Geert Van Rampelberg (b. 1975) is a renowned Flemish film, television, and stage actor, known for his perfomances that showcase his remarkable versatility and emotional depth. He built a distinguished career in the performing arts, earning critical acclaim and a loyal following in Flanders, Belgium.

His journey into acting began in 1998 when he graduated at the renowned Studio Herman Teirlinck in Antwerp, a drama school known for producing many of Belgium’s most respected actors and artists. This training ground laid a solid foundation for his career, equipping him with the technical skills and artistic sensibility that have since become his trademark.

His early career was rooted in theater, where he collaborated with several leading Flemish theater companies such as Toneelhuis, KVS and Theater Zuidpool, allowing him to work under the direction of acclaimed Flemish theater directors. He was able to demonstrate his ability to master a wide range of roles, from classical characters in dramas to emotionally complex roles in modern adaptations. Van Rampelberg’s stage work has been defined by an extraordinary commitment to authenticity and an ability to inhabit his characters to the fullest, which often results in deeply affecting portrayals that resonate long after the curtain falls.

While he made his name in theater, it was his transition to film and television that brought him broader recognition. His first significant film role came in 2003 with “De zaak Alzheimer,” a gripping crime thriller directed by Erik Van Looy. In the film, he portrayed a detective investigating a series of murders in the murky criminal underworld of Antwerp. His performance revealed a new facet of his talent, as he brought a raw physicality and emotional intensity to the role, setting him apart as a formidable presence on screen. This marked the beginning of a prolific film career that allows Van Rampelberg to take on a diverse range of roles, each showcasing his adaptability and depth.

One of his most celebrated roles came in the 2012 film “The Broken Circle Breakdown,” directed by Felix Van Groeningen. Although he played a supporting role, his performance was crucial in conveying the film’s emotional weight. The film, which tells the story of a couple (played by Johan Heldenbergh and Veerle Baetens) struggling with grief and loss, became an international success, garnering multiple awards and earning an Academy Award nomination in the category Best Foreign Language Film, as it was called back then. Van Rampelberg’s nuanced portrayal added layers to the film’s exploration of love, trauma, and resilience, cementing his reputation as an actor capable of conveying profound emotional truths.

“The Broken Circle Breakdown” (2012, trailer)

His talent for tackling dark and psychologically complex roles was further demonstrated in “De behandeling” (2014, a.k.a. “The Treatment”), directed by Hans Herbots. This intense psychological thriller, based on the 2001 novel by British crime writer Mo Hayder, follows Inspector Nick Cafmeyer, a detective haunted by the unresolved abduction of his brother. Van Rampelberg’s portrayal of Cafmeyer is one of his most gripping performances to date. He brings a raw vulnerability to the character, capturing the inner turmoil of a man torn between his duty to solve horrific crimes and his personal anguish. His ability to project both strength and fragility in this role earned him widespread praise and confirmed his status as one of Flanders’ most compelling actors. In 2022, the sequel “Ritueel (a.k.a. “Ritual”) was released.

Van Rampelberg has also made a significant impact on television. His hit series “Clan” (2012), for one, is a dark comedy-drama that follows five sisters, when the close-knit siblings are driven to the brink by the abusive and manipulative husband of their younger sister. Or “Studio Tarara” (2019), a drama set in the 1990s, which offers a behind-the-scenes look at a fictional comedy show, and deals with issues such as addiction, mental health, toxic relationships, and sexual abuse.

“Clan” (2012, trailer)

Other acclaimed series of his include the political thriller “Black-Out” (2020) that centers around a high-stakes national crisis when the country is plunged into darkness due to a sudden power outage caused by sabotage at a nuclear power plant, and “Red Light” (2020) that explores the interconnected lives of three women, played by Carice van Houten, Maaike Neuville and Halina Reijn (the latter recently directed Nicole Kidman in her latest feature, “Babygirl”)—with Geert Van Rampelberg playing van Houten’s abusive husband, a high-profile professor who mysteriously disappears. His final series so far, “Knokke Off” (2023), revolves around the elite lyfestyle of wealthy families in the Belgian seaside town of Knokke, with Van Rampelberg playing a powerful figure whose influence and wealth shape the actions and ambitions of the youngsters and those around him. Time and time again, he demonstrates his range and versatility as an actor. His television work, much like his film and theater performances, is characterized by a commitment to authenticity and a refusal to shy away from difficult subject matter.

Despite his increasing fame, Van Rampelberg has remained deeply connected to the Belgian cultural scene, returning to the theater and participating in projects that support the development of local arts. He continues to perform on stage, often choosing roles that challenge conventional narratives and offer new perspectives on classic texts. His ongoing involvement in theater is a testament to his dedication to the craft and his belief in the importance of live performance as a space for exploring complex human emotions and social issues.

Van Rampelberg’s career trajectory reflects a relentless pursuit of artistic excellence and a willingness to take risks in his choice of roles. Whether he is playing a detective unraveling a mystery, a grieving father, or a troubled soul wrestling with inner demons, his performances are marked by an intense focus and a deep empathy for his characters. This ability to bring authenticity and nuance to each role has made him one of the most respected actors in Flemish cinema.

Beyond his professional achievements, Van Rampelberg is known for his modest and thoughtful approach to his work. He often speaks about the importance of storytelling and the actor’s role in revealing truths about human nature. His humility and dedication to his craft have earned him the admiration of both colleagues and audiences.

As he continues to take on new and challenging roles, his contributions to Flemish cinema, theater, and television remain significant. With each new project, he reaffirms his place as one of the most talented and compelling actors of his generation.

FILMS

DE ZAAK ALZHEIMER, a.k.a. THE MEMORY OF A KILLER (2003) DIR Erik Van Looy PROD Hilde De Laere, Erwin Provoost SCR Carl Joos (book “De zaak Alzheimer” [1985] by Jef Geeraerts) CAM Danny Elsen ED Philippe Ravoet, Yoohan Leyssens MUS Stephen Warbeck CAST Jan Decleir, Koen De Bouw, Gene Bervoets, Werner De Smedt, Geert Van Rampelberg (Tom Coemans), Hilde De Baerdemaeker, Dirk Roofthooft, Tom Waes, Filip Peeters

DE ZUSJES KRIEGEL, a.k.a. THE FEARLESS TRIPLETS (2004) DIR Dirk Beliën PROD Eric Caroen SCR Johan Verschueren (book “De zusjes Kriegel” [1992] by Marc de Bel) CAM Philippe Van Volsem ED Manu Van Hove MUS Hans Helewaut CAST Katleen Apers, Evelien Apers, Dorien Janssens, Victor Löw, Liesbeth Kamerling, Veerle Baetens, Nico Sturm, Gilda De Bal, Kristine Van Pellicom, Geert Van Rampelberg (Police Officer)

EEN ANDER ZIJN GELUK, a.k.a. SOMEONE ELSE’S HAPPINESS (2005) DIR – SCR Fien Troch PROD Antonio Lombardo CAM Frank van den Eeden ED Nico Leunen MUS Peter Van Laerhoven CAST Ina Geerts, Johanna ter Steege, Johan Leysen, Natali Broods, Elmo Mistiaen, Peter Van den Begin, Josse De Pauw, Viviane de Muynck, Geert Van Rampelberg (Mark), Bruno Vanden Broecke, Sara De Bosschere, Jan Decleir

SWOONI (2011) DIR Kaat Beels PROD Peter Bouckaert SCR Michel Sabbe, Annelies Verbeke CAM Frank Van den Eeden ED Philippe Ravoet CAST Natali Broods, Enrique De Roeck, Sara de Roo, Viviane de Muynck, Alexander Provoost, Geert Van Rampelberg (Hendrik)

CODE 37: DE NACHTWACHT (2011) DIR Jakob Verbruggen PROD Dirk Impens CAM Ruben Impens MUS Piet De Ridder CAST Veerle Baetens, Michael Pas, Marc Lauwrys, Gilles De Schryver, Geert Van Rampelberg (Koen Verberk), Jurgen Delnaet, Nathalie Meskens, Carry Goosens, Ben Segers, Manou Kersting

TOT ALTIJD, a.k.a. TIME OF MY LIFE (2012) DIR – SCR Nic Balthazar PROD Peter Bouckaert CAM Danny Elsen ED Philippe Ravoet MUS Henny Vrienten, Alain De Ley CAST Koen De Graeve, Geert Van Rampelberg (Thomas), Lotte Pinoy, Michel van Dousselaere, Viviane de Muynck, Iwein Segers, An Miller, Ben Segers

THE BROKEN CIRCLE BREAKDOWN (2012) DIR Felix van Groeningen PROD Dirk Impens SCR (adaptation) Carl Joos, Felix van Groeningen, Charlotte Vandermeersch (play “The Broken Circle Breakdown Featuring the Cover-Ups of Alabama” [2009] by Johan Heldenbergh, Mieke Dobbels) CAM Ruben Impens ED Nico Leunen MUS Bjorn Eriksson CAST Johan Heldenbergh, Veerle Baetens, Nell Cattrysse, Geert Van Rampelberg (William), Nils De Caster, Bert Huysentruyt, Jan Bijvoet, Ruth Beeckmans

DE BEHANDELING, a.k.a. THE TREATMENT (2014) DIR Hans Herbots PROD Peter Bouckaert SCR Carl Joos (book “The Treatment” [2001] by Mo Hayder) CAM Frank van den Eeden ED Philippe Ravoet MUS Kieran Klaassen, Melcher Meirmans, Chrisnanne Wiegel CAST Geert Van Rampelberg (Nick Cafmeyer), Ina Geerts, Johan Van Assche, Laura Verlinden, Dominique Van Malder, Roel Swanenberg, Kyan Steverlynck, Jan Hammenecker, Charlotte Anne Bogaerts

IMAGE (2014) DIR Adil El Arbi, Bilall Fallah PROD Peter Bouckaert, Kobe Van Steenberghe, Hendrik Verthé SCR Adil El Arbi, Bilall Fallah, Bram Renders CAM Robrecht Heyvaert MUS Hannes De Maeyer CAST Nabil Mallat, Laura Verlinden, Gene Bervoets, Geert Van Rampelberg, Wouter Hendrickx, Sanâa Alaoui, Manou Kersting, Charlotte Anne Bogaerts

LA TIERRA ROJA (2015) DIR Diego Martinez Vignatti PROD Sébastien Delloye SCR Diego Martinez Vignatti, Mélanie Delloye-Betancourt ED David Verdurme CAST Geert Van Rampelberg (Pierre), Eugenia Ramirez, Jorge Aranda, Alexandros Potamianos

CAFÉ DERBY (2015) DIR Lenny Van Wesemael PROD Dirk Impens SCR Lenny Van Wesemael, Geert Verbanck CAM Ruben Impens ED Thomas Pooters MUS Lady Linn CAST Chloë Daxhelet, Wim Opbrouck, Monic Hendrickx, Charlotte De Wulf, Ben Segers, Geert Van Rampelberg (Frank), Dirk Van Dijck, Marc Van Eeghem, Jan Decleir

VINCENT (2016) DIR Christophe Van Rompaey PROD Jean-Claude Van Rijkeghem, Dries Phlypo, Emmanuel Giraud SCR Jean-Claude Van Rijkeghem CAM David Williamson ED Alain Dessauvage MUS Nicolas Repac CAST Alexandre Lamy, Barbara Sarafian, Geert Van Rampelberg (Raf), Spencer Bogaert, Emilie Piponnier, Catherine Aymerie

CLOUDBOY (2017) DIR – SCR Meikeminne Clinckspoor PROD Katleen Goossens CAM Christian Paulussen ED Håkan Karlsson MUS Helge Slikker CAST Sara Sommerfield, Geert Van Rampelberg (Gerard), Mikkel Gaup, Daan Roofthooft, Ayla Gáren Audhild P. Nutti, Joakim Nils Tomas Trägård, Jef Cuppens

RITUEEL, a.k.a. RITUAL (2022) DIR Hans Herbots SCR Carl Joos (book “Ritual” [2008] by Mo Hayder) PROD Peter Bouckaert, Marijn de Vries, Harro van Staverden CAM Laurens De Geyter ED Philippe Ravoet MUS Merlijn Snitker CAST Marie Vinck, Geert Van Rampelberg (Nick Cafmeyer), Eriq Ebouaney, Lukas Bulteel, Willem Herbots, Frank Onana, Line Pillet, Babetida Sadjo, Stany Paquay-Renard

ZILLION (2022) DIR Robin Pront PROD Hilde De Laere SCR Robin Pront, Kevin Meul CAM Robrecht Heyvaert ED Bert Jacobs MUS Bert Libeert CAST Jonas Vermeulen, Charlotte Timmers, Matteo Simoni, Barbara Sarafian, Frank Vercruyssen, Geert Van Rampelberg (Dimi), Dirk Roofthooft, Koen De Sutter, Ella Leyers, Luk Wyns, Jennifer Heylen, Viv Van Dingenen

MASCOTTE (2023) DIR Remy van Heugten PROD Piet-Harm Sterk SCR Gustaaf Peek CAM Mark van Aller ED Moek de Groot MUS Jacob Meijer, Jorrit Kleijnen CAST Liam Jeans, Maartje Remmers, Frederike van Oordt, Leopold Witte, Mouad Nineb, Geert Van Rampelberg (Willem Driessen), Joes Brauers, Glenn Coenen

EL CORREO (2023) DIR Daniel Calparsoro PROD Borja Pena, Esperanza Gracia SCR Alejo Flah, Patxi Amezcua CAM Tommie Ferreras ED Antonio Frutos MUS Carlos Jean CAST Arón Piper, María Pedraza, Luis Tosar, Laura Sepul, Nourdin Batan, José Manuel Poga, Luis Zahera, Manuel Gandeco, Geert Van Rampelberg (Cop)

YOUNG HEARTS (2024) DIR – SCR Anthony Schatteman PROD Xavier Rombout CAM Pieter Van Campe ED Emiel Nuninga MUS Ruben De Gheselle CAST Lou Goossens, Marius De Saeger, Geert Van Rampelberg (Luk), Emilie De Roo, Dirk Van Dijck, Saar Rogiers, Ezra Van Dongen, Jules Goossens, Olivier Engelbert, Wim Opbrouck

BOYS ON FILM 24: HAPPY ENDINGS (2024) DIR Benjamin Belloir, Jason Bradbury, Arthur Cahn, Neil Ely, Lloyd Eyre-Morgan, Itai Jamshy, Sara Larrota, Fabia Martin, Jeremy McClain, Diego Alvarez Parra, Alejandro Sandovan, Anthony Schatteman, Jesse Ung CAST Enzo Vogrincic, Ami Weinberg, Jeremy McClain, Marcus Hudson, David Tag, Sam Retford, Geert Van Rampelberg, Nigel Thomas, George Webster

BXL (2024) DIR – SCR Mounir Ait Hamou, Ish Ait Hamou PROD Peter De Maegd, Tom Hameeuw, Lize Lefaible CAM Maximiliaan Dierickx ED Nico Leunen MUS Jean-Luc Fafchamps CADT Aimé Claeys, Geert Van Rompelberg (Michael), Ruth Becquart, Lauren Versnick, Fouad Hajji, Naïma Rodric, Veerle Dobbelaere, Yassir Drief

MON INSÉPARABLE (2024) DIR – SCR Anne-Sophie Bailly PROD David Thion CAM Nader Chalhoub CAST Laure Calamy, Geert Van Rampelberg (Frank), Pasquale D’Inca, Charles Peccia, Camille Pistone, Aïssatou Diallo Sagna, Julie Froger, Rébecca Finet