Carice Anouk van Houten was born on September 5, 1976, in Leiderdorp, Netherlands. Her mother, Margje Stasse, is a television producer, and her father, Theodore van Houten, was a writer and broadcaster. She has a younger sister, Jelka van Houten, who is also an actress.
Van Houten attended the Maastricht Academy of Dramatic Arts after a brief period studying at the Toneelacademie in Amsterdam. Her professional acting career began in the late 1990s with roles in Dutch television series and films.
Van Houten gained significant recognition in the Netherlands for her role in the 1999 television film Suzy Q. She won her first Golden Calf (the Dutch equivalent of an Academy Award) for Best Actress for her performance in the 2001 film AmnesiA. Further accolades followed for her roles in films like The Black Book (2006), directed by Paul Verhoeven, where she played the lead role of Rachel Stein. The Black Book became the most commercially successful Dutch film of all time.
Her success in Dutch cinema led to international opportunities. She made her English-language film debut in Dorothy (2008). She has since appeared in several high-profile international productions, broadening her audience and solidifying her reputation as a versatile actress.
One of Van Houten’s most recognizable roles is Melisandre, the Red Priestess, in the HBO fantasy series Game of Thrones (2012-2019). Her portrayal of the complex and enigmatic character earned her critical acclaim and further international recognition. She has continued to work in both Dutch and international productions, demonstrating her commitment to diverse roles and genres.
Van Houten has received numerous awards throughout her career, including five Golden Calves for Best Actress (Suzy Q, AmnesiA, The Black Book, Stricken,