Dutch actors who deceased in 1966
Here are 3 famous actors from Netherlands died in 1966:
Johan Elsensohn
Johan Elsensohn (January 13, 1884 Amsterdam-March 23, 1966 Amsterdam) otherwise known as Joh. Elsensohn was a Dutch actor.
Throughout his career, Elsensohn appeared in more than 50 films, frequently portraying comic characters or fathers. He also worked in theater, performing in several productions in Amsterdam. Elsensohn was known for his ability to play versatile roles and his unique sense of humor. In addition to acting, he was also a writer, penning a number of plays and screenplays throughout his lifetime. Elsensohn continued acting well into his old age, and he remains a beloved figure in Dutch theater and film history.
Elsensohn began his acting career in 1906, performing in various Dutch theaters before making his film debut in 1914. He quickly became a regular in Dutch cinema, starring in popular films such as "Op stap" (1920) and "De drie wensen" (1937). Despite the tumultuous events of World War II, Elsensohn continued to act, although he was forced to work under the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands during the war. After the war, he resumed his work in theater and film, playing memorable roles in the films "Dorp aan de rivier" (1958) and "Majoor Kees" (1959).
In addition to his acting and writing talents, Elsensohn was also an accomplished painter. He often created illustrations to accompany his written works, exhibiting his paintings in galleries throughout the Netherlands. Elsensohn passed away in 1966 at the age of 82, but his legacy lives on in the numerous plays, films, and artworks he created throughout his lifetime.
Elsensohn was born in Amsterdam in 1884, the second of six children. His father was a carpenter, and his mother was a homemaker. Despite his interest in the arts from a young age, Elsensohn initially worked as a clerk at a textile company. However, he soon left this job to pursue a career in theater.
Throughout his career, Elsensohn worked with many of the leading Dutch actors and directors of his time, including Johan Kaart and Louis Davids. He was known for his ability to improvise on stage and his quick wit, both of which made him a popular performer.
Elsensohn was married twice and had four children. His second wife, Martine van der Does, was also an actress.
In addition to his acting, writing, and painting, Elsensohn was also an amateur musician, playing the piano accordion and the harmonica. He often incorporated music into his performances.
Today, Elsensohn is remembered as one of the greats of Dutch theater and film. In 1984, a commemorative plaque was placed on the building where he was born in Amsterdam.
Ben Royaards
Ben Royaards (September 28, 1904 Amsterdam-July 5, 1966 Antwerp) also known as B.L. Royaards was a Dutch film director, actor and screenwriter. His children are called Hans Royaards and Jules Royaards.
Royaards was initially trained as a theater director and made his name in the Dutch theater world during the 1930s. In the 1940s, he ventured into film-making and worked on several successful films which showcased his unique directorial style. He is best known for his films, such as "De Munnik" (1940), "De Vliegende Hollander" (1957), and "Winnie de Poeh en het honderd bunderbos" (1966). He was also an accomplished actor who appeared in several Dutch films throughout his career.
Royaards' works often centered around relatable human stories and quaint Dutch characters. He was known for his meticulous attention to detail and his ability to bring out the best performances from his actors. In addition to his work in film and theater, Royaards was also an accomplished writer who contributed numerous articles to various publications.
Unfortunately, Royaards passed away suddenly in Antwerp at the age of 61, just as he was starting work on his new film. Despite his relatively short career, he has left an indelible mark on Dutch cinema and is remembered as one of the country's most talented filmmakers.
Royaards' legacy in Dutch cinema was further cemented by his pioneering work in the use of sound in films. His film "De Vliegende Hollander" was the first Dutch film to use stereophonic sound, which revolutionized the Dutch film industry at the time. Royaards was also a passionate advocate for the preservation of Dutch cultural heritage and his films were often a celebration of traditional Dutch culture. In recognition of his contribution to Dutch cinema, Royaards continues to be celebrated in the Netherlands with a film award named after him, the B.L. Royaards Prize, which is given to emerging Dutch filmmakers.
Royaards' influence on Dutch cinema was not limited to his creative work. He was also involved in the formation of the Dutch film industry as an institution. In 1946, he became a founding member of the Dutch Federation for Film Culture, which aimed to promote cinema as an art form and offered support for young filmmakers. He also played a key role in the establishment of the Netherlands Film Academy in 1958, which offered a structured film education for aspiring filmmakers. Royaards' dedication to the craft of filmmaking and his commitment to supporting young talent has had a lasting impact on the Dutch film industry. Today, his films are regarded as classics of Dutch cinema and continue to be celebrated for their unique style and cultural significance.
Jan Pruis
Jan Pruis (November 25, 1920 Amsterdam-October 2, 1966 Hoorn) was a Dutch actor.
He began his career in the theater in Amsterdam in the 1940s but gained wider recognition for his film and television work in the 1950s and 1960s. Pruis appeared in a number of popular Dutch films, including "Fanfare" (1958) and "Kermis in de regen" (1962). He also appeared in several television series, such as "De Fuik" (1958) and "Stiefbeen en zoon" (1963). Pruis's talent as an actor was widely acknowledged and he received critical acclaim for his performances. His sudden death at the age of 45 was a great loss to Dutch film and television.
In addition to his acting work, Pruis was also a singer and had several successful records in the Netherlands. He was known for his warm and charismatic personality and was a popular guest on talk shows and variety shows. His last film, "Het Gangstermeisje" (1966), was released posthumously and was a critical and commercial success. Pruis's legacy lives on in Dutch film and television, and he is remembered as a versatile and talented actor who left an indelible mark on the industry.
Pruis was born into an artistic family; his father was a painter and his mother was a pianist. In his youth, he showed a talent for the arts and attended a drama school in Amsterdam. During World War II, he joined a resistance group and was subsequently arrested by the Germans and imprisoned in a concentration camp. He survived the war and returned to Amsterdam, where he resumed his career in the theater.
Pruis was also involved in the Dutch cabaret scene and collaborated with several famous cabaret artists, including Wim Kan and Toon Hermans. He had a natural sense of humor and was known for his comedic timing. Pruis's work in the cabaret scene helped lay the foundation for his success in film and television.
Despite his success, Pruis struggled with alcoholism and was known for his erratic behavior. His sudden death in 1966 was attributed to a heart attack, which was suspected to be caused by his alcoholism. Pruis was survived by his wife and three children.
In memory of Pruis, the Jan Pruis Prize was established in 1967, which is awarded annually to a promising new actor or actress in the Netherlands.