Derek de Lint

**Derek de Lint**, born *Dick Hein de Lint* on 17 July 1950 in The Hague, Netherlands, is one of the most versatile Dutch actors of his generation. After studying photography and graphic design at the Kunstacademie in Enschede (1970‑1972) he turned to performance, completing two years at the Kleinkunstacademie in Amsterdam where his days began with ballet, jazz‑ballet and even Spanish dance. His theatrical debut came in 1975 at the historic Carré, where he was cast by Hugo Claus in the play *Thuis*, a role that launched a rapid ascent through Dutch stage and screen. The following season he captured audiences as Brad Majors in *The Rocky Horror Show*, catching the eye of acclaimed director Paul Verhoeven, who later offered him a part in the ambitious war epic *Soldier of Orange* (1977). De Lint’s early film work, such as *Kort Amerikaans* (1979) and *Bastille* (1984), displayed a magnetic blend of intensity and subtle humor, earning him the prestigious *Vergulde Klaver* prize for best actor.

During the late 1980s he broke into the international market, appearing in Philip Kaufman’s *The Unbearable Lightness of Being* (1988) and portraying the medieval scholar Peter Abelard in *Stealing Heaven* (1988). Television roles followed, including a guest spot as Dr. Bernard on ABC’s *China Beach* and a memorable turn as KGB officer Abramov in *The Endless Game* (1989). Although he was initially attached to *Highlander: The Series* in 1991, he withdrew before filming began. De Lint later achieved cult status as Derek Rayne in the Canadian‑American series *Poltergeist: The Legacy*, which ran for four seasons and cemented his reputation as a compelling lead in genre television. Continuing to work in both Dutch and international productions, he has appeared in recent films such as *Black Book* (2006), *Michiel de Ruyter* (2015) and the short *The Ice Cream Man* (2024), demonstrating a career that spans five decades of diverse and influential performances.