Clara Cleymans, the talented Belgian actress and musical theatre singer, has captivated audiences with her stellar performances, but her journey to fame hasn’t always been easy. Born on 5 January 1989 in Wilrijk, Belgium, Clara grew up in a family deeply rooted in the arts. Despite her eventual success, her path was marked by challenges and pivotal moments that shaped her career.
Clara Cleymans: Quick Facts and Biography Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Clara Cleymans |
| Nickname | Clara |
| Profession | Actress, Musical Theatre Singer |
| Date of Birth | January 5, 1989 |
| Father | Jan Cleymans |
| Mother | Karin Jacobs |
| Siblings | Older brother, Jelle Cleymans |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Affairs/Boyfriends | Not publicly known |
| Husband | Jo Mahieu (married in 2014) |
| Children | Two daughters: Jeanne (born 2016) and Romy (born 2019) |
| Educational Qualification | Studied Philosophy |
| School | Lemmensinstituut, Leuven |
| College | University of Antwerp |
| Birth Place | Wilrijk, Belgium |
| Hometown | Wilrijk, Belgium |
| Nationality | Belgian |
Early Life and Educational Foundations
Clara was born to actress Karin Jacobs and musician Jan Cleymans, a dynamic duo who undoubtedly inspired her creative spirit. Growing up with her older brother Jelle, Clara’s home was filled with artistic energy. She pursued her passion for music and drama at the Lemmensinstituut in Leuven before diving into philosophy at the University of Antwerp.
Her acting career began at 8 when she appeared in a 1997 episode of the beloved Belgian series Samson en Gert. By 1999, she had landed her first film role as Liese in De Kabouterschat, a part she reprised in two sequels.
Breaking Through to Prominence
Clara Cleymans had to work her way up from minor roles in various television series to more prominent parts. Her first major TV breakthrough came in 2010 with Dag & Nacht: Hotel Eburon, where she played Amber Claessens. She quickly became a household name as Nina Oostvoghels in the popular Eén series Thuis from 2010 to 2011.
Clara’s ability to blend comedy and drama shone through in her performances on the satirical series Tegen de sterren op. Her spot-on impersonations earned her a Rising Star award at the Vlaamse Televisie Sterren in 2011 and nominations for Best Actress in subsequent years.
A Lead Role with Depth
In 2013, Clara took on one of her most iconic roles as public prosecutor Helena De Ridder in De Ridder. The show ran for four seasons, and Clara’s portrayal of a strong, determined woman navigating the complexities of law resonated with audiences. This role earned her further recognition, including multiple nominations for Best Actress.
Musical Theatre and Movie Milestones
Clara’s versatility extends beyond screen acting. Between 2018 and 2019, she played Sarah Liebman in the World War II-themed musical 40-45, which explored themes of love and identity during turbulent times.
On the big screen, she made waves with her role as Janja in the Belgian comedy-horror Yummy (2019), proving she could easily handle intense, action-packed scenes.
A Balancing Act Between Fame and Family
Behind the scenes, Clara has built a fulfilling personal life. She married Jo Mahieu in 2014, and they have two daughters, Jeanne and Romy. Balancing her family life with a demanding career has been challenging, but Clara has navigated it gracefully.
Final Thoughts: More Than Meets the Eye
Clara Cleymans may seem like a natural-born star, but her success results from years of dedication, resilience, and growth. From her early acting days to her rise as a prominent actress and singer, Clara’s journey proves that even the brightest stars face their share of struggles.
FAQs
- What was Clara Cleymans’ first acting role?
Clara’s first acting role was as Klaartje in an episode of Samson en Gert in 1997. - What is Clara Cleymans’ most iconic role?
Many consider her portrayal of Helena De Ridder in De Ridder to be her most iconic role. - Has Clara Cleymans won any awards?
Yes, she received the Rising Star award at the Vlaamse Televisie Sterren in 2011 and has been nominated for Best Actress multiple times. - What is 40-45 about?
40-45 is a dramatic musical set during World War II, exploring love and identity amidst the chaos of war. - What is Clara Cleymans’ latest project?
Clara played Els in the mini-series We moeten eens praten, which aired in 2021.
