Barbara Sloesen: You Don’t Have to Be Perfect to Move Forward (Actress, 114k, Netherlands)

 Barbara Sloesen Interview

Credits: Nathalie Hennis

"It was only in Maastricht that I truly discovered what the craft required: discipline, perseverance, and the joy of bringing stories to life together with others."

Q. Barbara, can you take us back to the beginning—what first inspired you to pursue acting, and how did your journey from the Maastricht Academy lead you to where you are today?

As a child, I was always performing little plays. My family got tired of it sometimes, especially my younger brother, who was always dragged into my productions. I loved language and the chance to step into different characters. From an early age, I wanted to become an actor, and I dreamed of being accepted into drama school; I never had a plan B.

It was only in Maastricht that I truly discovered what the craft required: discipline, perseverance, and the joy of bringing stories to life together with others. That’s where I not only learned my profession but also discovered a lot about myself. It’s a demanding course and it pushes you to your limits, but quitting was never an option.

Q. Dutch romantic comedies have become a big part of your career. Beyond the laughter and love stories, what do you think these films reveal about real life and human connections?

Romcoms are lighthearted and romantic, but at their core, they’re always about something deeply relatable: the need to be seen, to be loved, to make mistakes and still get back up again. That’s what makes them so popular: people recognize themselves in those moments of awkwardness, falling in love, or feeling uncertain.

I believe every person is made up of different “drawers,” and with each role, a different drawer is opened a little further, certain traits becoming more pronounced. That’s what makes acting so much fun: On the one hand, you want the audience to recognize something of themselves, but at the same time, you also want to give them something fresh and unique.

Q. Every actor has a project that leaves a personal mark—has there been a role or story that shifted the way you see the world or yourself?

There are always projects that get under your skin more than you expect. Last year, I worked on a film called Kain, with actors on the autism spectrum. The story is about a man with autism searching for his place in society. 

It turned out to be such a special project, because everyone, from the cast to the crew, really had to be completely present in the moment. Reality and performance started to blend, and I think that’s what made the film so sincere and compelling. The film will be released in 2026.

Q. If you could relive one day on set from any of your projects, just for the joy of it, which day would you choose and why?

That’s a tough one. But I think I’d say the very first day of shooting Zwaar Verliefd, where I played my first leading role. 

It was the kind of day I had dreamed about as a child, and suddenly it became reality. Looking back, I wish I had paused more to take in how special that moment really was, instead of focusing so much on the nerves and the pressure.

Q. What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned on your journey that you hope inspires young actors or anyone chasing their dreams?

It’s okay to make mistakes. Really, embracing that is so freeing. You don’t have to be perfect to move forward; you just need to stay curious and keep wanting to learn. Keep developing yourself and pushing your own boundaries. 

And maybe even more importantly: don’t constantly compare yourself to others. Everyone has to follow their own path, and that’s what makes your story unique.

Bio

Barbara started acting at the Youth Theater school and graduated from the Academy of Dramatic Arts Maastricht in 2013. Following her graduation she played the role of ‘Anna Brandt’ in the television series Goede Tijden, Slechte Tijden.

Two years later, she decided to leave the series in order to pursue her dreams.
This decision was followed by a number of roles in notable series and films, such as Soof (2013), Baantjer het begin (2019), Undercover (2019), Rokjesdag (2016), Mannenharten 2 (2015) and Boys will be Boys (2016).

She performed in a leading role for the first time in the movie Heavily in Love (2018), followed by Heavily in Love 2 (2021).

Due to their success, more leading roles in the genre of romantic comedy were offered to her, such as Taste of Love and Life as it should be I & II.

The feature Tegendraads, directed by Ben Sombogaart, the feature Dit is geen kerstfilm, directed bij Michael Middelkoop and De Idylle, directed bij Aaron Rookus premiered in 2024.

Dochters is the most recent feature with Barbara in one of the leads and she just finished filming for the series Basta, directed by Remy van Heugten.

Follow Barbara on Instagram

Interviewed By Irene Elina Eldhose