's footsteps and become an actor and television personality. The father and son have even collaborated on a film, "Lotus" (2011), which Frans directed and Geza starred in.
Throughout his career, Weisz has remained a prominent figure in Dutch culture and continues to be celebrated for his contributions to film and television.
Weisz's work has been recognized both in the Netherlands and internationally. He has won several awards throughout his career, including the Golden Calf for Best Director at the Netherlands Film Festival in 2001 for "The Discovery of Heaven". In 2019, he was awarded the prestigious Dutch Culture Prize, which is given annually to a person or organization that has made a significant contribution to the arts in the Netherlands.
Weisz is known for his ability to explore complex themes in his films, and he has tackled a wide range of subjects throughout his career. His film "Leedvermaak" (1989), for example, deals with the aftermath of the Holocaust and its impact on a Dutch Jewish family. "The Discovery of Heaven" (2001), based on the novel by Harry Mulisch, explores the themes of love, destiny, and the nature of God. Weisz's most recent film, "Een film met 1000 gezichten" (2016), is a documentary that tells the story of his life and career, as well as the history of Dutch cinema.
In addition to his work as a director, Weisz has also acted in several films, including "Max Havelaar" (1976) and "Twee vorstinnen en een vorst" (1981). He has also directed numerous television programs, such as the series "Zonder Ernst" (1992-1994) and "Vrouwenvleugel" (1993-1995). Weisz's son, Geza Weisz, has followed in his father's footsteps and become an actor and television personality. They have even collaborated on a film, "Lotus" (2011), which Frans directed and Geza starred in.
Fred Florusse
Fred Florusse (February 7, 1938 Zeeland-) is a Dutch actor.
He started his career as a stage actor in the early 1960s and later made his film debut in the movie "Uit Met Maurice" in 1974. He has acted in many Dutch films, television series, and theater plays over the years.
Florusse is best known for his role as Mr. Harmsen in the Dutch television series "Goede Tijden, Slechte Tijden" (Good Times, Bad Times) which he portrayed from 1990 to 2006. He also appeared in several other popular Dutch TV shows such as "Unit 13", "Oppassen!!" (Watch Out!!), and "Pleidooi" (plea).
In addition to his successful acting career, Florusse has also been active in politics. He was a member of the city council of Amsterdam for the Dutch Labour Party in the 1980s and has also been involved in various social and cultural organizations.
Florusse has received numerous awards for his acting, including the Theo d'Or award for best actor in a leading role in 1985, and the Louis d'Or award for best actor in a leading role in 1994.
Florusse was born in the town of Zeeland, in the southern Netherlands. He studied drama at the Amsterdam School of the Arts and began his acting career in the early 1960s with the Dutch National Theatre. He later appeared in several stage productions with other theatre companies throughout the Netherlands.
Throughout his career, Florusse demonstrated his versatility as an actor by playing a wide range of characters in both film and television. He has acted in Dutch classics such as "Ciske de Rat" (1984) and "De Aanslag" (The Assault, 1986) as well as in modern productions like "Grijpstra & De Gier" (Grab and Run, 2004).
Florusse's talent has not gone unrecognized by his peers in the entertainment industry. He has been awarded the prestigious Theo d'Or and Louis d'Or awards, presented annually to the best actors in Dutch theatre.
Outside of his acting career, Florusse has been an active member of various political and cultural organizations in the Netherlands. In the 1980s, he was elected to the city council of Amsterdam as a member of the Dutch Labour Party.
Florusse currently lives in the small village of Ilpendam, near Amsterdam, where he continues to work in the entertainment industry and remains involved in various cultural and political initiatives.
In addition to his stage, film, and television work, Florusse has also lent his voice to many Dutch-language audiobooks and documentaries. He is a well-known narrator and has provided voice-over work for several documentaries and educational programs. Moreover, Florusse is a talented writer and has published several books, including "Worsteling" in 1992 and "De Kritische Trui" in 1997.
Florusse is regarded as one of the most versatile and respected actors in the Netherlands, and his contributions to the country's entertainment industry have been recognized with several awards and honours. In 2013, he was made a Knight in the Order of the Netherlands Lion, one of the highest civilian honours bestowed by the Dutch government.
Despite his success, Florusse remains humble and grounded, and has often spoken about the importance of using his talent and platform to make a positive impact in society. He is considered a role model by many younger actors and artists in the Netherlands, and is admired for his talent, professionalism, and dedication to his craft.
Henk Votel
Henk Votel (December 11, 1938 The Hague-) is a Dutch actor.
He is known for his extensive work in Dutch theater, film, and television. Votel started his career in the 1960s and has acted in various plays, including those of William Shakespeare. He began his film career in the 1970s with the movie "Turks Fruit". He has since acted in several Dutch movies, including "Spetters" and "Max Havelaar". On television, he has appeared in popular series such as "Baantjer" and "Oud Geld". Throughout his career, Votel has won several accolades, including the prestigious Louis d'Or award for his performance in the play "Heren van de Thee".
In addition to his acting career, Henk Votel is also recognized for his contribution to Dutch culture. He has been involved in developing theater in the Netherlands as a board member for several theater organizations. Votel is also active in promoting Dutch film and has served as a jury member for the Dutch Film Festival. He has been recognized for his service to the arts with the Knight of the Order of the Netherlands Lion in 2000. Votel still works in the industry as an actor, and in 2020, he appeared in the television series "Het A-woord". Outside of his work, Votel is dedicated to animal welfare and is active in several animal rescue organizations.
Moreover, Votel has also worked as a voice actor, providing the Dutch voice for well-known characters in movies such as Hades in Disney's "Hercules" and Chi-Fu in "Mulan". He has also lent his voice to several audiobooks, including the Dutch version of Harry Potter series. Votel has been married to his wife, actress Elly Weller, since 1972 and the couple has two children together. In his free time, Votel enjoys reading and spending time with his dogs. Votel's impressive career has made him a beloved figure in Dutch entertainment and culture, and his contributions have left a lasting impact on the industry.
Jacques Luijer
Jacques Luijer (March 2, 1938 Bussum-) otherwise known as Jacques Stefan Luyer is a Dutch actor.
He began his acting career in the 1970s and has since appeared in numerous Dutch films, television shows and on stage. Some of his most notable film roles include "Turks Fruit" (1973), "Soldaat van Oranje" (1977), "The Fourth Man" (1983) and "Black Book" (2006).
In addition to his work in film, Luyer has also had a successful career in Dutch theater. He was a member of the renowned Nationale Toneel company for many years, and has performed in numerous productions on stages throughout the Netherlands.
Luyer's talent and dedication to his craft have earned him several awards throughout his career, including a Golden Calf for Best Actor for his role in "The Fourth Man". He continues to act to this day, and is considered one of the most respected actors in the Netherlands.
In addition to his work in acting, Jacques Luyer has also had a notable career as a voice actor. He has provided the voice for numerous Dutch language versions of films and animated television shows, including "The Lion King", "Shrek", and "Mickey's Christmas Carol". Luyer's distinctive voice can also be heard in radio commercials and as a narrator for documentaries.
Off-screen, Luyer has been actively involved in charity work. He has supported several organizations over the years, including the Dutch Cancer Society and the Ronald McDonald House Charities. Luyer has also been an advocate for environmental causes, and in 2005 he was named the ambassador for the Dutch organization Stichting De Noordzee.
Despite his successful career and fame in the Netherlands, Luyer has remained relatively private about his personal life. He has been married for over 30 years to his wife, Annemiek, and they have two children together. Luyer is known for his dedication to his craft, and has stated in interviews that he hopes his work as an actor and voice actor leaves a positive impact on audiences.
Luyer was born in Bussum, Netherlands, and developed an interest in acting at a young age. After studying at the Amsterdam Theater School, he began his career on stage before transitioning to film and television. Throughout his career, Luyer has worked with some of the most prominent directors and actors in the Netherlands and has received critical acclaim for his performances.
Despite his success as an actor, Luyer has remained grounded and humble. He is known for his generosity and kindness towards his fellow actors and crew members on set. Luyer has also been an advocate for the importance of the arts, stating that he believes that theater, film and television are essential in bringing people together and fostering understanding and empathy.
Throughout his career, Luyer has shown versatility as an actor, playing a range of characters in a variety of genres. He has worked in drama, comedy, and thriller films, and has also lent his voice to dubbing for animated films. His contributions to Dutch cinema, theater and culture have been invaluable, and his legacy continues to inspire and influence young actors and artists in the Netherlands and beyond.
Jules Hamel
Jules Hamel (May 25, 1938 Amsterdam-) a.k.a. Julius Caesar Hamel is a Dutch actor.
He graduated from the Amsterdamse Toneelschool in 1962 and made his debut at Toneelgroep Studio. During the 1960s and 1970s, Hamel became popular on television, starring in numerous Dutch TV shows and series. He is best known for his role as Charles Pieters in the TV series "Boefje," which was broadcasted in 1965. Hamel also appeared in several Dutch movies, including "Het Debuut" (1977) and "Ciske de Rat" (1984). He was awarded the Golden Calf for Best Actor for his performance in "Het Debuut." Besides acting, Hamel also worked as a voice actor, providing the Dutch voice of several characters in foreign movies and TV shows.
In addition to his successful acting career, Jules Hamel has also made contributions to the field of education. He taught drama at the Artez University of the Arts in Arnhem and served as the director of the Academy for Theater and Dance in Amsterdam from 1989 to 1996. Hamel has also been an advocate for the arts and cultural heritage in the Netherlands, serving on the board of the Museum Association and as chairman of the VandenEnde Foundation.
Throughout his career, Jules Hamel has been recognized as a prominent figure in the Dutch arts and entertainment industry. He has received several awards and honors for his contributions to acting, including the Medal of Honor of the City of Amsterdam and the Order of Orange-Nassau. Hamel also remains a respected figure in the field of education, having trained several budding actors and directors who went on to make a name for themselves in the theater and movie industry. Despite his many achievements, Hamel remains committed to promoting the arts and advocating for a stronger creative sector in the Netherlands.
Niek Pancras
Niek Pancras (June 20, 1938 Waarland-June 27, 2010 The Hague) a.k.a. Nicolaas Adrianus Pancras was a Dutch actor.
He began his acting career in the 1960s and appeared in several Dutch television series and movies throughout the next few decades. Pancras was known for his versatile acting skills, often portraying both serious and comedic roles with ease. Some of his most notable works include the television series "Medisch Centrum West" and films such as "Van de koele meren des doods" and "Brandende liefde." In addition to his acting career, Pancras also worked as a teacher at the Dutch Film Academy, where he shared his knowledge and passion for the craft with upcoming actors and filmmakers.
In his early years, Pancras pursued various interests, including working as a journalist and studying philosophy at the University of Amsterdam. However, his love for acting and performing eventually led him to enroll at the Amsterdam Theatre School. Along with his successful acting career, Pancras also devoted himself to various causes such as human rights and environmentalism. He was a member of the Dutch section of Amnesty International and actively supported the Dutch environmental organization, Milieudefensie. Throughout his lifetime, Pancras remained a respected and beloved figure in the Dutch acting community and left behind a legacy of exceptional performances and dedication to his craft.
In addition to his work in film and television, Niek Pancras was also active in the theater world. He worked with well-known theater companies such as Toneelgroep Amsterdam and Het Nationale Toneel, and appeared in numerous productions throughout his career. Pancras was also recognized for his voice-over work, lending his voice to various documentaries and animated films.
Outside of his professional life, Pancras was known to be an avid traveler, often visiting countries such as Indonesia, Mexico, and Suriname. He also had a passion for photography, and his work was published in various magazines and books.
Pancras's contributions to Dutch culture were recognized in 2008 when he was made a Knight of the Order of Orange-Nassau for his achievements in the arts and his involvement in social causes. He passed away in 2010 at the age of 72, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most talented and respected actors of his generation.
Henk Uterwijk
Henk Uterwijk (August 24, 1938 Muiden-) is a Dutch actor.
He started his career in the theater world and later transitioned into film and television. Uterwijk is best known for his role as Bep Brul in the Dutch comedy TV series "Oppassen!!" which aired from 1991-2003. He has also appeared in several films such as "Kruimeltje" (1999) and "De Hel Van '63" (2009) among others. In addition to acting, Uterwijk has also worked as a voice actor, dubbing foreign films and television shows into Dutch. He received the Order of Orange-Nassau in 2008 for his contribution to Dutch culture through his career as an actor.
Uterwijk was born in Muiden, a small town near Amsterdam, and grew up in a family of artists. His mother was a singer and his father was a painter. He initially pursued his passion for painting and attended the Rijksakademie van beeldende kunsten (State Academy of Fine Arts) in Amsterdam. However, he eventually decided to follow in his mother's footsteps and pursue a career in the performing arts.
Uterwijk started his acting career in the 1960s with theater companies in Amsterdam such as Theaterwerkplaats, Toneelgroep Studio and De Appel. He gained recognition for his performances in plays like "Meteen naar boven" (Straight to the Top) and "Het Lijden van de Jonge Werther" (The Suffering of Young Werther).
In the 1980s, Uterwijk made the transition to television and film, starring in several Dutch productions. He also worked as a voice actor, lending his voice to characters in animated films such as "The Little Mermaid" and "The Land Before Time".
Uterwijk's most iconic role was that of Bep Brul in the popular Dutch sitcom "Oppassen!!". The series, which ran for 12 seasons, followed the daily lives of two retired couples who decide to share a house together. Uterwijk's portrayal of the grumpy but lovable Bep was widely praised and led to him becoming a household name in the Netherlands.
Throughout his career, Uterwijk remained committed to the theater and continued to appear in plays in addition to his work on screen. He also taught acting workshops at the Toneelschool Amsterdam (Amsterdam Theatre School).
Uterwijk retired from acting in 2014, but his contributions to Dutch culture and the performing arts have left a lasting impact.
In addition to his work as an actor and voice actor, Henk Uterwijk was also a writer. He wrote several plays and television scripts throughout his career, including an episode of "Oppassen!!". Uterwijk was also a supporter of the Dutch Socialist Party and frequently made political statements throughout his life. He was vocal about his opposition to the arts being used as a tool for commercial gain and called for more support for independent artists. Uterwijk passed away on September 30, 2021, leaving behind a rich legacy in Dutch culture and the performing arts.
Ben Hansen
Ben Hansen (January 14, 1938 Amsterdam-) also known as Bernhard Hansen is a Dutch actor.
He began his acting career in the mid-1960s, appearing in a number of Dutch films and TV shows. He gained wider recognition in the 1970s with his roles in popular Dutch TV series such as "Kunt u mij de weg naar Hamelen vertellen, mijnheer?" and "Toen was geluk heel gewoon". Hansen has also acted in international productions, including the British TV series "The Onedin Line" and the American film "Soldier of Orange". In addition to his acting career, Hansen has also worked as a director and producer in both film and theater. He has received multiple awards for his contributions to Dutch culture and entertainment, and continues to act and create today.
Hansen was born in Amsterdam in 1938 and grew up in a family of artists - his father was a painter and his mother was a singer. After completing his studies in acting at the Amsterdam School of the Arts, Hansen began his career as an actor in the mid-1960s. He quickly gained popularity in the Netherlands with his performances in Dutch films and TV shows, and became a household name in the following decade with his roles in several popular TV series.
Despite his successful career in the Netherlands, Hansen was always eager to work on international projects. He got his chance when he was cast in the British TV series "The Onedin Line" in 1976, and subsequently appeared in several other international productions, including the hit American movie "Soldier of Orange."
Throughout his long and illustrious career, Hansen has also dabbled in directing and producing, both in film and theater. He has won numerous awards for his contributions to Dutch culture and entertainment, including the prestigious Order of Orange-Nassau in 1998. Despite being in his eighties, Hansen remains active in the entertainment industry and has several projects in the pipeline.
Hansen is known for his versatility as an actor, and has played a wide range of characters throughout his career, from comedic roles in "Toen was geluk heel gewoon" to serious dramatic roles in films like "Soldier of Orange". He has also been praised for his ability to switch seamlessly between Dutch and English, which has made him a sought-after actor for international productions. When not acting, Hansen is an avid painter and has exhibited his artwork in galleries across the Netherlands. In addition to his artistic pursuits, Hansen is a passionate advocate for animal rights and has been involved in several animal welfare organizations. He has also been known to participate in charity events to help raise funds for various causes. Despite his age, Hansen shows no signs of slowing down and continues to inspire audiences with his talent and passion.
Arnold Gelderman
Arnold Gelderman (February 1, 1938 Voorburg-) is a Dutch actor.
He is best known for his work on Dutch television shows such as "Zeg 'ns Aaa" and "Het Zonnetje in Huis." Gelderman began his career in the theater and later transitioned to television and film. In addition to his acting work, he has also lent his voice to numerous Dutch versions of international films and television shows. Outside of his career, Gelderman has been involved in various charitable organizations and was awarded the Dutch Order of Orange-Nassau in 2007 for his contributions to the arts and community.
Gelderman was born in Voorburg, Netherlands in 1938. He grew up in a creative family, as his mother was a singer and his father was an actor. Gelderman was interested in the arts from a young age and discovered his passion for acting after attending a theater school in Amsterdam. After graduating, he began working in the theater industry and quickly gained recognition for his talent.
Gelderman made his television debut in the 1960s and went on to become one of the most recognizable actors in the Netherlands. He starred in the hit sitcom "Zeg 'ns Aaa" from 1981 to 1993, which was one of the longest-running shows in Dutch television history. He also appeared in the popular comedy "Het Zonnetje in Huis" from 1993 to 1999.
Aside from his work in television and film, Gelderman is also known for his voice acting work. He has dubbed numerous foreign films and television shows into Dutch, including "Lethal Weapon," "The X-Files," and "Star Wars."
Throughout his career, Gelderman has been involved in various charitable organizations, particularly those related to the arts and culture. He was awarded the Dutch Order of Orange-Nassau in 2007 for his contributions to the industry and to the community.
Gelderman continues to work as an actor to this day, with his most recent credits including the television series "Flikken Maastricht" and the film "Tulipani: Love, Honor and a Bicycle" in 2017.
In addition to his successful acting career, Gelderman has also worked as a director and producer. He produced the television series "De Poppenkraam" and directed several episodes of "Zeg 'ns Aaa." He also wrote and directed the short film "De Bruiloft" in 1969. Gelderman has been recognized for his contributions to the industry with several awards, including the Golden Calf for Best Actor at the Netherlands Film Festival in 2011.
Gelderman has been married twice and has two children from his first marriage. In his free time, he enjoys playing tennis and is an avid supporter of the Dutch football club ADO Den Haag. He also supports various charitable causes related to animal welfare and the environment. Despite being in his 80s, Gelderman remains active and dedicated to his craft, inspiring generations of actors in the Netherlands.
Manfred de Graaf
Manfred de Graaf (January 8, 1938 Amsterdam-) a.k.a. Manfred Marcel de Graaf or Manfred Marcel Derman is a Dutch actor.
He is best known for his roles in Dutch films such as "Karakter" (1997), for which he won a Golden Calf award for Best Supporting Actor, and "The Discovery of Heaven" (2001). De Graaf started his acting career in the 1960s and appeared in several Dutch television series and films throughout the decades. He also worked in theater and received critical acclaim for his performances in plays such as "The Caretaker" and "The Cherry Orchard". In addition to his acting career, De Graaf was also a writer and director, and he wrote several plays and directed a number of television dramas.
Manfred de Graaf was born in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, on January 8, 1938. He studied acting at the Amsterdam Theater School and made his stage debut in 1960 in the play "The Women of Troy". After that, he appeared in several theater productions and began his film career in the 1960s.
Aside from his work as an actor, de Graaf was also a writer and director. He was involved in the writing of various plays such as "The Rehearsal" and "The Prince". As a director, de Graaf worked mainly in television and directed a number of drama series like "Emigranten" and "Crisis".
In addition to "Karakter" and "The Discovery of Heaven", De Graaf appeared in a number of popular Dutch films, including "Soldier of Orange" (1977), "The Fourth Man" (1983), and "Abel" (1986), among others. He was widely regarded as one of the most talented actors of his generation and was known for his versatility and ability to portray complex characters.
De Graaf passed away on May 26, 2021, at the age of 83. He left behind a legacy of memorable performances on stage, screen, and television, as well as his contributions as a writer and director.
Throughout his career, Manfred de Graaf was a highly respected figure in the Dutch acting community, and was widely known for his dedication and professionalism. He was a versatile actor who could seamlessly transition between serious dramas and lighter comedic roles. In addition to his work in film and theater, de Graaf also lent his talents to voice acting, narrating a number of documentaries and animated films.During his lifetime, de Graaf was recognized with numerous awards and accolades, including the Order of the Netherlands Lion, one of the highest civilian honors in his home country. He was also revered by his peers, who remembered him for his warmth, kindness, and generosity both on and off the set. Despite his passing, de Graaf's legacy continues to inspire and influence the next generation of Dutch actors and filmmakers.
Edmond Classen
Edmond Classen (May 16, 1938 Arnhem-January 27, 2014 Arnhem) also known as Edmond Alphons Antoine Marie Classen was a Dutch actor. He had one child, Kiki Classen.
Classen began his acting career in the late 1960s in films such as "Het Schnitzelparadijs" and "Twee Koffers Vol". He was also a regular performer in Dutch theater productions, appearing in plays like "King Lear" and "Hamlet". In addition to his acting work, Classen was a television host and presenter, known for his work in children's programming. He was also an accomplished voice actor, lending his voice to numerous Dutch-language dubbing projects of foreign films and animated series. In 2013, Classen announced his retirement from acting after a career spanning over four decades. He passed away the following year at the age of 75 in his hometown of Arnhem, Netherlands due to a short illness.
Throughout his career, Edmond Classen was a well-respected figure in the Dutch acting community, earning critical acclaim for his performances and receiving several awards for his work. He was particularly noted for his versatility as an actor, able to transition between roles in theater, film, and television with ease. Outside of his professional life, Classen was also an avid traveler and art collector, with a deep appreciation for European culture and history. His legacy as one of the Netherlands' most talented and beloved actors continues to be remembered and celebrated by fans and colleagues alike.
One of Edmond Classen's most notable roles was in the 1986 film "Abel", which received international acclaim and has since become a cult classic. He also appeared in several popular Dutch television shows, including "Zeg 'ns Aaa" and "Baantjer". In addition to his acting work, Classen was actively involved in charity work, particularly in support of cancer research.
Classen grew up in Arnhem during World War II and witnessed the Siege of Arnhem in 1944. This experience shaped his life and values, and he often spoke publicly about the importance of peace and understanding between nations. He was a vocal supporter of the European Union and believed in the power of cultural exchange to bring people together.
In recognition of his contributions to Dutch culture, Edmond Classen was named a Knight in the Order of the Netherlands Lion in 2007. He is remembered as a talented actor, generous philanthropist, and passionate advocate for peace and unity in Europe.
Ruud van Hemert
Ruud van Hemert (October 29, 1938 Amsterdam-July 5, 2012 Wapserveen) also known as Rudolf Victor Constantijn Gijsbertus Maria van Hemert was a Dutch film director, television director, screenwriter, actor, television producer and film score composer.
Van Hemert started his career in the entertainment industry as an actor in the early 1960s. He later transitioned to directing and became known for his work in popular Dutch television dramas such as "Dagboek van een Herdershond" and "Turks Fruit". In 1984, he won the Golden Calf for Best Director at the Netherlands Film Festival for his film "De Lift". He continued to direct films throughout the 1980s and 1990s, including "Flodder" and "Oh Boy!", before shifting his focus to producing in the early 2000s. Van Hemert was also a prolific music composer, having composed the score for several films and television shows. He was married to actress and TV presenter Sylvia Millecam from 1983 until her death in 2001. Van Hemert passed away in 2012 at the age of 73.
Van Hemert was born in Amsterdam and started his career in the entertainment industry as an actor in the early 1960s. He appeared in several Dutch films and television shows before transitioning to directing. In the 1970s, he directed many episodes of the popular television drama "Dagboek van een Herdershond", which became a hit in the Netherlands.
Van Hemert gained further acclaim with his 1973 film "Turks Fruit", which was based on the novel by Jan Wolkers. The film was both a critical and commercial success, winning several awards and becoming one of the most successful Dutch films of all time.
In 1981, Van Hemert directed "Het Verboden Bacchanaal", which was also well-received by audiences and critics. He went on to direct the horror film "De Lift" in 1983, which won the Golden Calf for Best Director at the Netherlands Film Festival the following year.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Van Hemert continued to direct popular Dutch films and television shows, including the comedy film "Flodder" and the drama "Oh Boy!". He later shifted his focus to producing, and produced several Dutch television programs in the early 2000s.
Van Hemert was also a prolific music composer, having composed the score for several films and television shows in the Netherlands. He was married to actress and TV presenter Sylvia Millecam from 1983 until her death in 2001. Van Hemert passed away in 2012 at the age of 73 due to complications from lung cancer.
In addition to his successful career in the entertainment industry, Van Hemert was known for his outspoken and controversial opinions. He was a strong advocate for freedom of speech and was critical of political correctness. He also faced criticism for his sometimes graphic and sexually explicit content in his work. However, he remained respected in the Dutch film and television industry for his contributions and influence. In 2008, he was awarded the Dutch Order of Orange-Nassau for his impact on Dutch culture. Van Hemert's legacy continues to be felt in Dutch media and entertainment to this day.