Maarten Claeyssens, a remarkably talented and accomplished human being, made his grand entrance into this world on December 24th, 1975, in the picturesque and enchanting city of Ghent, nestled within the culturally rich and vibrant region of Flanders, located in the heart of Belgium.
As the years passed and Maarten's youthful vigor gradually gave way to the seasoned wisdom of adulthood, his inborn aptitudes and fervent inclinations naturally steered him towards the pursuit of a higher education at the esteemed Royal Conservatoire of Antwerp, a revered institution also affectionately referred to as the Academy of Dramatic Arts.
Maarten's academic achievements reached new heights in 1999, as he proudly walked off the graduation stage with honors, marking a significant milestone in his professional trajectory. This remarkable accomplishment served as a springboard for his subsequent rise to fame, as he catapulted to stardom on Belgian television, effortlessly winning over the hearts of millions with his captivating on-screen presence and undeniable charm.
As Claeyssens was approaching the culmination of his demanding training regimen, he was already making notable progress in the realm of professional theatre, frequently performing on the esteemed stages of the Royal Dutch Theatre in Ghent, as well as Het Zuidelijk Toneel in Eindhoven, where he was meticulously refining his craft and accumulating a wealth of valuable experience.
During his last year of academic pursuit, Claeyssens was fortunate enough to receive a once-in-a-lifetime chance when he was selected to play the lead role in the thought-provoking film "Nicolas" directed by the renowned filmmaker Erik Lamens.
After the culmination of his academic endeavors, Claeyssens plunged headfirst into the realm of professional theatre, gracing the stage of The Royal Dutch Theatre in Ghent and Het Zuidelijk Toneel in Eindhoven, thereby refining his artistry and accumulating a wealth of valuable experience.
As the momentum of Claeyssens' acting career began to build and gather pace, he received an esteemed invitation to become a member of the renowned ensemble of Toneelgroep Amsterdam, a distinguished and highly respected Dutch theatre company renowned for its innovative productions and visionary artistic direction, under the leadership of the acclaimed Ivo van Hove, in the year 2000.
Throughout his tenure at TA, Claeyssens had the extraordinary opportunity to collaborate with a plethora of esteemed directors, whose collective reputation for excellence and innovative storytelling is unparalleled in the industry.
Throughout the entirety of each season, Claeyssens had the privilege of portraying a diverse array of characters, ranging from minor supporting roles to significant principal parts, and even had the opportunity to take on the iconic lead role of Don José in the groundbreaking, innovative rock-based theatre production of Carmen.
After a three-year tenure with Toneelgroep Amsterdam, Claeyssens took the bold and courageous step of venturing into the world of freelance acting, thereby granting himself the coveted creative freedom to take on a diverse and extensive range of roles on both the small and big screens. This pivotal transition enabled him to capitalize on his remarkable versatility as a performer by appearing in numerous guest roles within various Belgian television series, as well as making unforgettable and memorable appearances in a plethora of films. As a seasoned and accomplished screen actor, Claeyssens has frequently found himself typecast in complex, emotionally charged roles that often involve troubled or psychologically disturbed characters, including, but not limited to, villains, psychopaths, addicts, and troubled romantic leads, showcasing his remarkable range and depth as an actor.
As a multifaceted thespian, Claeyssens initially gained widespread recognition and acclaim through a diverse array of supporting roles in television series, leaving an indelible mark on the small screen with a notable presence in the widely popular and critically acclaimed comedy-drama series 'Sara' and 'David', which captivated audiences nationwide and garnered a significant following across the country.
It was his groundbreaking performance in the revered national television institution series Thuis in 2011 that ultimately propelled him to unparalleled fame, garnering him widespread recognition and profound acclaim for his extraordinary interpretation of the intricate and multifaceted character of Rafael Campo, who wrestled with the formidable challenges of bipolar disorder, thereby showcasing his remarkable range and depth as an actor.
From the moment he first stepped onto the set, Claeyssens' remarkable ability to convey a profound sense of vulnerability and compassion as Rafael Campo began to captivate audiences, slowly but surely weaving a spell of deep emotional connection that would ultimately secure his reputation as a consummate thespian of uncommon range and versatility.
Nic Balthazar's feature film, Ben X, starring Claeyssens in a principal role, received widespread critical acclaim, ultimately garnering a total of seven prestigious international awards, a testament to the film's outstanding quality and impact.
The film received numerous prestigious accolades, including the Grand Prix des Amériques, a highly coveted award that recognizes the most popular film of the festival, as well as the prize of the Ecumenical Jury, a distinguished honor bestowed upon the film at the Montréal World Film Festival in the year 2007.
Claeyssens' extensive and eclectic filmography boasts a wide range of credits, including a notable lead role in Willem van de Sande Bakhuyzen's cinematic endeavour, Hotel Bellevue, where her talents took center stage.
In addition to this significant contribution, Claeyssens has also made memorable appearances in Didier Volckaert's feature film, Quixote's Island, as well as Tom Van Avermaet's captivating short film, Dreamtime, further solidifying her reputation as a versatile and accomplished actress.
Claeyssens' later work, a short film, garnered a notable 'Wildcard' cash prize from the prestigious Flanders Audiovisual Fund, which he subsequently utilized to produce his Oscar-nominated short film, Death of a Shadow.
