You’re sitting on your couch, watching Season 3 of Ted Lasso, and suddenly Rebecca Welton is stranded in Amsterdam. She slips off a bridge—classic—and gets rescued by a guy on a boat who looks like he stepped out of a Dutch folklore dream. He’s tall, rugged, speaks perfect English with just enough accent to be charming, and he’s making moules-frites like a pro.
That’s Matteo van der Grijn.
If you aren't from the Netherlands, you probably thought, "Who is this guy and why isn't he in everything?" If you are Dutch, you probably rolled your eyes because you’ve seen him in literally every major production for the last decade. He’s basically the George Clooney of the Low Countries, but with a bit more theater grit.
The Soldier of Orange Phenomenon
Before he was "The Stranger" on a boat in Ted Lasso, Matteo was the face of the biggest theatrical event in Dutch history. I'm talking about Soldaat van Oranje (Soldier of Orange). This isn't just a musical; it’s a national obsession.
The show takes place in a giant converted airplane hangar where the audience sits on a rotating platform. Matteo was the original Erik Hazelhoff Roelfzema, the Dutch resistance hero. He played the role when the show opened in 2010. Honestly, he set a bar so high that every actor who followed has been compared to him. He has this way of being physically imposing but emotionally vulnerable. It’s a weird mix. It works.
He stayed with that production for years, and it's the reason most people in Amsterdam can’t walk past him without seeing a war hero. It's a heavy mantle to carry, but he’s used it as a springboard into much weirder, darker roles.
Why Matteo van der Grijn is Everywhere Right Now
Matteo doesn't just do "hero" roles. Lately, he’s been leaning into the grit. You might have spotted him in Tribes of Europa on Netflix, playing Merk. It's a sci-fi series that feels like a fever dream, and he fits right into that post-apocalyptic vibe.
Then there’s The Golden Hour (Het Gouden Uur). If you haven't seen it, find it. It’s a high-stakes thriller about a terrorist attack in the Netherlands, and Matteo plays Ilja. It's tense. It’s sweaty. It’s exactly the kind of role that proves he’s more than just a musical theater leading man.
A Career Built on Variety
- International Breakthrough: Aside from Ted Lasso, he appeared in The Goldfinch (2019) alongside Ansel Elgort. He played Gyuri. It wasn't a massive role, but it showed he was ready for Hollywood.
- The Voice: Fun fact—if you watch animated movies in Dutch, you’ve heard him. He’s the Dutch voice of Buzz Lightyear in Lightyear and Grug in The Croods. It’s kind of wild to go from a gritty crime drama to being a cartoon caveman, but that’s the range.
- Theater Roots: He graduated from the Theatre School in Arnhem in 2007. He didn't just stumble into fame; he did the work in Hamlet and Othello first.
That Ted Lasso Boat Scene
Let's talk about the boat. "Sunflowers" is widely considered one of the best episodes of the entire Ted Lasso series. Matteo's character, Matthijs, was never meant to be a long-term love interest, but the chemistry with Hannah Waddingham was through the roof.
People actually started Googling "Dutch guy boat Ted Lasso" so much that he became a trending topic overnight. What most international fans don't realize is that he’s actually half-Italian. He was born in Amsterdam but has those Italian roots, which probably explains the effortless "cool guy" energy he brought to that canal boat.
He didn't just play a character; he represented a specific Dutch philosophy of gezelligheid—that cozy, friendly, soulful vibe that the episode was trying to capture.
What's Next in 2026?
Matteo isn't slowing down. As of early 2026, he’s still a mainstay in European television. He recently wrapped work on Bad Standing, a series for Amazon Prime Video that’s getting a lot of buzz in the crime-drama circles.
He’s also returned to the stage in a production called Cocktails, touring the Netherlands. It's a bit of a return to his roots, showing that no matter how many Netflix series he does, he still craves that live audience energy.
The guy is 44 now, and he’s hitting that "distinguished veteran" phase of his career. He’s no longer the young student from Soldier of Orange, but he’s become something more interesting: a versatile character actor who can carry a romantic lead one day and a villain the next.
Practical Ways to Follow His Work
If you’re new to the Matteo van der Grijn fan club, don't just stick to the English stuff. You’re missing out on his best performances.
First, watch The Golden Hour on Netflix. It’s a masterclass in pacing. Then, find the Dutch film Invasion (Invasie), which came out in 2024. He plays a supporting role, but he’s a scene-stealer. If you can find clips of him singing "Morgen is Vandaag" from his musical days, do it. His voice is a rich baritone that explains why he was cast as a lead for so many years.
Honestly, the best way to keep up with him is through European casting agencies like Montecatini Talent or by keeping an eye on Dutch Netflix releases. He’s one of those actors who is always working, always evolving, and probably always about to show up in your favorite show when you least expect it.
Next Steps for Fans
To get the full experience of his range, start by watching The Golden Hour on Netflix to see his dramatic depth, then revisit the "Sunflowers" episode of Ted Lasso to appreciate the charisma. If you're interested in his voice work, look up the Dutch-dubbed trailers for Lightyear—it’s a fascinating look at how he adapts his presence for a completely different medium.