Rutger Hauer

Born: January 23, 1944
Where: Breukelen

One of Holland's most famous acting exports is most notable for his turn as replicant Roy Batty in the cult Sci-Fi favourite Blade Runner.

The role remains his most memorable, despite occasional appearances in other Hollywood hits. Partly because Rutger has spent much of his time in B-movies.

Born just south of Amsterdam to actor parents, Rutger made his first appearance in front of a camera at the age of 12.

He was something a rebel in his former years and often skipped school to visit the local park or zoo. He even elected to run away from home at 15 to join the Dutch Merchant Navy.

A year at sea took him all around the world, and helped the young tearaway to mature ahead of his years.

At 18, Rutger joined acting school but soon dropped out to join the army. Ironically, it was in this role that Rutger acted his heart out - pretending to be unfit for service in order to be discharged.

On his return from the armed forces, Rutger threw himself into acting and soon met Holland's foremost movie celebrity, Paul Verhoeven. The pair would work together many times on such movies as Turkish Delight and Flesh & Blood.

The American dream started in 1981 for Rutger with a movie called Nighthawks, alongside Sylvester Stallone. However, it was the following year that would truly launch his career, with a role in Ridley Scott's Blade Runner.

Rutger played the The Hitcher in the film of the same name, and found his name above the credits for Wanted - Dead Or Alive in 1987.

Be it a lack of decent offers - unlikely given his prominence in the late 80s - or a refusal to be typecast, Rutger's career varied throughout the 90s.

Television roles were regular while at the cinema, Mediocre action fare - Blind Fury - and religiously themed dramas - Mariette in Ecstasy - would not increase his box office value but did garner critical respect.

Most recently, Rutger has returned to mainstream Hollywood for roles in Batman Begins and Sin City.