Born on September 27, 1960, in West Germany, he is an American actor and filmmaker known for his collaboration with director Lars von Trier. Raised in a multicultural environment, he studied philosophy and acted at the Conservatoire de Paris and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. Gaining prominence with his role in "The Big Blue" (1988), his career includes notable films like "Breaking the Waves" and "Dogville." Fluent in multiple languages, he has also directed several independent films.