We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Toon De Melker. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Toon below.

Toon, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

After graduating college in 2023, I was fortunate to be cast in Pedro Almodóvar’s The Room Next Door—a film that went on to win the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival and garner widespread international acclaim. Landing such a role early in my career, especially under the direction of a cinematic icon like Almodóvar, wasn’t just an honor—it was a formative moment. Being entrusted to portray a character he had written and envisioned gave me a sense of artistic purpose I’ve carried forward ever since.
Seeing my name in the credits of a film that played on the global stage gave me a glimpse of what was possible—not just for my own career, but for the kinds of stories I wanted to help bring into the industry. It cemented my belief that I had something to contribute—not just as an actor, but as a creator with a distinct voice.

But after wrapping that film, I realized I couldn’t wait for the next opportunity—I needed to create it. The industry, while vast, is still searching for bold new voices, and I saw that gap as a call to action.

About a year ago, my partner, Clara Spannaus, and I took to Los Angeles with nothing but an idea—and a determination to build something meaningful from the ground up. The result is After Words, a feature we co-wrote, co-produced, and starred in. The film dissects relationships under the pressure of the entertainment industry—where ambition, insecurity, and visibility complicate intimacy. It’s currently in post-production, and while we made it on our own terms, its themes speak directly to the emotional core of what so many people in this industry quietly navigate.

I believe that artists shouldn’t just reflect the industry—they should shape it. With a foundation rooted in international cinema and a commitment to telling emotionally honest, culturally relevant stories, I’m not here to simply take part in the U.S. film landscape—I’m here to help define where it’s going next.

Toon, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Toon de Melker is a rising international talent whose work bridges European sophistication and American storytelling. With a multicultural upbringing and rigorous training, he brings a rare combination of emotional depth and artistic precision to every role. Raised in an expatriate family across the Middle East, the UK, and now the U.S., Toon developed a global perspective that deeply informs his craft. He earned his BFA in Acting from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, where he trained under renowned mentors and immersed himself in diverse performance traditions. His early debut under celebrated auteur Pedro Almodóvar signaled not just promise, but purpose—Toon brings with him a voice that feels both urgent and timeless.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

A movie is made three times: first when you write it, then when you shoot it, and finally when you edit it. That’s the most beautiful part of filmmaking to me—watching an idea evolve through every stage of its life cycle. It begins in your mind, fully imagined and ready to go. Then you see it take shape on set, often in ways you never anticipated. And finally, in the editing room, you’re faced with infinite choices. That transformation—watching a concept grow, shift, and eventually find its final form—is pure magic. It’s life itself.
I carry that same philosophy into acting. When I’m handed a script and a character, I don’t see just lines on a page—I see a person waiting to be born. They may not exist in the real world, but it’s my job to give them breath, a history, a past, a heartbeat. To bring them to life. There’s simply nothing more rewarding than that.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

This industry is all about longevity. I had to learn early on that this career isn’t a sprint—it’s a marathon. While I was fortunate to be given an opportunity that raised the bar for what I expect of myself, I’ve realized that success in this craft comes from persistence, not speed. And even then—what does success really mean in this art form?
One thing I’ve learned is that rejection, though painful, is inevitable. It doesn’t define your worth—it’s just part of the game. What matters is how you respond to it. For me, staying proactive is key. I’m constantly asking myself: How can I stay one step ahead? What strategies do I need to map out before executing an idea?

It’s all part of the process. The discipline. The long game. And despite its challenges, it’s what makes this craft so endlessly beautiful.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.toondemelker..com
• Instagram: toondemelker
• Linkedin: Toon de Melker
• Other: IMDB – https://pro.imdb.com/name/nm12113908?s=9ccc3bea-0416-236e-9701-1f204773f8ad&site_preference=normal