Actor
Matthias Schoenaerts Molded by Parents Despite Own Doubts
Matthias Schoenaerts grew up in a creative environment with his parents.
Matthias Schoenaerts, the acclaimed Belgian actor, has carved out an impressive career in film despite facing self-doubt early on. Born in 1977, he made a remarkable debut at just 12 years old in the Oscar-nominated movie Daens.
However, his path to success was shaped by his parents’ unwavering support and guidance. Despite his uncertainties, his parents recognized his talent and encouraged him to follow his path.
This article delves into his parents’ pivotal role in molding him into the acclaimed performer he is today, overcoming personal doubts through their belief in his abilities.
Who are Matthias Schoenaerts’ parents?
Schoenaerts’ father was Julien Schoenaerts (1925-2006), a renowned Flemish actor widely regarded as one of the greatest post-war actors in Flanders and the Netherlands. His impressive acting career spanned theatre, film, and television.
Some of Julien’s notable theatre roles included Kaspar by Peter Handke, Waiting for Godot by Samuel Beckett, and works by Sophocles and Plato.
His film/TV credits include Daens and De Leeuw van Vlaanderen. He struggled with bipolar disorder later in life.
Matthias Schoenaerts with his parents (Source: Instagram)
Similarly, Schoenaerts’ mother is Dominique Wiche (1953-2016), a costume designer, translator and French teacher. She hailed from the French-speaking Wallonia region of Belgium.
So Schoenaerts was born into a family with solid theatrical roots from his acclaimed actor father while also having exposure to the French language and culture from his mother’s side.
Matthias Schoenarts appeared on stage with his father at the age of nine
Schoenaerts was born into a family with deep theatrical roots, so it’s no surprise he caught the acting bug early.
At just nine years old in 1987, he made his stage debut alongside his father Julien in a production of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s classic novella The Little Prince.
It was a family affair with Julien directing and Schoenaerts’ mother, Wiche, designing the costumes. This must have been an incredibly formative experience for young Schoenaerts, sharing the stage with his renowned actor father.
Though he downplays the role now, calling it essentially a “wallpaper part,” he went on to act with his father again just a few years later at age 12 in the 1992 film Daens.
Matthias Schoenaerts refused to do what his parents did as a teenager
Despite his early exposure to acting by performing alongside his father at ages 9 and 12, Schoenaerts went through a rebellious phase in his youth where he wanted to forge his path away from his father’s legendary shadow.
He was terrified of never being able to live up to his father Julien’s towering talent and reputation, describing Julien as “a mix of Marlon Brando and Klaus Kinski” with an intense, volatile personality.
Their relationship became strained, with Schoenaerts recounting how they “fought like dogs” and even came to physical blows when he was around 13 years old.
Instead of acting, the teenage Schoenaerts immersed himself in the hip-hop culture – graffiti artistry under the tag “Zenith,” turntables, and breakdancing.
He embraced this countercultural lifestyle as a rebellion against following his parents into the theatrical world he had come to resent as a youth.
Even today, Schoenaerts still practices artistic outlets like large mural paintings to find peace and calm himself, perhaps connecting to those graffiti roots.
Matthias Schoenaerts’ father’s influence on him
Schoenaerts admits there was a point as a reckless 21-year-old when his life was veering down a dangerous path — he had been expelled from school. He was involved in graffiti and vandalism with a questionable crowd of friends.
However, a traumatic event involving his estranged father, Julien, proved to be the wake-up call that dramatically altered Schoenaerts’ trajectory.
He received the devastating news that Julien had suffered a psychotic episode and lay comatose, with only 24 hours to live, according to doctors. Despite their strained relationship over the years, he was overwhelmed with emotion at his father’s bedside, regretting they may never reconcile their issues.
Matthias Schoenaerts with his father (Source: X)
Miraculously, Julien defied the odds and awoke after 72 hours, but in a vegetative state that medical experts warned may never improve. This started an eight-month journey where he and his mother became Julien’s tireless advocates and caregivers.
Through sheer love, dedication, and stubbornness, they rehabilitated Julien, teaching him to speak, eat, and walk in what doctors called “a miracle.” For Schoenaerts, it was a transformative experience that compelled him to overhaul his lifestyle and find purpose.
Even today, he speaks reverently of his parents as the people he loved most, with whom he shared his life’s most important moments and beautiful memories. Their losses have made life excruciatingly difficult.
But that brush with nearly losing his father too soon solidified Julien’s lasting impact. It motivated him to find the artistic path his parents had modeled while channeling their relentless determination and depth of love into his craft.
Father always encouraged him to choose his path
Despite coming from an acclaimed acting family, there was surprisingly little pressure on young Schoenaerts to follow those footsteps into the profession.
His father, Julien, took an extremely open-minded approach, wanting his son to discover his natural talents and callings organically.
As he reminisces, “My father was very free-spirited…He was like, ‘Let’s see where this kid ends up by nature. Let’s not try to navigate him into whatever we think might be good for him.'”
And for a long stretch, an acting career seemed an unlikely destination for Schoenaerts. He initially enrolled in film school but was expelled due to truancy and apathy, admitting, “I was lazy then.”
It wasn’t until age 21 that Schoenaerts was slowly drawn to the family business, enrolling in drama school around the same time he started booking minor acting roles on Belgian TV and films.
Even then, his father didn’t push him toward that path. As he recognizes, “I ended up doing something I thought I never would” in terms of acting.
Despite being difficult, Matthias still finds comfort in memories
Despite the often difficult circumstances of his childhood, Schoenaerts still finds profound comfort and meaning in memories connected to his hometown of Antwerp and those he loved most.
He vividly recounts getting his beloved chow chow puppy Brando from his mother. “My dogs were my great loves. The home situation was often difficult, and with my dogs I found security,” he reflects wistfully.
His parents, too, manifest in his subconscious when he slumbers. “I often dream about my parents too: that reunion is so intensely beautiful and warm…Those dreams are true to life, and the awakening is rock-hard,” he says, the emptiness of waking to find them gone again piercing his heart.
This city is his “zero,” his home, the one place he longs to plant roots in the transient life of a global film career. When his mother was ill, he treasured any moments he could spend with her here.
Now, his new permanent apartment offers respite — inspiration on the roof terrace admiring sunsets, quiet pockets of beauty to be slowly savored as David Lynch advised.
Actor
How Kang Tae Oh Navigated Military Service and Acting Career
Kang Tae Oh was discharged from his mandatory military service in March 16, 2024.
Kang Tae Oh, born Kim Yoon-hwan, is a South Korean actor and singer who rose to international fame for his starring role in the hit television series Extraordinary Attorney Woo in 2022.
Shortly after his breakout performance, the talented actor put his career on hold to fulfil his mandatory military service.
During this time, fans eagerly awaited his return, wondering how he would navigate the challenges of serving his country while maintaining his passion for acting. Now that he has been discharged, this article sheds light on all of their curiosity.
Kang Te Oh enlisted in the military in 2022
On August 31, 2022, Kang announced at a fan meeting that he would enlist for his mandatory military service on September 20, 2022. He underwent basic military training at the 37th Infantry Division in Jeungpyeong-gun, North Chungcheong Province.
After completing his basic training, he was an assistant training instructor with the same division. During his 18-month military service, he took on significant responsibilities.
He had the honour of reading the memorandum at last year’s memorial service on Hyeonchungil (Memorial Day in South Korea), paying respects to fallen soldiers. Additionally, he served as an assistant instructor at the Recruit Training Center.
Despite the demands of military life, he remained focused on his goal of returning to the entertainment industry upon completing his service.
On March 19, 2024, after 18 months of active duty, Kang was finally discharged from the military, ready to embark on the next chapter of his acting career.
Kang Tae Oh, during his time in the military
Kang’s time in the military was a transformative experience that allowed him to reflect and grow both personally and professionally.
Despite being at the peak of his career, he embraced the opportunity to serve his country, using this period to confront his flaws and cultivate positive habits.
The military provided a unique environment for self-improvement, away from the limelight of the entertainment industry.
Kang Tae Oh during his time in the military (Source: X)
Kang acknowledged that his time in service coincided with a significant transition in his life, marking the end of his twenties and the beginning of a new decade. This period allowed him to mature and gain valuable perspectives shaping his future endeavors.
Emerging from his military service with renewed purpose and discipline, Kang expressed his determination to impress audiences with exceptional projects moving forward.
He recognized the unwavering support from his fans and expressed gratitude, promising to deliver compelling performances that will captivate and inspire audiences.
Kang Tae Oh enlisted after wrapping up ‘Extraordinary Attorney Woo’
Kang’s breakout role as the charming Lee Jun-ho in the wildly popular 2022 K-drama Extraordinary Attorney Woo catapulted him to stardom.
The legal drama, which followed the story of an autistic rookie lawyer navigating the professional world, struck a chord with audiences worldwide and became a ratings juggernaut.
As the lovable paralegal Lee Jun-ho, his chemistry with the lead actress, Park Eun-bin, was undeniable, and his portrayal of a supportive colleague endeared him to viewers.
The show’s success showed Kang’s acting prowess and ability to bring depth to his character.
However, despite the dizzying heights of his newfound stardom, Kang decided to put his blossoming career on hold to fulfill his mandatory military service obligations.
Just months after wrapping up the immensely successful drama in August 2022, Kang enlisted in September of the same year.
His willingness to temporarily step away from the limelight at a time when his popularity was skyrocketing demonstrated his commitment to his responsibilities as a South Korean citizen.
Kang Tae Oh’s upcoming drama ‘Potato Research Institute’
As Kang prepares for his much-anticipated return to the entertainment industry following his military discharge, fans eagerly await news of his next project.
After his release, reports have emerged that the actor is positively considering starring in the upcoming romantic comedy-drama Potato Research Institute.
Set against the unconventional backdrop of a rural potato research institute, this series promises a refreshing and quirky premise.
He is in talks to play the lead role, portraying a character who, despite being blessed with striking good looks, is an outsider with an unexpectedly charming personality.
Kang Tae Oh’s career as an actor is gradually gaining traction over time (Source: My Music Taste)
If confirmed, Potato Research Institute would mark Kang’s first significant acting endeavor since his breakout success in the hit drama Extraordinary Attorney Woo.
This project would allow him to showcase his versatility by taking on a lighthearted romantic lead, a departure from his previous role. Adding to the anticipation, Potato Research Institute boasts the creative team behind the critically acclaimed series Rookie Historian Goo Hae Ryung.
Fans are excited to witness Kang’s return to the small screen in a role that combines his natural charm with the opportunity to explore a unique and quirky character.
As the details of Potato Research Institute continue to unfold, anticipation builds for Kang’s next chapter in his acting career, where he can showcase his growth and versatility in a fresh and exciting project.
Kang Tae Oh’s other career works
While Kang’s breakout role in Extraordinary Attorney Woo propelled him to international stardom, his journey in the entertainment industry spans over a decade, with a diverse range of projects showcasing his versatility as an actor.
His acting debut came in 2013 with the web series After School: Lucky or Not, where he appeared alongside fellow members of the actor group 5urprise, formed by his then-agency Fantagio.
He then transitioned to supporting roles in television dramas, such as the 2015 MBC weekend drama Flower of Queen.
Demonstrating his appeal beyond South Korea, Kang also starred in the lead role of the Korean-Vietnamese joint drama Forever Young, gaining recognition in Vietnam.
In 2019, Kang took on a historical drama, The Tale of Nokdu, earning critical acclaim for his performance in the period piece. The same year, he made a special appearance in the MBC drama Love with Flaws and appeared in the Netflix original series My First First Love.
Kang’s versatility continued to shine in 2020 when he portrayed an art student in the JTBC drama Run On, showcasing his range in contemporary roles.
That year also marked a significant career move as he joined the agency Man of Creation (M.O.C) after his previous contract expired.
In 2021, Kang appeared in the fantasy drama Doom at Your Service and the one-act drama Drama Special – The Effect of One Night on Farewell, further diversifying his portfolio.
Kang’s talent for memorable guest appearances was evident in 2022 when he made a special appearance in the drama Thirty-Nine, playing the role of a friend to one of the main characters.
Actor
Is Ewan McGregor Gay? Exploring His Love Life and Movie Roles
Ewan McGregor’s sexuality is often called into question for his portrayal of gay characters.
Ewan McGregor is a famous Scottish actor who has captivated audiences with his versatile performances across various roles, including several portraying gay characters.
This made some people wonder about his natural sexuality. In this article, we look at whether McGregor is gay. We also discuss his movie roles and real-life relationships today.
Ewan Mcgregor does not identify as gay
While McGregor has portrayed several LGBTIQ characters throughout his illustrious career, the actor himself does not identify as gay. He is known for maintaining a relatively private personal life, rarely delving into discussions about his sexuality or relationships.
Ewan McGregor as Obi-Wan Kenobi (Source: National Today)
However, his marital status serves as a clear indication that he is straight — he has been married to two women so far.
So, While his on-screen personas may have fueled speculation about his personal life, separating an actor’s roles from their real-life identities is essential. His dedication to his art should be celebrated rather than used as a basis for assumptions.
Ewan McGregor has portrayed multiple gay characters over the years
Ewan McGregor has demonstrated a remarkable commitment to portraying diverse characters, including several prominent roles, throughout his career.
One of McGregor’s most notable characters was Curt Wild in the 1998 film Velvet Goldmine, directed by Todd Haynes.
In this cult classic, McGregor delivered a captivating performance as a fictionalized version of Iggy Pop, exploring themes of sexuality, identity, and the glam rock scene of the 1970s.
Then, in 2009, he starred opposite Jim Carrey in the dark comedy I Love You Phillip Morris, playing the real-life character of Phillip Morris, a con man who fell in love with his cellmate.
His portrayal of Morris’s complex journey of self-discovery and his unwavering pursuit of love showcased his ability to bring depth and nuance to a character that could have easily been reduced to caricature.
More recently, in the 2021 limited series Halston, he took on the titular role of the iconic fashion designer Roy Halston Frowick, who was openly gay.
His performance captured the designer’s flamboyant persona and his struggles with fame, addiction, and personal relationships, offering a poignant and honest depiction of a trailblazer in the fashion industry.
Additionally, McGregor also portrayed similar character Jerome in the 1996 film The Pillow Book, further demonstrating his versatility and commitment to representing diverse narratives on screen.
Ewan McGregor defended playing a gay character in ‘Halston’
McGregor’s decision to play the iconic fashion designer Halston, who was openly gay, in the Netflix series Halston sparked a discussion about casting and representation in the entertainment industry.
While some argued that gay actors should play gay roles, he defended his choice to take on the part.
He acknowledged the concerns raised by actor Billy Porter, who had previously suggested that straight actors should stop playing gay characters, citing the limited opportunities for LGBTQ+ actors to portray their own lived experiences.
McGregor expressed respect for Porter’s perspective, recognizing that he has not faced the same challenges or discrimination due to his sexuality.
However, he argued that Halston’s sexuality was not the series’ primary focus and that the role was more about portraying the designer’s broader life and career.
He felt comfortable taking on the part because the character’s sexuality was just one aspect of his identity rather than the central narrative.
Ultimately, McGregor’s willingness to engage with the discussion and acknowledge different perspectives emphasizes the importance of considering the specific context of each role rather than adhering to rigid rules that may inadvertently limit artistic expression and representation.
Ewan McGregor got married in the late 90s
In the late 1990s, as McGregor’s career was taking off and he was gaining fame for his roles in films with gay representations, he made a significant personal decision that grounded him amidst the whirlwind of success and the temptations that accompany it.
During those early days of fame, he exuded a self-admitted, confident, almost cocky persona. However, this bravado was balanced by his decision to marry young and start a family.
Ewan McGregor with his daughter Clara McGregor (Source: People)
In 1995, he tied the knot with Eve Mavrakis, a French-Greek production designer he had met while working on a British TV legal drama.
Just five months after the premiere of Trainspotting in 1996, McGregor and Mavrakis welcomed their first child, a daughter named Clara. He fondly recalls having Clara in his lap as a baby while promoting Trainspotting at the Cannes Film Festival.
This early commitment to building a family life alongside his burgeoning career highlights McGregor’s ability to prioritize and balance his personal and professional aspirations and set his gay rumors to rest.
Ewan McGregor is now married to his second wife
McGregor’s personal life took a significant turn in recent years, leading him to marry his second wife, Mary Elizabeth Winstead. Their relationship blossomed from an on-screen romance to a real-life love story.
In late 2016, McGregor and Winstead met on the set of the FX series Fargo, where they were cast as love interests during the show’s third season.
At the time, both were married to their respective spouses – McGregor to his first wife, Mavrakis, and Winstead to her then-husband, Riley Stearns.
However, as their on-screen chemistry translated into a deep connection off-screen, their marriages eventually ended, paving the way for them to pursue a relationship together.
After nearly four years of dating, he and Winstead took a significant step in solidifying their commitment to one another.
In 2021, the couple welcomed their first child, a son named Laurie. This milestone began a new chapter in their lives as a family. In April 2022, McGregor and Winstead exchanged vows, officially becoming husband and wife the following year.
McGregor’s journey to finding love again with Winstead showcases human relationships’ complexities and unpredictable nature. While his first marriage played a significant role in his life and career, his connection with Winstead blossomed organically from their shared passion for their craft.
The decision to remarry and start a new family with Winstead reflects McGregor’s willingness to embrace change and his openness to new experiences, even in the later stages of his life and career.
Actor
James Van Der Beek Celebrates Son Joshua’s 12th Birthday
James Van Der Beek reveals how proud he is of his son through his Instagram account.
James Van Der Beek is an American actor who has been active in the entertainment industry since 1992. This veteran actor has garnered a considerable fan following over the years due to his roles in series like Dawson’s Creek and Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23.
Van Der Beek has an active following of 1.5 million followers on Instagram, where he doesn’t shy away from showing how invested he is in his family. Through his social media, fans can quickly see how devoted he is to his wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, and their six children.
Just recently, he celebrated the 12th birthday of his son Joshua and posted a video containing collages and a caption that melted everyone’s hearts.
He wrote, “12 years old today. You make me laugh, you make me think, you make me a better person. Wise beyond your years and yet an eternally playful spirit… You are kind, fair, and thoughtful, and your take on the world always adds a new dimension I never would have recognized on my own. I cherish our adventures, your questions, and even the highly questionable “facts” you’re so fond of dispensing ❤️ I love your sense of humor, your high weirdness, and every minute I get to spend as your dad. Thanks for being you, bud. Don’t ever change for anyone but yourself. I love you and couldn’t be more proud of you.”
Through this caption, we can see the overflowing love Van Der Beek has for his son, which is also reflected in his parenting. He mentioned how his son is fair and thoughtful, which signifies that the actor has done a good job parenting.
James Van Der Beek’s six children
Van Der Beek has an extensive and happy family, and 5 kids proudly call him father. They are named Olivia, Joshua, Annabel, Emilia, Gwendolyn, and Jeremiah.
Their first daughter, Olivia, was born on September 25, 2010, and they welcomed their second child, Joshua, on March 13, 2012. Two years later, Annabel was born on January 25, 2014, followed by Emilia, born on March 23, 2016.
James van Der Beek with his wife and children (Source: Instagram)
Van Der Beek then welcomed their fifth child named Gwendolyn on June 15, 2018, followed by Jeremiah, born on October 2021. Before Jeremiah was born, James’ wife Kimberly miscarried in November 2019 after announcing their pregnancy on Instagram.
Therefore, the couple who shared everything on social media waited around five weeks before announcing the birth of their son. Their children are mostly seen on social media as their parents regularly update them.
James Van Der Beek married the love of his life in 2010
James and Kimberly met while they were on a trip to Israel in 2009. They immediately fell in love and started dating immediately after.
A year later, they received the good news of Olivia’s arrival and married on August 1, 2010. Their wedding was intimate and took place at the Kabbalah Center near Dizengoff Plaza in Tel Aviv, Israel.
James revealed all about their first encounter and how they continued their relationship in an Instagram post on August 1, 2020. This post was dedicated to his wife Kimberly on their 10th wedding anniversary.
Through this post, he also revealed how he asked her what she was looking for in a relationship, to which she replied she wasn’t looking for one. Six months later, he revealed they were living together, and then things took a turn with them getting pregnant and getting married.
Through this post, he expressed his love and respect for his wife. He wrote, “Our bravery, your tenderness, and your unwillingness to settle for anything less than what can and ought to be…. You’re the best human I know. I love you, and I look forward to earning your partnership for years to come.”
James and Kimberly have now created a family of eight and live happily under one roof. They also actively share their experiences, travels, and dates on their social media accounts.
Through their public diaries, fans can see that the couple are very much in love and have a perfect bond with each other. They have been happily married for almost 15 years now.
Who is James Van Der Beek’s wife Kimberly?
Kimberly is also involved in the entertainment industry, just like her husband. She is a professional actress and producer who is known for her involvement in projects like Teenage Paparazzo, Home Movie: The Princess Bride, and Heads Up: The Disappearing Art of Vaginal Breech Delivery.
After her involvement with her husband, she has not been very active on the entertainment scene. However, she runs a podcast titled Bathroom Chronicles with her co-host, Peggy Rometo.
Kimberly is not James Van Der Beek’s first wife
Kimberly is James’ perfect wife, but she is not his first. Before Kimberly got hold of his heart, James was married to actress Heather Ann McComb since 2003.
They were engaged in early 2003 and married on July 4th, 2003, in Malibu in the presence of close friends and family. Van Der Beek’s colleagues Michelle Williams, Soleil Moon Frye, and Busy Phillips were also in attendance.
James Van Der Beek celebrating fifth anniversary with ex-wife Heather Ann McComb (Source: Just Jared)
The couple were happily married for almost 6 years before calling it quits. Van Der Beek filed for divorce in the fall of 2019 after separating in April of the same year.
The pair did not have any children of their own and didn’t explain the reason for their divorce. However, they said they do not have any bad blood and remain close friends.
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