How Many of These Dutch People Do You Know? (2024)

Birthdate: March 30, 1853

Sun Sign: Aries

Birthplace: Zundert

Died: July 29, 1890

Vincent van Gogh was a Dutch post-impressionist painter and is said to be one of the most famous and influential figures in the history of Western art. However, he was not commercially successful in his lifetime and died by suicide at 37 after years of mental health issues and poverty. He gained recognition and respect in the 20th century.

Birthdate: September 30, 1997

Sun Sign: Libra

Birthplace: Hasselt

Max Verstappen ofRed Bull Racing competes under the Dutch flag in Formula One. He made his first entry at 2015 Australian Grand Prix. Son of former Formula Oneracing-driver Jos Verstappen, Max has emerged as the most successful Dutch driver who has scored most career points, won aFormula One World Championship in 2021 and achieved a pole position.

Birthdate: January 26, 1955

Sun Sign: Aquarius

Birthplace: Amsterdam

Died: October 6, 2020

Eddie Van Halen was an American songwriter and guitarist. The co-founder of the popular rock band Van Halen, Eddie is widely considered one of the greatest guitar players in the history of rock music. He is credited with popularizing the tapping technique, which is now used extensively by guitarists all over the world.

Birthdate: April 25, 1947

Sun Sign: Taurus

Birthplace: Amsterdam

Died: March 24, 2016

Dutch midfielder/forward Johan Cruyff pioneered the idea of Total Football, along with coach Rinus Michels. The first three-time Ballon d'Or-winner was known for his signature move, the Cruyff Turn. He made it to FIFA 100 and ranked second only to Pele in an official World Player of the Century poll.

Birthdate: January 23, 1984

Sun Sign: Aquarius

Birthplace: Bedum

Widely considered one of the best Dutch soccer players of all time, Arjen Robben isknownfor his long-range shots, ball control, speed, and dribbling skills. Hehelped his national team reach the finals of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, which they lost to Spain.

Birthdate: July 15, 1606

Sun Sign: Cancer

Birthplace: Leiden

Died: October 4, 1669

Rembrandt was a Dutch printmaker, painter, and draughtsman. A master in three major art media, Rembrandt is widely considered the most important visual artist in Dutch art history and one of the greatest of all time. He is also considered the greatest etcher in the history of printmaking. His life and work inspired several films, including the 1936 movie Rembrandt.

Birthdate: November 24, 1632

Sun Sign: Sagittarius

Birthplace: Amsterdam

Died: February 21, 1677

Dutch philosopher Baruch Spinoza is best remembered for his rationalist ideas and his posthumously released book Ethics. He opposed Rene Descartes’s ideas and believed that God was an abstract entity. He was later expelled from the Jewish society, while his books were banned by the Catholic Church.

Birthdate: October 31, 1632

Sun Sign: Scorpio

Birthplace: Delft

Died: December 15, 1675

Johannes Vermeer was a Dutch painter renowned for his use of light in paintings. Although he did not achieve fame during his lifetime, Vermeer's works gained popularity in the 19th century. Today, Vermeer is often counted among the greatest painters of the Dutch Golden Age. Over the years, Vermeer's work has inspired artists like Wilhelm Hammershoi and Thomas Wilmer Dewing.

Birthdate: September 1, 1962

Sun Sign: Virgo

Birthplace: Amsterdam

Ruud Gullit is a Dutch former football player. Considered one of the greatest players in the history of football, Gullit was known for his versatility as he could play as an attacking midfielder, forward, or midfielder. During the 1988 UEFA European Football Championship, he led his national team to its first title.

Birthdate: May 10, 1969

Sun Sign: Taurus

Birthplace: Amsterdam

Dutch football coach and retired player Dennis Bergkamp had a successful playing career with clubs such as Ajax, Arsenal, and Inter Milan. Initially a midfielder, he later played as a striker. The 2-time FIFA World Player of the Year bronze winner also gained the nickname the Non-Flying Dutchman for his fear of flying.

Birthdate: June 12, 1929

Sun Sign: Gemini

Birthplace: Frankfurt

Died: March 12, 1945

One of the numerous Jewish victims of the Holocaust, Anne Frank gained recognition posthumously after her diary Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl was published. The diary, which has been widely read and translated into numerous other languages, details the lives of Anne Frank and her family when they went into hiding for two years, after Germany occupied Netherlands.

Birthdate: March 21, 1963

Sun Sign: Aries

Birthplace: Zaandam

Dutch formerfootball playerRonald Koeman was one of the stars of the Netherlands national teamduring his playing days. After his retirement, he became a professional football manager and is currently the head coach of La Liga club Barcelona. Tremendously successful as a head coach, he was made the manager of Barcelona in 2020.

Birthdate: 1450 AD

Birthplace: Burgundian Netherlands

Died: August 9, 1516

Hieronymus Bosch was a Dutch painter and a significant figure of the Early Netherlandish painting school. Most of his works are made of oil on oak wood and consist of religious themes and dark depictions of Hell. One of his notable works is The Garden of Earthly Delights.

Birthdate: October 31, 1964

Sun Sign: Scorpio

Birthplace: Utrecht

Dutch footballer Marco van Basten is known for his successful stints at Ajax and Milan and won the Champions League thrice with the latter. However, an ankle injury cut his career short. The three-time Ballon d'Or winner later took over as the manager of Ajax and the Dutch national team.

Birthdate: July 8, 1991

Sun Sign: Cancer

Birthplace: Breda

Dutch footballer Virgil van Dijk plays as a defender for Liverpool and has won several titles, such as a Premier League, with them. Starting his senior career with Groningen, he later played for teams such as Celtic and Southampton. He is the only defender to be named the UEFA Men's Player of the Year.

Birthdate: November 5, 1964

Sun Sign: Scorpio

Birthplace: Amstelveen

Famke Janssen is a Dutch actress best known for playing important roles in popular Hollywood films like the X-Men film series and the Taken film trilogy. A former fashion model, Janssen achieved international recognition when she played Bond girl Xenia Onatopp in GoldenEye. Over the course of her acting career, Famke Janssen has recieved several awards, including the Saturn Award.

Birthdate: 1872

Sun Sign: Pisces

Birthplace: Amersfoort

Died: January 31, 1944

Dutch painter Piet Mondrian is remembered for pioneering what is known as 20th-century abstract art. He co-founded the De Stijl art movement with Theo van Doesburg and gave rise to Neoplasticism. His art was influenced by Cubism. Many of his paintings consist of geometric shapesin particular sets of colors.

Birthdate: April 1, 1976

Sun Sign: Aries

Birthplace: Paramaribo

Clarence Seedorf is a Dutch former football player. Widely considered one of the best midfielders of his era, Seedorf was included in Pelé's FIFA 100 list in 2004. Having won several continental and domestic titles for clubs in the Netherlands, Brazil, Italy, and Spain, Clarence Seedorf is one of the most celebrated and decorated Dutch players of all time.

Birthdate: August 6, 1983

Sun Sign: Leo

Birthplace: Rotterdam

Once one of the world’s highest-paid athletes, Dutch football coach and retired footballer Robin van Persie is also known as one of the greatest strikers of his time. He had successful stints with Arsenal and Manchester United and was also part of the Dutch squad that was the 2010 FIFA World Cup runner-up.

Birthdate: June 9, 1984

Sun Sign: Gemini

Birthplace: Utrecht

Retired Dutch footballer Wesley Sneijder was known as one of the best midfielders of his time. Starting his senior career with Ajax, he later had successful stints with Real Madrid, Inter Milan, and Galatasaray. He was also part of the Dutch squad that became the 2010 FIFA World Cup runner-up.

Birthdate: February 13, 1994

Sun Sign: Aquarius

Birthplace: Moordrecht

Dutch footballer Memphis Depay is best known as a forward for Barcelona. Starting his senior career with PSV Eindhoven, he later also played for Manchester United and Lyon. He was also part of the 2014 FIFA World Cup third-place-winning Dutch squad and was the Eredivisie top scorer in 2014-15.

Birthdate: May 14, 1996

Sun Sign: Taurus

Birthplace: Amstelveen

Dutch DJ and record producer Martin Garrix has been ranked No.1 on DJ Mag's Top 100 DJslist. He decided to become a DJ when he was a child, and at the age of 17, he became the youngest DJ to headline the 2014 Ultra Music Festival. He has performed at many music festivalsincluding Coachella and Electric Daisy Carnival.

Birthdate: January 23, 1944

Sun Sign: Aquarius

Birthplace: Breukelen

Died: July 19, 2019

Dutch actor Rutger Hauer, tagged as the Best Dutch Actor of the Century by the Dutch public, gained spotlight with his debut film,Turkish Delight, the most successful film in the history of Dutch cinema. Moving on, he gained international recognition withother Dutch films likeSpetters, and etched his name in Hollywood with films likeNighthawksandBlade Runner.

Birthdate: April 27, 1967

Sun Sign: Taurus

Birthplace: University Medical Center Utrecht

Willem-Alexander, son of Beatrix of the Netherlands and German-born diplomat Claus van Amsberg, took over as the king of the Netherlands after his mother’s abdication. He has served the Royal Netherlands Navy and been a member of the International Olympic Committee. His interests include sports and water management.

Birthdate: July 18, 1981

Sun Sign: Cancer

Birthplace: Amstelveen

Michiel Huisman is a Dutch musician and actor who achieved international fame after taking over the role of Daario Naharis in the popular HBO series Game of Thrones in 2014. Michiel Huisman is also known for his association with the band Fontane, which was later renamed Michiel Huisman.

Birthdate: March 19, 1993

Sun Sign: Pisces

Birthplace: Dronten

Dutch footballer Hakim Ziyech, or The Wizard, now represents Chelsea as an attacking midfielder/winger. After beginning his senior career with Heerenveen, he had a successful stint with Ajax, winning titles such as the Eredivisie with them. After representing the Dutch youth teams earlier, he now plays for the Moroccan national team.

Birthdate: July 18, 1938

Sun Sign: Cancer

Birthplace: Amsterdam

Paul Verhoeven is a Dutch screenwriter and director whose illustrious career has spanned more than 60 years. Over the years, Verhoeven has won prestigious awards such as a Golden Globe Award, César Award, and Saturn Award. Paul Verhoeven is regarded as one of the most popular filmmakers in the Netherlands.

Birthdate: April 20, 1959

Sun Sign: Taurus

Birthplace: Sittard

Wim Hof, or The Iceman, is a Dutch extreme athlete and motivational speaker who holds a Guinness record for the fastest half-marathon completed barefoot on ice/snow. He has also devised the Wim Hof Method, which helps one gain control over one’s body through extreme cold tolerance.

Birthdate: September 30, 1962

Sun Sign: Libra

Birthplace: Amsterdam

Dutch footballer and former manager Franklin Rijkaard has represented clubs such as Ajax, Real Zaragoza, and A.C. Milan. He has also coached clubs such as Barcelona and Sparta Rotterdam and the Dutch and Saudi Arabian national teams. He has also earned the 2005-2006 UEFA Manager of the Year honor.

Birthdate: May 8, 1953

Sun Sign: Taurus

Birthplace: Amsterdam

Alex Van Halen is an American musician known for his drumming skills. He is credited with co-founding the now-defunct band, Van Halen. The band's self-titled debut album influenced several musicians in hard rock at the time of its release in 1978. Alex is also credited with coining the term brown sound, which was usually associated with his late-brother Eddie's guitar.

Birthdate: August 12, 1999

Sun Sign: Leo

Birthplace: Leiderdorp

Dutch footballer Matthijs de Ligt currently plays for Serie A club Juventus and the Netherlands national team as a center-back. Making his debut in 2016, he became the youngest player ever to play in a major European final the following year. Football pundits consider him to among the most highly regarded young prospects in world football.

Birthdate: May 12, 1997

Sun Sign: Taurus

Birthplace: Gorinchem

Frenkie de Jong is a Dutch football player who is currently playing for his national team. In 2019, he was part of the team that won the runner-up trophy at the UEFA Nations League. Renowned for his technique, attacking prowess, passing, and dribbling skills,Frenkie de Jong has also been an important player for Barcelona since 2019.

Birthdate: November 11, 1990

Sun Sign: Scorpio

Birthplace: Rotterdam

Dutch footballer Georginio Wijnaldum plays as a midfielder for the Italian club Roma and the French club Paris Saint-Germain. Starting his youth career with Feyenoord, as the youngest-ever player of the club, he later had successful stints with Liverpool and PSV and was the 2014 FIFA World Cup third-place-winning Dutch squad.

Birthdate: July 1, 1976

Sun Sign: Cancer

Birthplace: Amsterdam

Patrick Kluivert was one of the star Dutch footballers of his time who played as a striker for clubs such as Ajax, Barcelona, and AC Milan. The UEFA Euro 2000 Golden Boot winner has also managed teams such as Netherlands and Cameroon. He later held administrative positions at Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona.

Birthdate: May 12, 1889

Sun Sign: Taurus

Birthplace: Province of Hesse-Nassau

Died: August 19, 1980

Otto Frank, the father of Anne Frank, published her journal, detailing her experience during the Holocaust, as The Diary of a Young Girl, after her death. Otto was the only person in his family to survive the Holocaust. A former banker, he had also served in the German army.

Birthdate: October 24, 1632

Sun Sign: Scorpio

Birthplace: Delft

Died: August 26, 1723

Seventeenth-century Dutch scientist Antonie van Leeuwenhoek, also known as the Father of Microbiology, is remembered as a pioneer of microscopy. His contribution to microbiology included the discovery of spermatozoa, bacteria, and muscle fibers. Though he had not authored any book, his letters to the Royal Society were later published.

Birthdate: March 9, 2001

Sun Sign: Pisces

Birthplace: Ontario

Birthdate: May 17, 1980

Sun Sign: Taurus

Birthplace: London

Height: 6'4" (193 cm)

Birthdate: June 17, 1898

Sun Sign: Gemini

Birthplace: Leeuwarden

Died: March 27, 1972

Dutch graphic artist M. C. Escher is remembered for his woodcuts, mezzotints, and lithographs inspired by mathematics. He did not receive much appreciation till he turned 70, when he had his first retrospective exhibition. His notable works include Relativity and Waterfall. He also drew inspiration from nature and cityscapes.

Birthdate: October 29, 1970

Sun Sign: Scorpio

Birthplace: Voorhout

Ajax CEO and retired Dutch footballer Edwin van der Sar began his senior career with Ajax, winning countless titles with them, such as the Eredivisie and the UEFA Champion’s League. The talented goalkeeper later had successful stints with Juventus, Fulham, and Manchester United. He has also been a 2-time Best European Goalkeeper.

Birthdate: February 18, 1995

Sun Sign: Aquarius

Birthplace: The Hague

Nathan Aké is a Dutch football player who plays for the Netherlands national football team and Manchester City. In 2019, he helped his national team win the runner-up trophy at the UEFA Nations League. Nathan Aké was also part of the Manchester City Football Club that won the Premier League in 2021 and 2022.

Birthdate: January 23, 1985

Sun Sign: Aquarius

Birthplace: Gytsjerk

Dutch supermodel and actor Doutzen Kroes has been a Victoria's Secret Angel and the face of L'Oréal Paris. Known as the Helen of Troy of advertising, she has also been dragged into controversies for promoting an unscientific liver cleanse diet and for her comments against the COVID-19 vaccine on Instagram.

Birthdate: May 7, 1999

Sun Sign: Taurus

Birthplace: Eindhoven

Height: 6'2" (188 cm)

Birthdate: October 1, 1949

Sun Sign: Libra

Birthplace: Maastricht

André Rieu is a Dutch violinist whose work has earned him international fame for over 30 years. Also an orchestra leader, Rieu is credited with founding the Johann Strauß Orchestra, which is renowned for its unorthodox performances of classical works. André Rieu has played all over the world and is well-known for his performances of classical works by Johann Strauss.

Birthdate: January 31, 1938

Sun Sign: Aquarius

Birthplace: Soestdijk Palace

Beatrix of the Netherlands reigned as Queen of the Netherlands for 33 years. At the time of her abdication in favor of her son, she was the oldest-reigning monarch in the history of the monarchy of the Netherlands. As the queen, Beatrix had a huge impact on the Dutch people and continues to serve as a patron of several organizations.

Birthdate: March 13, 1973

Sun Sign: Pisces

Birthplace: Paramaribo

Born in Suriname, footballer Edgar Davids moved to the Netherlands as an infant and grew up to start his youth football career with Ajax. The retired Dutch defensive midfielder had successful stints with Ajax, Juventus, and Inter Milan. He also played for the Dutch national team, which he now serves as an assistant coach.

Birthdate: August 8, 1951

Sun Sign: Leo

Birthplace: Amsterdam

Retired Dutch footballer Louis van Gaal was a midfielder and now serves the Dutch national team as its head coach. While he began his playing career with Ajax, he later had an immensely successful managerial career with Ajax, Barcelona, and Bayern Munich, and was named the 1995 World Soccer Manager of the Year.

Birthdate: April 25, 1989

Sun Sign: Taurus

Birthplace: Boxtel

Birthdate: March 2, 1994

Sun Sign: Pisces

Birthplace: Wageningen

Dutch makeup artist and beauty vlogger, Nikkie De Jager, gained online popularity in 2015 after one of her videos went viral. She has been uploading videos on YouTube since 2008 and has millions of followers. She signed to Colourfool Agency in 2011 and began her career as a professional makeup artist. She launched her own eyeshadow palette in 2020.

Birthdate: 1390 AD

Birthplace: Maaseik

Died: July 9, 1441

Jan van Eyck was a painter best remembered for his Early Northern Renaissance art. He was one of the early innovators of Early Netherlandish painting and one of the most significant painters of his generation. A highly influential painter, Jan van Eyck's style and techniques were adopted by the Early Netherlandish painters.