Back in the early '90s, Casper Van Dien took a bold step by pausing his studies at the University of Florida to chase his dreams of becoming a professional actor—and boy, did that decision pay off. After years of working hard in minor TV roles, Casper hit the jackpot when he landed the role of teenage space warrior Johnny Rico in Starship Troopers. His career has been on fire ever since, with starring roles in movies like Tarzan and the Lost City, Sleepy Hollow, The Pact, and the hit series All American. “I absolutely adore this business,” Casper, now 54, shares with Closer. “Being surrounded by it makes me feel alive. I enjoy discussing it, and I genuinely believe I’m a better person because I get to be on set. It enhances every aspect of my life—whether as a husband, father, or just overall. I owe so much to the magic of movie sets.”
Casper’s currently keeping busy with two new films, Hunt Club and Daughter, both available on platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV+, and Redbox.
What Sparked Your Passion for Acting?
Casper credits his parents, who were both educators, for igniting his love for the arts. “We’d often sing and dance together after dinner,” he recalls. “They introduced me to the world of Broadway, movies, books, and literature. It was those early experiences that planted the seed for my acting journey.”
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Growing Up in a Military Family, Did You Ever Consider Joining the Service?
Absolutely. Born in Florida, Casper’s family relocated to Japan when his dad took charge of the navy base there from 1969 to 1973. “I grew up thinking I’d follow in my dad’s footsteps and join the military,” Casper explains. “At 16, I even attended a military school. My mom wasn’t thrilled about it, but my dad was proud of me for wanting to pursue that path.”
Has Your Military Background Benefitted Your Acting Career?
“Without a doubt,” Casper affirms. “The discipline instilled in me from that environment has been invaluable. Producers I’ve worked with multiple times know they can count on me to be prepared and punctual. It’s not just about being professional; it’s about staying true to who I am. That foundation has provided me with incredible tools as an actor. While I’ve been fortunate, I also credit the structure and discipline for much of my success.”
Playing Villains in Your Latest Films—How’s That Experience Been?
Casper admits it’s been quite the challenge. “Hunt Club is a tough movie, packed with themes of female empowerment and revenge,” he says. “As someone with four daughters, three sisters, and a wonderful wife, portraying characters who mistreat women doesn’t sit well with me. It goes against everything I believe in. But it’s part of the job, and I take pride in bringing those complex characters to life.”
Your Role in ‘Daughter’ Sounds Particularly Intense!
Indeed, Casper plays a father who swaps his daughter for another. “It was undoubtedly the most challenging role,” he shares. “But it was also incredibly rewarding. The entire team was top-notch, and I was genuinely impressed by everyone’s dedication. It was a transformative experience.”
And That Look in ‘Daughter’? Creepy!
Casper laughs as he recounts the reaction from his family. “I had a full beard and parted my hair down the middle, which definitely gave off a creepy vibe. As I was heading out one morning, my wife and daughter couldn’t help but comment, ‘Dad, why are you doing your hair like that? It’s so gross!’ They hadn’t read the script, but they knew something was off. It was perfect for the character, though.”
Let’s Talk About ‘Starship Troopers.’ Any Memorable Moments From Filming?
Casper vividly remembers filming the massive scene where the drop troops land. “We had 1,400 extras, 250 crew members, 30 actors, and 30 stunt people. Plus, there was a second unit of 138 individuals. Everyone was running around with weapons, and then I spot Paul Verhoeven, our director who also helmed RoboCop, one of my all-time favorites. I was completely in awe. The professionalism on set was breathtaking, and we pulled off this massive scene without a single injury.”
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