Casper Van Dien is an American actor best known for his starring role as Johnny Rico in the 1997 sci-fi cult classic “Starship Troopers.” Born on December 18, 1968, in Milton, Florida, Van Dien comes from a family with a long military tradition, but he chose a career in acting instead of following the family legacy.
Van Dien’s breakthrough role came with “Starship Troopers,” a satirical action film directed by Paul Verhoeven. The movie, known for its over-the-top action, military themes, and social commentary, made Van Dien a recognizable face in Hollywood. He followed that success with roles in films such as:
- “Tarzan and the Lost City” (1998), where he played the titular character.
- “Sleepy Hollow” (1999), directed by Tim Burton, in which he portrayed Brom Van Brunt alongside Johnny Depp and Christina Ricci.
- “The Omega Code” (1999), a religious-themed action film.
Despite his early success, Van Dien’s career has mainly revolved around direct-to-video films and television roles, although he remains active in the industry with appearances in both sci-fi and action genres.
Where is Casper Van Dien Now?
Casper Van Dien is still very active in the entertainment industry and has continued to work steadily in both film and television. Here’s a look at what he’s been doing recently:
- Television Roles: In recent years, Van Dien has taken on more television projects. He appeared in several TV shows and movies, including recurring roles in shows like “All American” and “Con Man,” where he played a satirical version of himself. His work in sci-fi and fantasy genres remains a significant part of his career.
- Starship Troopers Legacy: Van Dien has reprised his iconic role as Johnny Rico in various animated sequels to “Starship Troopers.” He voiced the character in “Starship Troopers: Traitor of Mars” (2017), continuing his association with the franchise that made him famous. His character remains a fan favorite, and the franchise continues to hold a strong cult following.
- Independent Films: Van Dien has worked on several independent films and low-budget productions. In 2021, he starred in “The 2nd,” an action film where he plays a secret service agent. He has also appeared in horror films, thrillers, and sci-fi features, staying true to the genres that built his career.
- Social Media Presence: Van Dien has embraced social media, particularly Instagram and Twitter, where he frequently engages with fans. He posts about his latest projects, personal life, and his fitness routine. Known for his humor and upbeat personality, Van Dien’s online presence has kept him connected with his fan base.
- Instagram: @caspervandien
- Twitter/X: @CasperVanDien
- Facebook: Casper Van Dien Official
- Family and Personal Life: Casper Van Dien has been married twice and is a father to several children. He was married to actress Catherine Oxenberg, and they have two daughters, one of whom, Grace Van Dien, is an actress who gained attention for her role in “Stranger Things”. After his divorce from Oxenberg, Van Dien married Jennifer Wenger, a fellow actress and model, in 2018. The couple is often seen together at events, and they regularly share updates on their life through social media.
- Upcoming Projects: As of 2024, Van Dien is attached to several upcoming films, including “Salvage Marines” (2022), a sci-fi series in which he stars as the lead character, Samuel Hyst, showing his continued commitment to action and science fiction.
- Convention Appearances: Like many actors associated with cult films, Van Dien frequently attends fan conventions and events, such as Comic-Con, where he interacts with fans and participates in panels discussing his most famous roles, especially “Starship Troopers.”