Biography
At her age, Famke Janssen remains a “little girl.” After all, this is how the actress’s name is translated from French. The actress gained fame after playing the role of James Bond girl. And she consolidated her success with the character of Jean Gray in the cult films about the X-Men.
Famke Janssen was born on November 5, 1964. The future star spent her childhood and youth in Amsterdam. Famke lived in the capital of the Netherlands until she was 20 years old. She has two sisters.
Actress Famke Janssen
In one interview, the girl laughed that she was a foundling in the family, because her sisters are blondes with blue eyes, and only she is a brown-eyed brunette.
Famke does not hide that family always comes first for her. She was 16 years old when her parents separated. The girl had a hard time with the breakup, because to her they seemed like an ideal couple who loved each other. Divorce left a heavy imprint on my life.
Famke Janssen
After school, Famke Janssen entered the Faculty of Economics at the University of Amsterdam. But during the lectures, the girl dreamed of a modeling career, especially since she had the data for this. The Dutch agency Elite signed a contract with her - the girl combined modeling work with studying at the university.
Janssen was twenty when she entered Columbia University and moved to America. There she studied literature and then tried herself as a dramatic actress. Famke Janssen enrolled in Harold Gaskin's acting class, which many actors start with, and moved to Los Angeles. This city lived up to the girl's hopes.
Biography of Famke Janssen
Little giantess
The very name of the actress is controversial. After all, “famke” means “little girl,” but Janssen cannot be called a baby - with her shoe size 46 and height of more than 180 cm!
But when the sweet baby was born (and it was in 1964, on November 5), who knew that she would become such a giantess. Famke was born in the community of Amstelveen (North Holland), and the future star spent her childhood and youth in Amsterdam.
Having received secondary education, the girl decided to become an economist and has already entered the university in her homeland. But, on reflection, she came to the conclusion that with such height and graceful figure, she could try to build a career in the modeling business. No sooner said than done. Famke packed her things and headed overseas.
From models to artists
She studied at Columbia University (Faculty of Philology) and signed a lucrative contract with the Elite agency.
The Dutchwoman was fascinated by classes in the dramatic art studio: the girl from the podium was thinking about the future and did not exclude the possibility of becoming an actress. It's not very often that models become movie stars. Only a few can boast of such a “change of fate” (for example, Diane Kruger). But Janssen did it!
Of course, success did not overtake the girl immediately. I had to try myself in small serial roles (for example, in the continuation of the cult “Star Trek” or in the “soap opera” Melrose Place).
Memorable images
But when the Dutch model turned 30, incredible luck awaited her! Famke was invited to the next Bond film, to play the role of the main villain. And such images are usually remembered by the public. She was merciless, aggressive and sexy, this Soviet pilot Ksenia Onatopp. The heroine somewhat resembled a fast predatory snake - it was a worthy film start. A few days after the actress’s 31st birthday, the world premiere of GoldenEye took place. And the world greeted with delight the new Bond-Pierce Brosnan and his sinister antagonist Xenia-Janssen.
Then it was easier. Offers kept coming and coming: the adventuress Trillian from Sommers's "Rising from the Deep", the sexy teacher from Rodriguez's "The Faculty", the beautiful wife of a millionaire from "House of the Night Haunted", the wife of Michael Douglas's hero in the thriller "Don't Say a Word", a child psychologist in "Hide and Seek"
"Epochic" franchises
But the most memorable image was Jean Gray from the X-Men franchise. The super-powered superhero battles her dark alter ego and ultimately sacrifices herself to save her friends. She appears not only in four parts of the series, but also in the spin-off (“Wolverine: Immortal”), however, only in the memories and visions of the title character, whom she loved very much.
Another franchise, “Taken,” started in 2007. Of course, the main emphasis in these films is on the character of Liam Neeson (ex-husband of Janssen’s heroine), but the Dutchwoman also looks great in the frame.
In 2011, the actress decided to try herself in a different role, wrote a story and filmed it, spending her own money. “Raising Bobby” (Milla Jovovich participated in the project). And then there was the series “The Blacklist” and its spin-off, in which Famke Jansson portrayed Scottie Hargrave, a millionaire, a cunning manipulator, the owner of a powerful agency performing secret operations (including for the US government)
Movies
Famke Janssen received her first role in 1992 – it was an episode in the film “Fathers and Sons”. True, it was not a breakthrough - unsuccessful direction did the trick. From time to time, directors invited the actress to film, but they offered insignificant roles.
Famke Janssen in the film "The Faculty"
Success came to her in 1995, when the next episode of the Bond movie “GoldenEye” was released, in which the actress played agent 007’s girlfriend Ksenia Onatopp. This role was followed by a series of projects: Famke Janssen starred in the projects “Dead Girl”, “Leader”, “Mission Impossible 2”, “The Faculty”.
The role of Jean Gray in the X-Men project strengthened the popularity of Famke Janssen. After this project there were several more interesting offers, including the role of a millionaire’s wife in “House of Haunted Nights” and the film “Don’t Say a Word,” in which she brilliantly played the wife of a psychiatrist.
Famke Janssen in the film "Fool Everyone"
Soon the film “Deceive Everyone” was released, in which Famke showed herself as a talented comedic actress. Eddie Murphy became his partner on the set. The actress signed a contract to work in “Deceive Everyone” after filming in the film “Men in Black 2” was disrupted. She was supposed to play an alien.
Famke herself refused the role in Terminator 3. The actress did not comment on the reasons for this decision to the press.
Janssen returned to the role of Jean Gray in the films X-Men 2, X-Men: The Last Stand, Wolverine: Immortal and X-Men: Days of Future Past.
In 2008, the action film “Taken” was released with Liam Neeson in the title role. Famke played the hero's ex-wife, whose name was Lenore. She repeated the same role in the film's sequels.
At the same time, she starred in the popular TV series “Body Parts,” which aired from 2004 to 2010. Critics and viewers warmly received the serial film and spoke positively about Famke’s acting.
In 2011, the actress’s creative biography took a new turn. Janssen tried herself as a director, screenwriter and producer in the film “Bad Mommy”. Famke invited Milla Jovovich to play the main role.
In 2013, the artist’s selected filmography was supplemented by the fantasy film “Witch Hunters,” where she played the role of the supreme dark witch Muriel. Famke's colleagues on the set were Jeremy Renner and Gemma Arterton.
Famke Janssen in the series "The Blacklist"
In the same year, viewers saw the series “The Black List”. Three years later, Famke Janssen joined the cast of the project in the role of Susan “Scotty” Hargrave. And already in 2020, a spin-off television series started, where the heroine Famke became the main character. However, after the first season the series was canceled.
Janssen Famke (Famke Janssen).
She was born on November 5, 1964 in Amstelveen, the Netherlands. At the beginning of her modeling career, she moved to the United States, where she worked for the Yves Saint Laurent Fashion House while simultaneously studying acting at Columbia University. Her first appearances on screen were related to television: Famke was a guest actress on the TV series Star Trek: The Next Generation and Melrose Place. After several under-the-radar roles on the big screen, Janssen appears as James Bond's adversary in GoldenEye. The role of the Russian murderer Ksenia Onatopp, obsessed with violence, as well as the worldwide success of Martin Campbell's film brought the actress her first high-profile fame. The death of her heroine Ksenia Onatopp in the film GoldenEye is considered one of the most famous film deaths.
After participating in the 007 franchise, Famke starred in several Hollywood films, which met with varying success: "Rise from the Deep", "The Faculty" (directed by Robert Rodriguez), "Don't Say a Word" (Famke played in it with Michael Douglas ), “House of Night Haunting”, “Hide and Seek” (with Robert De Niro) and others. In addition, the actress played a small role in Woody Allen's star-studded film Celebrity. However, her main film success is considered to be her participation in the film adaptation of the popular X-Men comic book: Famke played the mutant Jean Gray in all three episodes (in the third and final episode - under the name Dark Phoenix). Her heroine has unique telekinetic and telepathic abilities, dies in the second series, but is resurrected in a dark guise in the final part of the trilogy.
She was announced for the role of the villain Serlena in the sequel to the film Men in Black, as well as for the role of Terminatrix in Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines.
Famke continues to work on television. In the second season of the popular plastic surgery series Nip/Tuck, she played the role of Ava Moore, a seductive personal trainer who skillfully manipulates the son of one of the main characters in the film. The public was shocked by the story of Janssen’s heroine: Ava turned out to be a masterfully operated man. Famke received the most flattering reviews for this role from critics and television viewers.
In 2006, Famke Janssen starred in the third mutant film, X-Men: The Last Stand, as well as in the war drama The Four Saints
and the comedy
The Treatment
. In addition, Famke participated in the all-star cast of the comedy The Ten, which told ten stories based on the Ten Christian Commandments (the film premiered in 2007).
In 2011, Famke made her directorial debut in the drama film Bad Mom, which starred Milla Jovovich, Bill Pullman and Marcia Cross. She also wrote and produced this film.
Personal life
Famke Janssen does not like to talk about his personal life. She was married to director Kip Williams, whom she met in college. They lived together for 11 years, but separated in 2000. They had no children.
Famke Janssen and Kip Williams
In one of the interviews, the actress said that they were both young and broke up when Famke spent a year filming. She starred in four films, one after another. There was no time left for family life.
Famke Janssen is sure that it is more difficult for female actors than for men. Men may take their wives with them on filming, but finding a spouse who will agree to tag along with his wife is difficult. Famke admits that she had to sacrifice a lot for her work and success.
Actress Famke Janssen
She never thought about children. The dog replaces her children, girlfriends and family. Her sisters and parents remain close to her. But they rarely see each other. The actress managed to maintain friendly relations with her ex-husband, and she also maintains relations with Kip’s relatives.
In 2006, Famke began an affair with producer and screenwriter Cole Frates.
The actress is famous for her tall height of 180 cm and large foot size - 42.
Famke Janssen
Unlike many Hollywood celebrities, the artist does not have an officially verified Instagram account. Instead, a microblog on the Internet is maintained by fans of the actress. They post on their account stills from films and personal photos of Famke found on the Internet.
Personal life of Famke Janssen
Who stole the heart of a star
While still a student, Famke married an American, Todd Williams, but after 11 years of marriage they divorced, maintaining a good relationship.
Janssen loves her nieces very much, but she never wanted to have her own children. Her career is more important to her than her personal life, which is why the beauty’s romances usually ended very soon.
When asked who she would save in case of a fire, the star replied: “My two cats, to whom I am very attached.” This furry duo was joined a little later by a dog - a Boston Terrier. He is such a cutie, this big-eared Licorice, no wonder he stole the actress’s heart!
Famke Janssen now
In March 2020, viewers saw their favorite actress in one of the main roles in the drama “This Is Your Death.” Next came the film “Something for a Birthday.” It is noteworthy that the film premiered in Russia only in February 2020.
Janssen played a supporting role in the comedy fantasy “Status: Updated.” The plot of the film is built around a young man who does not let go of his phone. But it happens that all the guy’s posts posted on the Internet come true. This is where the fun begins, because being in the center of the world, it turns out, is not so easy.
Famke Janssen in the film "Status: Updated"
Three more films with Famke are planned for 2020: “Louisiana Caviar”, “Primal” and “New Amsterdam”.
The films “Every Good Boy Does Fine” and “American Cover Up” are still in production.
Dutch woman Famke Janssen is one of the few successful examples of a top model achieving success in the acting field. She moved to the United States at the beginning of her modeling career, where she worked for the Yves Saint Laurent fashion house while studying acting at Columbia University. Her first appearances on screen were related to television: Famke was a guest actress on the TV series Star Trek: The Next Generation and Melrose Place. After several under-the-radar roles on the big screen, Janssen appears as James Bond's adversary in GoldenEye. The role of the Russian murderer Ksenia Onatopp, obsessed with violence, as well as the worldwide success of Martin Campbell's film brought the actress her first high-profile fame. The death of her heroine Ksenia Onatopp in the film GoldenEye is considered one of the most famous film deaths.
After participating in the 007 franchise, Famke starred in several Hollywood films, which met with varying success: "Rise from the Deep", "The Faculty" (directed by Robert Rodriguez), "Don't Say a Word" (Famke played in it with Michael Douglas ), “House of Night Haunting”, “Hide and Seek” (with Robert De Niro) and others. In addition, the actress played a small role in Woody Allen's star-studded film Celebrity. However, her main film success is considered to be her participation in the film adaptation of the popular X-Men comic book: Famke played the mutant Jean Gray in all three episodes (in the third and final episode - under the name Dark Phoenix). Her heroine has unique telepathic abilities, dies in the second episode, but is resurrected in a dark guise in the final part of the series.
She was announced for the role of the villain Serlena in the sequel to the film Men in Black, as well as for the role of Terminatrix in Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines.
Famke continues to work on television. In the second season of the popular plastic surgery series Nip/Tuck, she played the role of Ava Moore, a seductive personal trainer who skillfully manipulates the son of one of the main characters in the film. The public was shocked by the story of Janssen’s heroine: Ava turned out to be a masterfully operated man. Famke received the most flattering reviews for this role from critics and television viewers.
IN 2006
Famke Janssen starred in the third mutant film, X-Men: The Last Stand, as well as the war drama The Four Saints and the comedy The Treatment.
In addition, Famke participated in the all-star cast of the comedy The Ten, which told ten stories based on the Ten Christian Commandments (the film premiered in 2007
).
Filmography
- 1995 – “GoldenEye”
- 1998 – “Rise from the Depths”
- 1999 – “House of Night Ghosts”
- 2000 – “X-Men”
- 2002 – “Deceive everyone”
- 2003 – “X-Men 2”
- 2004—2010 – “Body Parts”
- 2006 – “X-Men: The Last Stand”
- 2008 – “Hostage”
- 2012 – “Hostage 2”
- 2013 – “Witch Hunters”
- 2013 – “Wolverine: Immortal”
- 2014 – “X-Men: Days of Future Past”
- 2015 – “Hostage 3”
- 2017 – “The Blacklist: Redemption”
Awards and nominations
Awards
- 2006 - High Falls Film Festival - Susan B. Anthony "No Failure" Award [3] for the film "The Treatment".
- 2006 - Hampton International Film Festival - Golden Starfish Award.[4]
- 2007 — Saturn — “Best Supporting Actress” for the film “X-Men: The Last Stand.”
- 2007 - Hampton International Film Festival - Special Award for the film "Turn of the River".
- 2007 - Hamptons International Film Festival - Special recognition (in the category "Best Actress") for the film "Turn of the River".
Nominations
- 1996 - MTV Movie Awards - “Best Fight” for the film “GoldenEye”.
- 2000 — Blockbuster Entertainment Awards — “Favorite Actress in Horror” for the film “House of Haunting Nights.”
- 2001 — Blockbuster Entertainment Awards — “Favorite Sci-Fi Actress” for the film “X-Men.”
- 2006 - Teen Choice Awards - “Best Kiss” for the film “X-Men: The Last Stand.”
