Actor Gijs Blom has quickly emerged as one of the most talented and versatile young performers in Dutch and international cinema. Born Gijsbrecht Thijmen Matthias Blom on January 2, 1997, in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, he has captivated audiences with emotionally resonant performances in films such as Jongens (2014) and The Forgotten Battle (2020). With a background in theatre and a growing presence in global streaming platforms, Blom is solidifying his status as a rising international star.
Early Life and Education
Gijs Blom was born into a creative household, the son of renowned Dutch stage actress Marloes van den Heuvel. Growing up in Amsterdam, he was surrounded by the performing arts from a young age. His formal training in acting culminated in a degree in theatre from the prestigious Amsterdam University of the Arts' Academy of Theatre and Dance, which he completed in 2021. This solid foundation in dramatic arts is evident in the maturity and nuance he brings to every role.
Career Beginnings: From Stage to Screen
Blom began his acting journey early, starring in the Dutch musical Ciske de Rat between 2007 and 2009. His film debut came in 2011 with Sonny Boy, directed by Maria Peeters, followed by roles in German and Dutch television films such as Eine Frau verschwindet and Urfeld.
However, his true breakout came in 2014 with the critically acclaimed film Jongens (Boys), where he played Sieger, a teenager exploring his identity and first love. The coming-of-age romance won audience hearts and critical praise, earning actor Gijs Blom a Golden Calf Award nomination for Best Actor at the Netherlands Film Festival and international recognition at the ZlÃn Film Festival.
Rising Star of Dutch and International Film
In the years that followed, Blom built a varied filmography that showcased his range—from poignant teen dramas to psychological thrillers. His credits include:
- Pijnstillers (2014), a moving family drama that earned him a Best Newcomer award at the Lucas International Children’s Film Festival.
- Monk (2017), Dante vs. Mohammed Ali (2018), and Vals (2019), which continued to build his reputation in the Dutch film industry.
- A brief appearance in Xavier Dolan’s The Death & Life of John F. Donovan (2018), marking his crossover into English-language cinema.
His most high-profile film to date is The Forgotten Battle (2020), a multilingual World War II epic produced on a large scale for Dutch cinema. Blom starred as Marinus van Staveren, a conflicted Axis soldier whose moral journey is central to the film. Released internationally via Netflix in 2021, it became a major success and introduced actor Gijs Blom to a global audience.
Streaming Success: Netflix and Beyond
In 2020, Blom took on the fantasy genre with a lead role in Netflix’s The Letter for the King, portraying the villainous Prince Viridian. His performance was lauded for its intensity and complexity, earning him a Daytime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Daytime Fiction Program—an impressive feat for a young European actor making his international debut in an English-language series.
In 2024, Blom returned to the spotlight with a major role in the Brazilian Globoplay series Fallen, playing the mysterious and pivotal character Daniel. His ongoing role in the Dutch series Bestseller Boy (2022–2024) also highlights his continued commitment to homegrown storytelling alongside international projects.
Recent and Upcoming Projects
Actor Gijs Blom continues to expand his presence in international cinema. His recent film roles include:
- Dead & Beautiful (2021), where he explored themes of immortality and privilege in a modern vampire thriller.
- Piece of My Heart (2022), a dramatic biopic set in the Dutch dance scene.
- Invasion (2024), a thriller that further cements his place in serious dramatic storytelling.
Awards and Recognition
Throughout his career, Gijs Blom has received both national and international accolades. Highlights include:
- ZlÃn Film Festival (2014) – Best Youth Performance for Jongens (Winner)
- Lucas International Children’s Film Festival (2015) – Best Newcomer for Pijnstillers (Winner)
- MIFF Awards (2017) – Best Actor nomination for Silk Road
- Golden Calf Award (2014) – Best Actor nomination
- Daytime Emmy Awards (2021) – Nomination for The Letter for the King
A Star on the Rise
With an already impressive résumé and the charisma to match, actor Gijs Blom is poised to become one of Europe’s leading film talents. Whether in emotionally charged indie dramas or high-concept international series, his performances consistently demonstrate depth, authenticity, and a striking on-screen presence.
As streaming platforms continue to elevate European talent to global stages, Gijs Blom stands out as a young actor to watch—an artist blending classical training with modern cinematic ambition.
