Who Is Paul Verhoeven? Age, Biography and Wiki
Born on July 18, 1938, Paul Verhoeven is a renowned Dutch filmmaker known for his provocative and controversial films. With a career that spans several decades, Verhoeven has garnered critical acclaim as well as notoriety for works such as "Robocop," "Basic Instinct," and "Showgirls." As of 2025, he is 86 years old and continues to inspire discussions in the film industry with his unique storytelling approach and ingenuity.
Learn more about him on his Wikipedia page.
| Occupation | Screenwriter |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | July 18, 1938 |
| Age | 86 Years |
| Birth Place | Amsterdam, Netherlands |
| Horoscope | Cancer |
| Country | Netherlands |
Popularity
Paul Verhoeven's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While specific details about Paul Verhoeven's height and weight have generally not been discussed in public forums, it is estimated that he stands around 6 feet tall. His weight has varied throughout his life, reflective of the typical fluctuations many people experience.
Verhoeven's first feature film Business Is Business was released in 1971 and was not well received. His first national success came in 1973 with Turkish Delight, starring Rutger Hauer and Monique van de Ven.
Based on a novel by bestselling Dutch author Jan Wolkers, Turkish Delight tells the passionate love story of an artist and a young liberal girl from a conservative background. It received an Academy Award nomination for Best Foreign Language Film in 1974. In 1999, the film won a Golden Calf for Best Dutch Film of the Century.
Katie Tippel (1975) again featured Hauer and van de Ven, but it did not match the success of Turkish Delight.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Throughout his life and career, Paul Verhoeven has maintained a relatively private personal life. He has been married twice and has children from both marriages. His most notable relationship was with his second wife, Martine Tours, with whom he lived for many years. As of 2025, information regarding his current dating status remains private, leaving fans and followers eager to learn more about his relationship intricacies.
In 1943, the family moved to The Hague, the location of the German headquarters in the Netherlands during World War II. The Verhoeven house was near a German military base with V1- and V2-rocket launchers, which was repeatedly bombed by Allied forces.
Their neighbours' house was hit and Verhoeven's parents were almost killed when bombs fell on a street crossing. From this period, Verhoeven mentioned in interviews, he remembers images of violence, burning houses, dead bodies on the street, and continuous danger.
As a small child, he experienced the war as an exciting adventure, and has compared himself with the character Bill Rowan in Hope and Glory (1987).
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Paul Verhoeven's net worth is estimated to be around $30 million. This impressive figure highlights his success in the film industry, with a significant portion of his earnings stemming from box office successes and various cinematic ventures. His ability to cross into genres like science fiction, drama, and erotic thriller has led to a sustained career with rewarding financial outcomes.
Career, Business and Investments
Paul Verhoeven's career began in the Netherlands, where he directed films that gained critical acclaim and international attention. His move to Hollywood in the late 1980s marked a pivotal point, leading to iconic films that showcased his distinctive style. In addition to filmmaking, Verhoeven has ventured into business opportunities related to cinema and media. He has invested in various projects that reflect his artistic vision, enhancing his portfolio both creatively and financially.
In 1985, Verhoeven made his first Hollywood film Flesh and Blood and later had a successful career in the United States, directing science fiction films such as RoboCop (1987), Total Recall (1990), Starship Troopers (1997) and Hollow Man (2000), as well as the erotic thriller Basic Instinct (1992).
He also directed the 1995 film Showgirls, which was critically panned on initial release but has developed a cult following and undergone critical re-evaluation.
Social Network
Paul Verhoeven maintains a modest presence on social media compared to many contemporary filmmakers. His accounts are generally used to share updates on his work and engage with fans on subjects related to cinema. However, he tends to prefer personal interactions over digital communications, making it harder for fans to track his daily life.
Verhoeven built on his reputation and achieved international success with the Golden Globe-nominated Soldier of Orange (1977), starring Rutger Hauer and Jeroen Krabbé. Based on a true story about the Dutch resistance in World War II, it was written by Erik Hazelhoff Roelfzema.
Soldier of Orange received the 1979 LA Film Critics Award for best foreign-language film, and it was also nominated for a Golden Globe in 1980.
Education
Paul Verhoeven studied at the University of Amsterdam, where he focused on film and television studies. His academic background laid the foundation for his successful career in filmmaking. Furthermore, he has often cited the influence of his education and experiences in shaping his directorial style and thematic choices.
Verhoeven attended public secondary school Gymnasium Haganum in The Hague. Later, beginning in 1955, he studied at Leiden University. He graduated with a doctorandus (MSc) with a double major, in mathematics and physics.
