Jan Decleir: Belgium's Acclaimed Actor

Early Life and Career

Jan Decleir was born on February 14, 1948, in Nijlen, Belgium. He began his acting career in the early 1970s, appearing in small roles in films and television shows. His breakthrough came in 1978 when he starred in the film "The Assault," which won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.

Decleir has since appeared in over 100 films and television shows, including "The Passion of Martin," "Daens," and "The Alzheimer Case." He has won numerous awards for his work, including the Golden Calf for Best Actor at the Netherlands Film Festival and the Magritte Award for Best Actor.

Personal Life

Decleir is married to actress Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker. They have two children together. Decleir is known for his outspoken nature and his commitment to social justice. He is a vocal supporter of the Palestinian cause and has spoken out against racism and discrimination.

Legacy

Jan Decleir is one of the most respected and celebrated actors in Belgian history. His work has been praised for its realism, depth, and emotional power. He is an inspiration to young actors and filmmakers and continues to be a vibrant and active presence in the Belgian film industry.

Filmography

* The Assault (1978) * The Passion of Martin (1982) * Daens (1992) * The Alzheimer Case (2003) * The Memory of a Killer (2003) * The Misfortunates (2009) * The Broken Circle Breakdown (2012) * The Ardennes (2015)

Awards

* Golden Calf for Best Actor (1982) * Magritte Award for Best Actor (2011, 2013) * Lifetime Achievement Award from the Flanders International Film Festival Ghent (2018)

Additional Information

* Decleir is a member of the Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium for Science and the Arts. * He is a patron of the Jan Decleir Fund, which supports emerging Belgian filmmakers. * Decleir has received honorary doctorates from the University of Antwerp and the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven.

Jan Decleir