Casper van Dien Biography
Casper Van Dien came to fame in the breakout role of ‘Rico’ who was as the lead in the hugely successful Paul Verhoeven sci-fi film STARSHIP TROOPERS. The film is still one of the most talked about films since it premiered and has one of the largest cult followings in film history. Casper went on to star in the third of the STARSHIP TROOPERS franchise which again was a major success. Casper then went to star in Tim Burton's critically acclaimed film SLEEPY HOLLOW as ‘Brom Bones’, and then took on the iconic role of ‘Tarzan’ in TARZAN AND THE LOST CITY for Warner Brothers. He was the 20th Tarzan and the only one to ever film in Africa and ride an African elephant.
Casper has starred in a number of memorable films including THE PACT which had its premiere at the Sundance Film Festival, where Casper played a down and out alcoholic detective opposite Caity Lotz. A post-apocalyptic survivor in BEYOND THE WAVE which was shot entirely in China. Casper was excited to star opposite Sean Maher as part of a two-man crew on a mission to the end of the universe in the much-anticipated independent film BEYOND THE EDGE. Casper starred in the WWII epic film DOOLITTLE’S HEROES the Chinese/US coproduction of the amazing story about Jimmy Doolittle and his brave men who went on a suicide mission to bomb Tokyo in retaliation for the Pearl Harbor bombing in 1941. Casper can be seen starring in the Fox film ALITA: BATTLE ANGEL for director Robert Rodriguez and producer James Cameron,, the hit cult horror film DAUGHTER, the outrageous satire MAD HEIDI, ASSAILANT for director Tom Paton, and recently lent his action skills in a cameo role in the new version of ROADHOUSE opposite Jake Gyllenhaal.
On television, Casper recurs on the series ALL AMERICAN for the CW, can be seen starring in the limited series SALVAGE MARINES based upon the bestselling book of the same name, as well as MISTER MAYFAIR starring opposite Armand Assante. Casper has done a number of guest starring roles including the CBS hit series HAWAII 5-0, had a great recurring role on the hugely popular series MONK, starred in the popular television film LAKE EFFECTS opposite Jane Seymour, TWELVE TREES OF CHRISTMAS for Lifetime. Casper may also be known for his starring roles in the Spelling series’ THE TITANS and the last season of BEVERLY HILLS 90210.
Casper has been an early adopter of new media, and he starred as ‘Johnny Cage’ in the insanely popular Machinima web-series MORTAL KOMBAT LEGACY seasons 2 and 3 for which he won best actor in a comedy series. He starred as "Hawk Guy" in the Avengers spoof INTERNS OF F.I.E.L.D. produced by Screen Junkies. Casper recurs in the first two seasons of the popular series CONMAN which stars Alan Tudyk and Nathan Fillion, and he played the perfect version of himself in the comedy series CRUNCHTIME.
Casper has also spent a lot of time recently behind the camera as a Director. He has directed three films in which he also starred in. His second film PATIENT KILLER won best film and best director awards and was bought and aired on Lifetime.