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1-50 of 411
- Actor
- Producer
- Director
Blond, blue-eyed, tall and handsome Dutch actor Rutger Hauer enjoyed an international reputation for playing everything from romantic leads to action heroes to sinister villains. Hauer was born in Breukelen, a Dutch town and former municipality in the province of Utrecht.
He was the son of Teunke Hauer (née Mellema) and Arend Hauer, actors who operated an acting school. As his parents were often touring, he and his three sisters were raised by a nanny. A bit of a rebel during his childhood, he chafed at the rules and rigors of school and was often getting into mischief. His grandfather had been the captain of a schooner and at age fifteen, Hauer ran away to work on a freighter for a year. Like his great-grandfather, Hauer was color-blind, which prevented him from furthering his career as a sailor.
Upon his return he attended night school and started working in the construction industry. When he again bombed at school, his parents enrolled him in drama classes. An amateur poet, he spent most of his time writing poetry and hanging out in Amsterdam coffee houses instead of studying. He was expelled for poor attendance and afterward spent a brief period in the Dutch navy.
Deciding he didn't like military life, Hauer honed his acting skills trying to convince his superiors he was mentally unfit and was sent to a special home for psych patients. It was an unpleasant place, but Hauer remained there until he had convinced his ranking officers that the military really did not need him.- Actress
- Director
- Soundtrack
Sylvia Kristel was born on September 28, 1952 in Utrecht, Netherlands. She first came to international attention in the early 1970s with Emmanuelle (1974) for director Just Jaeckin. Then two more sequels followed in which she also starred. Included in her credits are a long list of European films including the film Julia (1974), in which she played the lead. In 1979, she came to Hollywood, appearing in The Concorde... Airport '79 (1979) for producer Jennings Lang, who also featured her in the comedy film The Nude Bomb (1980). However, this was all a prelude to the most successful film in Kristel's career -- Private Lessons (1981) -- in which she played the housekeeper who initiates 15-year-old Eric Brown to the wonders of sex. The film grossed over $50,000,000 worldwide. The Dutch actress, who speaks four languages (Dutch, English, Italian and French), now made her home in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Sylvia Kristel died at age 60 of cancer in her sleep on October 18, 2012.- Yorick van Wageningen was born on 16 April 1964 in Baarn, Utrecht, Netherlands. He is an actor and writer, known for The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011), The Resurrection of a Bastard (2013) and The Judgement (2021).
- David Elsendoorn was born on 27 November 1994 in Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands. He is an actor, known for Ted Lasso (2020), Flikken Maastricht (2007) and Single Street (2019).
- Karina Smulders (Utrecht, 1980) was cast for the popular daytime 'Onderweg naar Morgen' when she was sixteen years old. After two years, she left the show and was admitted to the Academy of Performing Arts in Amsterdam where she graduated with honor in 2002 A year earlier, as an apprentice, she created the role of Katalijne in Lot Vekemans' 'Truckstop' for the Muztheater. She appeared in many feature films, including 'Ik omhels je met 1000 armen', 'Wolfsbergen', 'Kom niet aan mijn kinderen', 'Sum of Histories' and her star turn as Ada van Holland in 'Bride Flight'.
From 2002 till 2012 Karina was an ensemble member of Toneelgroep Amsterdam, the most renowned Dutch theatre company, led by Ivo van Hove. She performed in numerous plays, both classical and modern: True Love, Othello, Hedda Gabler, The Taming of the Shrew, Cries and Whispers, After the Fall, Roman Tragedies and The Russians!. Her role in After the Rehearsal / Persona in 2013 earned her a nomination for the Theo d'Or for best leading actress performance in play.
After her time with Toneelgroep Amsterdam, Karina worked as a freelance actress with several different companies. For her role as Hedda in Hedda Gabler she again earned a nomination for the Theo d'Or in 2017.
In addition to her work on stage, Katrina has been seen in many tv-series including Familie Kruys, Divorce and Nieuwe Buren. Most recently she starred as Xandra in the tv-series Keizersvrouwen directed by Ben Sombogaart. Later this year, she'll be featured in the film Jackie & Oopjen. - Actor
- Music Department
Gijs Naber was born on 9 August 1980 in Vinkeveen, Utrecht, Netherlands. He is an actor, known for Penoza (2010), Aanmodderfakker (2014) and Black Book (2006).- Actress
- Director
- Set Decorator
Katja Schuurman was born on 19 February 1975 in Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands. She is an actress and director, known for Interview (2003), The Rules of Attraction (2002) and Costa! (2001). She was previously married to Freek van Noortwijk and Thijs Römer.- Actor
- Talent Agent
- Producer
A lifelong martial artist, Smoorenburg was given the opportunity to break into movie making with an audition for Jackie Chan's 'Who Am I?" (1998), taking on Chan in the final fight at the end of the movie. The movie's action was nominated for the Best Fight Choreography & Action Design at both the Hong Kong Film Awards and Taiwan's Golden Horse Awards in 1998.
Over the course of his career, Ron has been able to work with many of the biggest names in martial arts cinema from Jackie Chan, Tony Jaa, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Donnie Yen, Iko Uwais, Michael Jai-White, Gary Daniels, Marko Zaror, Steven Seagal, Kane Kosugi and Scott Adkins.
Based in Thailand since 2005, Smoorenburg is known for numerous TV appearances there as well as his fights with Tony Jaa in both 'Tom Yum Goong/The Protector" (2005) and "Triple Threat" which saw him battling Jaa once more.
Among Ron's other recognizable roles are appearances in the German TV series 'Der Puma" choreographed by Donnie Yen and his team, Akshay Kumar's "Brothers' (2016) , "The Avenging Fist" where he battles "Into the Badlands' Stephen Fung, "Crazy Alien', "Lost in Thailand" where his character has a memorable scene with a lady boy and gives Smoorenburg the chance to show a lighter side to his character than his regular bad guy roles, he can also be seen in Luc Besson's "Warriors Gate" and the Scott Adkins movie 'Ninja 2: Shadow of a Tear" .
Ron plays the character 'Dutch" and served as the fight choreographer for the independent movie 'English Dogs".- Actress
- Writer
Beppie Melissen was born on 26 May 1951 in Mijdrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands. She is an actress and writer, known for Romy's Salon (2019), Gooische vrouwen (2011) and Gooische vrouwen (2005).- Marina de Graaf was born on 16 December 1959 in Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands. She is an actress, known for Vrouwenvleugel (1993), The Debut (1977) and Mysteries (1978).
- Actor
- Director
- Writer
Jack Wouterse was born on 17 June 1957 in Soest, Utrecht, Netherlands. He is an actor and director, known for Vet hard (2005), All stars: De serie (1999) and Gangsterboys (2010).- Touriya Haoud was born and raised in a small village in Holland of Marocain/Macedonian heritage.
Soon after graduating public education institute Schoevers, with a Communication Degree, a friend persuaded Touriya to participate in a modeling contest. Touriya not only won, but also from that moment on, she never looked back. Touriya then traveled Europe for the next few years landing European Campaigns with Tommy Hilfiger and Replay. In between her modeling, Touriya took various acting classes and landed a lead role in the popular Dutch television series, Hartslag (2002), the Dutch version of ER (1994).
In the winter of 2003, after only one year on Television, she landed one of the leading characters, in the highly acclaimed Dutch Independent Movie, Shouf shouf habibi! (2004) (Hush Hush Baby). This movie was not only accepted to the prestigious Berlin Film Festival, but was honored with the Public Choice Award. As of today this movie has been sold to more than 40 countries and 51 festivals worldwide. Most recently screened at the Vancouver Film Festival, scoring positive remarks amongst critics.
In 2004, Touriya was chosen to be one of the new faces for the prestigious TIM campaign; Italy's leading networks. Touriya now joins the likes of world acclaimed role models Sophia Loren, Naomi Campbell, in which she followed, and since has passed it on to the newest Adriana Lima.
Only months later, Touriya landed her biggest opportunity by being named to star opposite Laurence Fishburne, and Ryan Phillippe as his leading lady in the controversial film Five Fingers (2006).
Following the wrap of shooting of Five Fingers (2006), she moved to Los Angeles in April 2005. Currently, she can be seen in national commercials Budweiser Select, TAG Body Spray.
When she's not working Touriya enjoys, reading a good book, cooking up her favorite MarocianMacadonian dishes, traveling around the Coast of California. Our giving time out to help some of her favorite organizations, Orange Babies, in South Africa. - Director
- Writer
- Actor
Jan Kounen was born on 2 May 1964 in Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands. He is a director and writer, known for Renegade (2004), Vibroboy (1994) and 8 (2008).- Actor
- Writer
- Script and Continuity Department
Gijs Scholten van Aschat was born on 16 September 1959 in Doorn, Utrecht, Netherlands. He is an actor and writer, known for Oud geld (1998), The Possession of Hannah Grace (2018) and Kill Switch (2017). He is married to Judith. They have three children.- Actor
- Writer
- Soundtrack
Rijk de Gooyer was born on 17 December 1925 in Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands. He was an actor and writer, known for In voor- en tegenspoed (1991), Nosferatu the Vampyre (1979) and Beppie (1989). He was married to Tonny Domburg. He died on 2 November 2011 in Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, Netherlands.- Erik Koningsberger was born on 23 October 1958 in Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands. He is an actor, known for Het huis Anubis (2006), Voetbalvrouwen (2007) and Westenwind (1999).
- Actor
- Soundtrack
Growing up as the youngest of four sons of the merchant Jacobus Heesters and his wife Gertruida, née van der Hoevel, he began a commercial apprenticeship after finishing school. He actually wanted to become a priest, but then began an apprenticeship in a bank. In 1920 he switched to acting. He initially completed singing and acting training in Amsterdam and had his first theater engagements there in 1921. He later also played on stages in The Hague, Brussels and Rotterdam. In 1924 he received a supporting role in his first silent film "Cirque Hollandais" directed by Theo Frenkel. In 1930 Heesters married Louisa H. Ghijs, with whom he had two daughters, Wiesje and Nicole. He was married to his wife for 53 years until her death in 1985. After appearances at theaters in the Netherlands, Belgium and Switzerland, he received his first engagement as a tenor in operetta in 1934 in Millöcker's "The Begging Student" at the Vienna Volksoper. A year later, in 1936, he went to Berlin.
Here Heesters celebrated his breakthrough, first at the Komische Oper and then at the Metropoltheater and the Admiralspalast. He also owed his nickname "Jopie" to the audience in the German capital. He was immediately discovered for the film. Numerous UFA productions followed, such as his first leading role in "The Bettelstudent" (1936) and "The Court Concert" (1936). With "Gasparone" (1937) alongside Marika Rökk, Heesters became a film star. In 1938 he sang the role of Count Danilo for the first time in the Franz Léhar operetta "The Merry Widow", a role that he developed into one of his signature roles for 35 years. This was followed by "The Adventure Continues - Every Woman Has a Sweet Secret", "My Aunt - Your Aunt" (1939) and "Love School" (1940). The Reich Ministry for Public Enlightenment and Propaganda soon included him on the so-called "God-Given List". His attitude towards Nazi Germany was contradictory. Although he owed his success primarily to the UFA, he also rejected German citizenship. He neither became a member of the NSDAP nor did he explicitly distance himself from National Socialism.
Despite a few encounters with Adolf Hitler, he performed in the Netherlands in 1938 with a Jewish theater group that had fled Germany. There was massive criticism from abroad, especially in Holland, where he was accused of being a collaborator who was in German service when his homeland was occupied by the Wehrmacht. He celebrated great successes during the war years with films such as "Hello Janine" with Marika Rökk, "It began so harmlessly" with Theo Lingen and "Roses in Tirol" with Hans Moser. Despite his success in film, Heesters returned to theater after the Second World War. His popularity remained unbroken. Count Danilo's entrance song "I'm going to Maxim" from the operetta "The Merry Widow" became an evergreen. He appeared on stage in this role over 1,600 times. In 1953, Otto Preminger hired him for the Hollywood film "The Virgin on the Roof". Meanwhile, Heesters had already been involved in around 50 film productions by 1961. In 1970, after a long break from filming, he appeared in "The Inspector: Parking Lot Hyenas". "The Beautiful Wilhelmine" followed in 1983.
In 1984 Johannes Heesters became an honorary member of the Vienna Volksoper. In 1985 the comedy film "Otto - The Film" followed. Heesters was also active in literature. He described his life in his 1993 autobiography entitled "Thank God I'm Not Young Anymore." In the 1990s he appeared in front of the camera for the television plays "Two Munichers in Hamburg", "Two Old Hands" and "Between Night and Day". In 1992 Heesters married the actress Simone Rethel, who was 46 years his junior. From 1996 to the summer of 2001 he played alongside his wife in the play "A Blessed Age" written for him by Curth Flatow. In 1999 he was awarded a "Bambi" for his life's work. In 1997, at the age of 94, Heesters celebrated his 75th stage anniversary and went on tour with the play "A Blessed Age". At the turn of the millennium, Heesters, who was fond of tobacco and whiskey until old age, became the oldest active entertainer in the world. In 2001 he was honored with the Platinum Romy for his life's work.
In 2002, the 99-year-old Heesters was able to look back on 80 years on the stage. Another autobiographical work by Heesters followed in 2002 with the title "Even a hundred years are not enough". In 2003, Johannes Heesters received an honorary award from the "Bambi" for his life's work. In 2004, Heesters appeared four times in the role of the gentleman in Hofmannsthal's "Everyman". At the Wittenberge Elbland Festival he was awarded the title of "chamber singer". In August 2006, the first exhibition about Heesters took place in the Berlin Academy of Arts, which he personally opened with a song recital. In the year 2006 he received the "Honorary Radio Rainbow Award". In 2008, Heesters took on a supporting role in the Til Schweiger comedy "1 1/2 Knights - In Search of the Adorable Herzelinde". From July 2010, Heesters plays the king in Rolf Hochhuth's "Inselkomödie" in the Berliner Ensemble.
Johannes Heesters died on December 24, 2011 in Starnberg, at the age of 108.- Cinematographer
- Camera and Electrical Department
Rogier Stoffers was born on 9 November 1961 in Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands. He is a cinematographer, known for Quills (2000), School of Rock (2003) and Brimstone (2016).- Editor
- Editorial Department
- Actor
Job ter Burg was born in Maarn, Utrecht, Netherlands. He is an editor and actor, known for Elle (2016), Brimstone (2016) and The Creator (2023).- Actress
- Soundtrack
Babette van Veen was born on 30 April 1968 in Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands. She is an actress, known for Goede tijden, slechte tijden (1990), De kameleon ontvoerd (2004) and Raveleijn (2011). She has been married to Bas Westerweel since August 1998. They have two children.- Actor
- Writer
- Additional Crew
Yannick van de Velde was born on 15 August 1989 in Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands. He is an actor and writer, known for De brief voor de koning (2008), In Oranje (2004) and Overspel (2011).- Animation Department
- Writer
- Director
Michael Dudok de Wit was born on 15 July 1953 in Abcoude, Utrecht, Netherlands. He is a writer and director, known for The Red Turtle (2016), Father and Daughter (2000) and The Monk and the Fish (1994).- Chantal Demming was born on 5 February 1978 in Baarn, Utrecht, Netherlands. She is an actress, known for Het leven uit een dag (2009), Littekens (2014) and Caged (2011).
- Rosalie van Breemen was born on 2 August 1966 in Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands. She is an actress, known for Radeloos (2008), Fort Boyard (2011) and Dit was het nieuws (1996). She was previously married to Robert Agostinelli and Alain Afflelou.
- Nyncke Beekhuyzen was born on 24 January 1980 in Nieuwegein, Utrecht, Netherlands. She is an actress, known for Süskind (2012), Danni Lowinski (2013) and Petticoat (2016).