Carice Van Houten Dutch actress and singer Date of Birth: 05.09.1973 Country: Netherlands

1. Biography of Carice van Houten
2. Early Life and Career Beginnings
3. Rise to Fame
4. Continued Success and Personal Life

Biography of Carice van Houten

Carice van Houten, a Dutch actress and singer, is a true star in her home country, the Netherlands. She has gained considerable success in the United States as well, but she has no plans to forget her roots. In fact, Carice has stated in interviews that she does not want to live in the Hollywood lifestyle.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Carice van Houten was born in Leiderdorp, Netherlands. Her mother, Margje Stasse, was a member of the Dutch educational television council, and her father, Theodore van Houten, was a writer and broadcaster. Carice's younger sister, Jelka van Houten, also became an actress.

Carice first tried her hand at acting in school in Utrecht. She later attended the Maastricht Academy of Dramatic Arts for a short time before continuing her professional training at the Amsterdam Kleinkunstacademie.

Rise to Fame

Carice van Houten's breakthrough role came in the television film "Suzy Q," for which she won the prestigious Dutch award, the Golden Calf. She also received the Pisuisse Award and the Top Naeff Award for her role in the film "Undercover Kitty."

In 2006, Carice gained international recognition for her role as Rachel Stein in the film "Black Book." The film became the most successful Dutch film commercially and garnered her another accolade, the Netherlands Film Festival's Golden Calf. Director Paul Verhoeven praised Carice's talent, stating that he had never worked with a more talented actress, even comparing her to Sharon Stone.

Carice went on to star in several high-profile American films, including "Valkyrie" with Tom Cruise and "Repo Men" with Jude Law and Forest Whitaker. She also continued to work in Dutch cinema, collaborating with director Martin Koolhoven on multiple projects.

Continued Success and Personal Life

Carice van Houten's popularity continued to grow, earning her the title of "Woman of the Year" by New York Magazine in 2008. She also appeared in Vanity Fair's March issue that same year. In 2011, Carice landed the role of Melisandre in the popular television series "Game of Thrones."

Carice had a romantic relationship with Sebastian Koch, her co-star from "Black Book," but they broke up in August 2009. In October 2013, she officially announced her relationship with Kees van Nieuwkerk, the son of well-known Dutch television presenter Matthijs van Nieuwkerk.

In addition to her acting career, Carice released her own album titled "See You on the Ice" in 2012. The album featured pop-rock compositions.

Carice van Houten's talent and versatility have made her a respected figure in both Dutch and international cinema. Her dedication to her craft and refusal to be consumed by the Hollywood lifestyle have endeared her to fans and critics alike.