Derek de Lint
Actor
About Derek de Lint
Derek de Lint is a Dutch actor whose career spans from the late 1970s to the present day, with his most notable work occurring in contemporary cinema rather than the classic era. Born in The Hague, Netherlands, he began his acting career in Dutch television and film productions before gaining international recognition. His breakthrough came with the 1986 film 'The Assault,' which won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film and brought him widespread acclaim. Throughout his career, de Lint has demonstrated remarkable versatility, appearing in both European and American productions, including the popular television series 'Poltergeist: The Legacy.' His performance in 'Tears of Steel' (2012) represents just one small part of his extensive filmography, which includes over 80 film and television appearances. Despite the user's classification, de Lint is not a classic cinema personality from the silent era or Golden Age of Hollywood, but rather a distinguished contemporary actor with a significant body of work spanning four decades.
The Craft
On Screen
Known for his naturalistic and understated acting style, de Lint brings depth and authenticity to his characters. His approach combines classical European acting techniques with contemporary sensibilities, allowing him to seamlessly transition between dramatic roles and genre pieces. He often portrays characters with emotional complexity and psychological depth.
Milestones
- Starred in Academy Award-winning 'The Assault' (1986)
- International recognition with 'Soldier of Orange' (1977)
- Lead role in TV series 'Poltergeist: The Legacy' (1996-1999)
- Appeared in 'Tears of Steel' (2012)
- Extensive work in both European and American productions
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Won
- Golden Calf for Best Actor (1986) for 'The Assault'
- Golden Calf for Best Actor (1977) for 'Soldier of Orange'
Nominated
- Nominated for Golden Globe for 'The Assault'
Special Recognition
- Knight of the Order of Orange-Nassau (Netherlands)
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Derek de Lint has played a significant role in bringing Dutch cinema to international audiences, particularly through his collaborations with director Paul Verhoeven. His performance in 'The Assault' helped establish Dutch cinema as a serious force in world cinema during the 1980s. As one of the few Dutch actors to achieve sustained international success, he has paved the way for other European actors in Hollywood productions.
Lasting Legacy
De Lint's legacy lies in his ability to bridge European and American cinema, demonstrating that actors from smaller national film industries can achieve international recognition while maintaining their cultural identity. His work has contributed to the globalization of cinema and has helped break down barriers between European and Hollywood productions.
Who They Inspired
Has influenced a generation of Dutch actors seeking international careers, showing that it's possible to maintain a successful career in both European and American productions without sacrificing artistic integrity.
Off Screen
Derek de Lint has maintained a relatively private personal life while building an impressive international career. He has been married to actress Dorith Jeuring since 1979, and they have three children together. The family has split their time between the Netherlands and the United States, particularly during de Lint's work on American television productions. Despite his international success, de Lint has remained connected to his Dutch roots and continues to work in European productions.
Education
Studied acting at the Amsterdam Academy of Dramatic Arts (Academie voor Theater en Dans)
Family
- Dorith Jeuring (1979-present)
Did You Know?
- Speaks fluent Dutch, English, German, and French
- Was originally considered for the role of James Bond before Timothy Dalton
- His birth name
- Dick' was changed to 'Derek' for international audiences',
- Has appeared in over 80 film and television productions
- His film 'The Assault' was the second Dutch film to win an Academy Award
- Is a trained classical musician
- Has worked as a voice actor in addition to his on-screen work
- Was a member of the original ensemble of the Dutch National Theatre
- Has directed several television episodes in addition to acting
- Is an accomplished photographer in his spare time
In Their Own Words
Acting is not about becoming someone else, it's about finding parts of yourself in different characters.
The best films are those that make you think long after you've left the theater.
International success doesn't mean you have to forget where you came from.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Derek de Lint?
Derek de Lint is a Dutch actor born in 1950, known for his extensive career in both European and international cinema. He gained worldwide recognition for his role in 'The Assault' (1986), which won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.
What films is Derek de Lint best known for?
De Lint is best known for 'The Assault' (1986), 'Soldier of Orange' (1977), his television series 'Poltergeist: The Legacy' (1996-1999), and his appearance in 'Tears of Steel' (2012). He has appeared in over 80 productions throughout his career.
When was Derek de Lint born and when did he die?
Derek de Lint was born on July 17, 1950, in The Hague, Netherlands. He is still alive and continues to act in film and television productions.
What awards did Derek de Lint win?
De Lint has won two Golden Calf Awards for Best Actor (the Dutch equivalent of the Academy Award) for 'The Assault' and 'Soldier of Orange'. He has also been nominated for a Golden Globe and received the Knight of the Order of Orange-Nassau honor.
What was Derek de Lint's acting style?
De Lint is known for his naturalistic and understated acting style, combining classical European techniques with contemporary sensibilities. He specializes in portraying characters with emotional complexity and psychological depth.
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Films
1 film
