Erik Van Looy’s Surprising Turn: from Quizmaster to Dramatic Actor in ‘Assisen’
A familiar face on Belgian television takes on a challenging new role, exploring the depths of a character
far removed from his public persona.
Published: Wednesday, April 9, 2025
Erik Van Looy, a mainstay of Belgian television, known for his directorial work and engaging quizmaster
persona, has ventured into uncharted territory: dramatic acting. His role in “Assisen: The Boarding
School Murder” marks his first foray into serious acting, a move that has ignited a new passion
within him.
Van Looy’s character, Ben Jacobs, is a television presenter haunted by a dark past.
In the first script he was just called Erik,” he laughs in Het Laatste Nieuws. “But they have changed
This change underscores the effort to distinguish the character from Van Looy’s established
that.
public image.
The challenge for Van Looy was to convince the audience that he was not simply playing himself.
Ben has many demons. I had to look for it in myself, but luckily we are far apart,
van Looy
explained, highlighting the effort required to embody such a complex character.
For U.S. audiences, this transition might be likened to seeing someone like Jimmy Fallon or Neil Patrick
Harris step away from their comedic roots to tackle a serious dramatic role.The inherent risk lies
in whether the audience can suspend their preconceived notions and accept the performer in a new light.
A newfound Love for the Set
Van Looy discovered an unexpected sense of peace in acting. As a director you are responsible for
he said.
everything. Now I was ready at five o’clock, with even breaks in between. for the first time in my
career I really enjoyed a turning period,I think I want to do this for the rest of my
life.
This revelation speaks to the often-overlooked stresses of directing, where creative vision must be
balanced with logistical and financial pressures. In contrast, acting allows for a focused immersion
in a single role, free from the broader responsibilities of production.
Imagine a parallel in the U.S. context: a director like Quentin Tarantino deciding to step in front of
the camera for a ample role.The shift in perspective and the freedom from directorial duties
could be similarly liberating.
Chemistry with His On-Screen Son
van Looy also spoke about his connection with Jean Janssens, who plays his son in “Assisen.”
While playing I really felt his father. And what a talent that boy has. I would take him to my
This camaraderie highlights the importance of on-screen chemistry in creating believable and
quiz.
compelling performances.
Such connections are crucial in family dramas, allowing actors to portray authentic relationships that
resonate with viewers. The ability to foster genuine affection and understanding between actors can
elevate a production from mere storytelling to a deeply moving experiance.
Consider the dynamic between Bryan Cranston and RJ Mitte in “Breaking Bad,” where their father-son
relationship felt authentic and deeply affecting, in part due to the actors’ real-life rapport.
Future Prospects
When asked about the possibility of future roles in long-running series, Van looy responded with an open
mind. Why not?
, Van Looy smiles. but for now I will stick to this experience. And I really
enjoyed it.
While his future acting endeavors remain uncertain, his positive experience on “Assisen” suggests that
this may be the beginning of a new chapter in his career. Van Looy’s willingness to embrace new
challenges and explore different facets of his talent could lead to further unexpected and exciting
developments in the world of Belgian television and beyond.
In the U.S.,many actors have successfully transitioned between genres and roles throughout their careers,
demonstrating the potential for reinvention and growth within the entertainment industry. Van Looy’s
venture into dramatic acting is a testament to this possibility.
What sparked Erik Van looy’s decision to transition from directing to acting in the dramatic role of Ben Jacobs in ‘Assisen’?
An Interview with Erik Van Looy: From Quizmaster to Dramatic Actor
Archyde news Editor: Erik,welcome to Archyde. We’re thrilled to have you. Your leap from the world of quiz shows and directing into the dramatic role of Ben Jacobs in ‘Assisen’ has certainly caught everyone’s attention. What sparked this unexpected shift?
Erik Van Looy: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure. Frankly, I’d always been curious about acting. Directing, while fulfilling, often kept me tied to the bigger picture. When the possibility arose to portray a character as complex as Ben, it felt like a challenge I couldn’t refuse. Something fresh also.
Archyde News Editor:. The article mentions the name change, the team changed Erik to Ben. Did this alter your approach, and how did you distance yourself from your established public persona?
Erik Van Looy: Absolutely, initially, I think the script had my first name, actually was Erik, And the script was changed to Ben, to set the character truly apart from myself. Ben has his issues, and I am happy to find some distance there. It was less about shedding my previous work and more about inhabiting Ben’s world, confronting his demons, his family, his past – things far removed from my usual television persona.
The Allure of Focused Immersion
Archyde News Editor: You’ve mentioned finding a newfound peace on set, a contrast to the demands of directing. can you elaborate on that? Is it about the shift in obligation or something deeper? What specifically resonates with you?
Erik Van Looy: As a director, you’re juggling a million things, a lot of pressure. As an actor, my focus was narrowed. I was ready at 5 PM to leave the set in peace. I loved it to bits and pieces. Acting allowed me to immerse myself in a particular role, to explore human behavior, without the weight of the entire production on my shoulders. It was liberating, and in this world, it’s exactly something I am looking forward to repeat.
Chemistry and Connection
Archyde News Editor: The connection with Jean Janssens, who plays your on-screen son, seems crucial. How did that relationship evolve, and to what extent did that chemistry enhance your performance and the show?
Erik Van Looy: That connection was vital. jean is a remarkable talent, and it really felt like a father-son dynamic. We connected on set. Even on breaks we used the time to enhance this relationship, because this is what will make a big impact in the show. It was truly authentic: there was a natural affection and shared understanding. I’d take him on my quiz show any day! (laughs)
Future Prospects and Reinvention
Archyde News Editor: Looking ahead, would you embrace future acting roles, perhaps in other long-running series? What future holds in your point of view?
Erik Van looy: Why not? (smiles). I will stick to this experiance for now and see where it takes me, but I’ve truly enjoyed this journey. It’s been a completely new learning experience, and I’m open to other possibilities. I can’t predict the future – but that’s part of the fun (chuckles).
Archyde News Editor: Erik, thank you for your time and for sharing your insights with us. Is there anything else you’d like to add?
erik Van Looy: Not really, just that I was given this opportunity. If this makes me feel good. I’d love to see other people taking new steps. I am thrilled to see where the acting journey leads and really would like to send people to watch ‘Assisen’!
Archyde News Editor: It’s been enlightening, Erik. We wish you the best. Let us know where we can follow your adventure.
Archyde News Editor: Thank you to our readers for engaging with this interview. Share your thoughts: Do you think established personalities can successfully reinvent themselves in different genres? Join the discussion in the comments below!
