CASPER VAN DIEN Do What You LOVE

The Starship Troopers alum reflects on the long road he has traveled

In the early 1990s, Casper Van Dien took a gap year off from his studies at the University of Florida to try his hand at becoming a professional actor — and he’s never looked back. After a few years of paying his dues in small television roles, he got his big break playing teenage space soldier Johnny Rico in Starship Troopers. Other roles in films and television, including Tarzan and the Lost City, Sleepy Hollow, The Pact and All American have continued to keep him busy. “I love this business,” Casper, 54, tells Closer. “I love being around it. I love talking about it. I think I’m a better person because I get to be on set. I’m a better husband, a better father, a better everything, because I get to be on movie sets and do what I love.”

Casper has two new films out right now. Hunt Club and Daughter are both available on Prime Video, Apple TV+ and Redbox, among other outlets.

So, what got you interested in acting?

My parents were both educators, and we used to sing and dance after dinner. They introduced me to Broadway, movies, books and literature. I think that is what got me started.

You’re from a military family. Did you have thoughts of joining the service?

Yes. I was born in Florida and then we moved to Japan. My dad was in charge of handling the navy base for the Japanese from 1969 to 1973. I thought I was going into the military. I chose to go to a military school when I was 16. My mom said, "Don't go away to school." My dad was like, "I'm proud of you."

Do you think your background with the military has helped you in your acting career?