Biography

Just like Famke Janssen, he enjoys most of his fame from his work in American movies; his body of work in his home country of the Netherlands prior to his American career is relatively small and low-profile (although this has been changing since 2008).

Was supposed to play in Minority Report (2002), but he didn't get a work permit, so he couldn't be in this film. His part was taken over by Colin Farrell, with whom he later played in The New World (2005).

Considers Martin Sheen and Janet Sheen his 'American grandparents', as they took him under their wings while he was acting in his first American movies. Also remains in contact with David Fincher and Rooney Mara with whom he made The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011).

He said that lack of work in Dutch movies (due to a longstanding conflict with his casting agency) led to a period of drug abuse and rehabilitation. He considers himself fortunate to have been discovered by Hollywood, having never been out of work since. After his break-out, his Dutch career has also regained momentum.

Credits Steven Spielberg for his international career. Spielberg noticed his resemblance to a young Robert Shaw and cast him in Minority Report (2002). Although he had to back out due to problems with his work permit, by that time, Hollywood had picked up on Spielberg's interest in him. He was subsequently offered parts in Deserter (2002) and Beyond Borders (2003).